The title of "Greatest Hole at St. Andrews" has been debated for as long as the game has been played there. Same goes for Augusta National and most other classic golf courses. But in recent years, for better or worse, when new tracks open they almost always have one hole informally designated as the "signature hole." This is usually the most scenic hole, sometimes the most difficult, and always the center of attention. At these three luxurious new Caribbean courses, the signature holes manage to be all of the above.

Course & resort: PUNTA ESPADA GOLF COURSE Cap Cana, Dominican Republic. Architect: Jack Nicklaus. Greens fees: $220-$320. Contact: 800-785-2198, capcana.com.
Extras: World-class spa; tennis; polo; Nicklaus piano bar and cigar lounge. Located adjacent to Juanillo Beach, where the water is waist-high 600 yards out.
Signature Hole: No. 13 A 249-yard (from the back tees) par three that plays entirely over the ocean to a large tilted green. It's a beauty, no doubt, but demands your purest shot of the day.

Course & resort: BLUE TIP The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; Cayman Islands. Architect: Greg Norman. Greens fee: $50 (nine holes). Contact: 800-241-3333, ritzcarlton.com.
Extras: Seven miles of private beach; Nick Bollettieri tennis center; La Prairie Spa; five restaurants, including two by star NYC chef Eric Ripert. Top-rated diving nearby.
Signature Hole: No. 9 A short but difficult par three with an island green that sits in full view of everyone at the club's pool and restaurant. A true test of how you perform under pressure.

Course & resort: TEMENOS GOLF CLUB Temenos Anguilla, a St. Regis Resort; Anguilla. Architect: Greg Norman. Greens fees: $250-$400. Contact: 264-498-7000, troongolf.com.
Extras: Beach pavilion with bar; fitness center; lighted tennis courts. A bike ride away from any of tiny Anguilla's 33 public beaches and many dive and snorkel sites.
Signature Hole: No. 10 A natural stream runs up the left side of this par five, and a lagoon crosses in front of the set-in-a-dune double green. Only the views are easy.