14TH - 18TH APRIL
PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Between 14th and 18th April 2027, join us in the Dominican Republic for the inaugural David Leadbetter's Straw Hat Invitational, hosted by David Leadbetter at Punta Cana Resort.
Bringing together Golfzon Leadbetter Academy teams from around the world, the event sees teams of four compete across three championship courses while enjoying four nights of Caribbean hospitality, all-inclusive dining, and time alongside David and his coaching team.
Throughout the week, guests will have opportunities to engage with David through daily skills showcases, informal hosting and time spent on and off the course.
Keep reading to discover the courses, accommodation and full event programme, and learn how to register your team.
The Dominican Republic. A Caribbean landscape shaped by rhythm, colour and coastline.
Framed by white-sand beaches and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic offers a setting where natural beauty and easy sophistication come together. Life moves differently here. Mornings begin in stillness, afternoons stretch into the warmth of the day, and evenings settle into a slower, more social pace.
It’s a destination that invites you to unwind without effort. To play, to pause, and to experience the Caribbean with a sense of balance and ease.
If you’re ready to explore, then the Dominican Republic awaits…
Punta Cana. Where golf and coastline come together with effortless ease.
Set along the eastern edge of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana brings together white-sand coastline, calm Caribbean waters and a resort environment built for comfort.
During the Straw Hat Invitational, everything sits within reach. Courses, restaurants and the ocean connect seamlessly, allowing each day to move naturally from competition to time shared off the course.
It’s a setting that supports both the golf and everything around it - relaxed, social and easy to settle into.
The golf. Three courses, one championship.
Teams will compete across Corales Golf Course, Punta Espada Golf Club and La Cana Golf Course, three of Punta Cana's most celebrated layouts.
Throughout the Straw Hat Invitational, David Leadbetter and his coaching team will be present across the week, hosting daily skills showcases and spending time with guests both on and off the course.
From the cliffside holes at Corales to the ocean-framed fairways of Punta Espada and the relaxed coastal rhythm of La Cana, each round brings its own character while contributing to the wider team competition.
At the end of the week, one team will emerge victorious. The winning captain will be crowned by David himself with his iconic straw hat, one of golf's most recognisable symbols and the inspiration behind the event's name.
The accommodation. Set along Punta Cana’s white-sand coastline, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club offers a relaxed and well-connected base for the week.
With golf courses, restaurants and the beach all within easy reach, the resort is designed for simplicity and flow, allowing each day to move seamlessly from morning rounds to time by the water.
Rooms are light and contemporary, while the wider resort offers a balance of activity and calm, from oceanfront dining to quiet moments by the pool.
With all guests benefitting from an all-inclusive experience, there’s no better place to combine excellent golf with well-earned relaxation.
Your Itinerary
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Wednesday 14th April
Arrive into Punta Cana and transfer to The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club. For those arriving early, an optional round at La Cana offers the chance to ease into the week. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner at Playa Blanca on the beach.
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Thursday 15th April
The event begins at Corales Golf Course, where holes unfold along cliffs and ocean coves. Afternoon and evening at leisure within the resort.
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Friday 16th April
Play Punta Espada Golf Club, a bold coastal layout with sweeping sea views throughout. Evening at leisure, with the option to gather for drinks.
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Saturday 17th April
The final round takes place at La Cana Golf Course. In the evening, the group comes together for a closing beach BBQ, with David himself crowning the victorious team captain.
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Sunday 18th April
Check out and transfer to the airport for departures.
Inclusions
Please note that time spent at The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club is all-inclusive for all guests.
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The Straw Hat Invitational is played in a Pro-Am format, with each team consisting of one professional or GOLFZON Leadbetter Academy coach and three amateurs.
Teams are encouraged to register as a group of four.
Individual registrations may be accepted, however entry is only confirmed once a full team can be formed.
Golf Traveller and GOLFZON Leadbetter Adventures reserve the right to complete team pairings where required.
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Hosted presence from David Leadbetter throughout the week
Daily skills showcases and informal sessions
Opportunities to engage with David and his coaching team across the event
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Three rounds at Corales Golf Course, Punta Espada Golf Club and La Cana Golf Course.
An optional complimentary 9-hole round is available on arrival day, subject to flight times and availability.
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Four nights at The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club (5*), with both single and shared occupancy options available.
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All meals are included throughout the programme, with daily breakfast, lunch and dinner across the resort.
A wide selection of beverages is also included at restaurants, bars and on-course.
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Welcome dinner at Playa Blanca, hosted by David Leadbetter
Closing beach BBQ, hosted by David Leadbetter
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Return airport transfers and all golf transfers throughout the programme.
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On-site hosting by Golf Traveller and Golfzon Leadbetter Adventures
Digital itinerary and concierge support throughout
Pricing
Pricing reflects all previously outlined inclusions.
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From $6,675 USD per person
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From $5,475 USD per person
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GOLFZON Leadbetter Academy professionals and coaches travel on a complimentary basis when accompanying a team of three amateurs, subject to registration as a complete team.
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A 50% deposit is required to confirm your place, with the remaining balance due 120 days prior to arrival.
How to Register Your Interest
Places for the Straw Hat Invitational in Punta Cana (14-18 April 2027) are limited, ensuring a relaxed and well-paced experience throughout the week.
The event is designed for teams of four, with one professional or GOLFZON Leadbetter Academy coach and three amateurs. If you do not yet have a team, you are welcome to register as an individual.
To register your interest, please complete the enquiry form below. You may include full team details at this stage, or simply express your personal interest. There is no requirement to confirm your team or make any payment at this point.
Once we receive your enquiry, our team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps, including how and when to confirm your place with a deposit. We will also share details of optional academy opportunities for those who wish to refine their game in the lead-up to the tournament.
We look forward to welcoming you to Punta Cana for a memorable week of golf, coaching and shared experience.