SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – October 18, 2026 – The scenic coastal community of Playa Nueva Romana, operated by Piñero’s Real Estate & Golf division, played host this week to the Scotiabank-sponsored Dominican Republic Tour Championship, the concluding event of the 2026 PGA TOUR Americas season. When the final putt dropped on Sunday, Canadian golfer Joey Savoie emerged triumphant, carding a four-round total of 274 (14-under-par) to earn his second victory of the season and lock in one of the 10 coveted promotion spots to the 2027 Korn Ferry Tour.
Over four days of competition at the iconic PGA Ocean’s 4 course, fans were treated to high-stakes drama and elite-level golf, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Dominican Republic’s Caribbean coastline. The championship also wrapped up the season-long points race, confirming Thomas Ponder as the PGA TOUR Americas 2026 top-ranked player and finalizing the full list of 10 golfers earning Korn Ferry Tour cards: Thomas Ponder, Corey Pereira, Étienne Papineau, Joey Savoie, Patrick Flavin, Charlie Crockett, Justin Biwer, Jack Lundin, Charlie Nikitas and Patrick Sheehan.
Speaking at the post-tournament awards ceremony, Jaime Sitjar, Chief Executive Officer of Piñero’s Real Estate & Golf division, called the championship a transformative milestone for both Playa Nueva Romana and his company. “Hosting the PGA TOUR Americas season finale at PGA Ocean’s 4, and getting to witness these athletes reach career-defining moments, pushes us to keep elevating our destinations among the world’s top international golf venues,” Sitjar said. He also praised Savoie’s dramatic final-round comeback, which included five birdies down the closing stretch, and extended congratulations to all 10 promoted players. Sitjar additionally confirmed that the tour will return to the region next year, with the event moving to PGA Riviera Maya.
### Savoie’s Comeback Clinches Title
The PGA Ocean’s 4 course, currently in the middle of a phased renovation overseen by world-renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones II, presented a consistent test to players across all four rounds. Four of the course’s holes run directly along the Caribbean Sea, adding both scenic beauty and strategic challenge to the layout.
Heading into the final round, the tournament was wide open: after 54 holes, Omar Morales, Charlie Crockett, and Mesa Falleur were tied for the lead at 11-under-par, with Savoie sitting two strokes back. But the Canadian put together a flawless final round, carding a five-under 67 to finish at 14-under-par, edging out the competition by one stroke to take the title.
Jon Krakower, Vice President of PGA TOUR Pathways, thanked event partners Encarna Piñero, Jaime Sitjar, and the entire team from Playa Nueva Romana and PGA Ocean’s 4 for delivering a world-class experience. “Both the quality of competition and the condition of the course exceeded every expectation we had for a season-ending championship of this caliber,” Krakower noted.
Tammy Reynoso, Deputy Minister of Tourism for the Dominican Republic, emphasized how events like the Dominican Republic Tour Championship advance the country’s long-term sports tourism strategy. “The Ministry of Tourism has spent years building out our sports tourism ecosystem, with golf as one of its core pillars,” Reynoso explained. “We are proud to welcome this elite international PGA tournament to our shores. Our goal is to give visitors more than just great golf – we want them to experience everything our country has to offer, from our vibrant culture to our world-class cuisine and incredible diverse landscapes.”
Savoie echoed these sentiments, praising the warm hospitality he received throughout the week and commending organizers for their seamless execution. He highlighted the excellent condition of the course and called the four oceanfront holes “truly incredible.” Thanking event partners Piñero, the Dominican Ministry of Tourism, Scotiabank, and the people of the Dominican Republic, Savoie summed up his experience: “This may be a small island, but it has a huge heart. I can’t wait to come back.”
### Cementing the Dominican Republic’s Status as a Top Golf Destination
This year’s championship further solidifies PGA Ocean’s 4’s standing as one of the Caribbean’s premier golf destinations. The course was already recognized as the Dominican Republic’s Best Golf Course at the 2025 World Golf Awards, and its facilities stand out among regional offerings. The full complex boasts 27 holes total: an 18-hole, par-72 championship layout, plus a nine-hole, par-27 executive course that is illuminated for night play – a unique feature in the country. It is also home to the PGA Academy, which specializes in player instruction and development.
As the 2026 PGA TOUR Americas season comes to a close, the championship marks a key milestone for Playa Nueva Romana and Dominican golf as a whole, reinforcing the country’s growing presence on the international golf calendar and highlighting its untapped potential as a leading global sports tourism destination.