The Corales Puntacana Championship is a PGA Tour event held in the Dominican Republic, offering a tropical setting and a challenging oceanside golf course. As one of the few PGA Tour events played in the Caribbean, it provides a distinctive alternative to the traditional American tournament stops and gives emerging players a valuable opportunity to compete for a title and FedExCup points.
What Is the Corales Puntacana Championship?
The Corales Puntacana Championship is an official PGA Tour tournament played over 72 holes of stroke play across four days. It features a full professional field competing for an official purse and FedExCup ranking points. The event is part of the PGA Tour’s commitment to hosting international tournaments and has quickly established itself as a popular stop on the schedule, combining world-class golf with a resort destination that attracts players and spectators alike.
When Is the Corales Puntacana Championship?
The 2026 Corales Puntacana Championship takes place from 16 to 19 July 2026. The tournament follows the standard PGA Tour format with a Thursday start, a 36-hole cut after Friday’s second round, and the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday.
Where Is the Corales Puntacana Championship Held?
The tournament is played at the Corales Golf Course, part of the Puntacana Resort and Club in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Designed by Tom Fazio, the course features dramatic holes along the Caribbean coastline, including the signature “Devil’s Elbow” stretch of three finishing holes that wind along cliff edges and rocky coves. At over 7,600 yards, the course demands both power and precision.
Key Contenders
The Corales Puntacana Championship typically attracts a mix of rising PGA Tour stars, international players, and established professionals looking for form. Past champions include Joel Dahmen, Chad Ramey, and Brice Garnett. The event often produces first-time PGA Tour winners, making it one of the more unpredictable tournaments on the schedule. Players from Latin America and the Caribbean have a strong affinity with the event, adding to its international flavour.
How to Watch
In the United States, the Corales Puntacana Championship is broadcast on the Golf Channel and NBC, with streaming available through Peacock. International viewers can access coverage via PGA Tour Live on ESPN+. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports Golf typically carries PGA Tour coverage. Check your local sports broadcaster for specific scheduling details.
History and Significance
The tournament was first held in 2018 and gained full PGA Tour status as part of the tour’s expansion into new international markets. The Dominican Republic has a growing golf culture, and Punta Cana is home to several championship-calibre courses. The Corales event has helped put Dominican golf on the global map and provides significant economic benefit to the region. Its relatively short history means records are still being set, and the tournament is building its own traditions with each passing year.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets and spectator information are available through the tournament’s official website and the Puntacana Resort. The tropical resort setting creates a relaxed atmosphere quite different from mainland PGA Tour events. Hospitality packages that combine tournament access with resort accommodation are a popular option. The event also supports local charitable initiatives in the Dominican Republic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Corales Puntacana Championship a full PGA Tour event?
Yes, it is a fully sanctioned PGA Tour event offering official FedExCup points and a full purse. It counts towards players’ season-long standings and tour exemptions.
What is the Devil’s Elbow?
The Devil’s Elbow refers to the dramatic three-hole closing stretch (holes 16, 17, and 18) at Corales Golf Course, which runs along Caribbean cliff edges and has produced some of the tournament’s most exciting finishes.
Can spectators access the resort facilities during tournament week?
Yes, the Puntacana Resort and Club offers a range of facilities beyond the golf course, including beaches, restaurants, and leisure activities, making it an attractive destination for a combined holiday and sporting experience.
How does the Caribbean climate affect play?
Tropical conditions, including heat, humidity, and coastal winds, play a significant role. Wind off the Caribbean Sea is a particular factor on the exposed seaside holes and can change the character of the course dramatically from day to day.
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