Casa de Campo Resort

This scenic Caribbean island, the first to offer resort-style golf and lodging in the early 1970s, has turned into a true embarrassment of golf riches, but the original Casa De Campo resort and its signature Teeth of the Dog layout is still setting the standard for golf and good times in his sunny, scenic and often windy region.

The par 72 Teeth of the Dog layout, which famed architect Pete Dye opened at age 45 in 1971, still challenges the best of golfers from 7,357 yards on the back tees and recently hosted the Latin American Amateur which awarded a 2017 Masters Tournament invite to its winner.

But the course, which features seven Oceanside holes with four on the front nine and three on the back, can also be played for fun and scenic enjoyment by the thousands of vacationers who come to stay in the many villas and rental homes here.

Add to the golf menu the equally scenic 27-hole Dye Fore Course perched on the cliffs overlooking the Chavon River, which Pete did with his talented architect son PB, and the recently renovated Links course, which winds its way through the massive complex, and you have a very full weekend or even longer.

Dye and his equally talented son PB are responsible for much of the best golf on the island including the 63 at Case de Campo and the 36 at Punta Cana, located on the southeast coast.

The seaside holes at Teeth of the Dog have also been slightly shifted by the Dyes to make sure the water is always in play along with the large trees which line the course. Dye still has a home on the course overlooking the water, near hole No. 5, and visits the course with his son and wife a couple of times a year just to make sure his master seaside work stays in top shape.

After a few calm holes to get your game in order, the Teeth makes its first march to the sea with the par 4 fourth hole with the Caribbean Sea clearly visible behind the green

The par 3 7th, which stretches to 229 yards, also plays along with the water on the left side and breezes from the ocean. Like most Caribbean courses, the Teeth of the Dog, so named for the rocks along the shore which resemble a dog's teeth, is at the mercy of the winds as players at the Latin American Amateur found out. Locals like to claim you can be bitten by the dog at any time.

After returning to the clubhouse at the turn, the course moves back to the ocean on holes 14-15 and 16 with most majestic views almost all the way down to the beach towards the town of La Romana.

While the breakout success of Casa de Campo established Dye as one of golf's hottest new architects, he and his family have continued to return to the area to build more courses. The next was the 18-hole Links layout which resembles a tight Scottish Links style course without any ocean views, but plenty of well-crafted holes with challenging shot values and large trees lining the course.

In 2000, Dye and his son PB, still a regular and popular figure on the island, returned with a plan for a spectacular piece of land high on the mountain cliff which overlooks the Chavon River which empties into the sea.

The name comes from the first time Dye, Father and Son, saw the land. Partly as a joke and partly as a first impression, PB turned to his dad and said the course with its scenic views was certainly to "Dye for". They had a good laugh among themselves, but the name stuck.

While you can feel the Ocean spray on The Teeth, the visual scenery of Dye is all down below you, but the views are no less awe-inspiring.

There are three nine whole layouts at Dye Fore, the Marina, the Lagos, currently being renovated, and the Chavon which has the most scenic views. Each of the layouts is par 36 and can stretch out as much as 8,000 yards from the back tees.

Among the most dramatic holes are the par 3 14th hole with the drop off all along the left side and the huge suspension bridge to the major town of La Roma visible from behind the tee box.

The closing hole, a 610-yard par 5 plays dramatically uphill as you approach the green with a well struck shot required to get the ball to stay on the large putting surface which over the massive valley to the left.

Just above the hole is an outdoor bar to celebrate or commiserate your round at Dye Fore. There is also a very scenic balcony for weddings. Next to the large stone clubhouse is an authentic Dominican craft village complete with native shops, a huge fountain and bell tower monument along with a huge outdoor arena which has hosted some of the greats in the music business.

Less than two miles away is Casa de Campo resort headquarters which includes a beach club, an elaborate shooting range for both trap and skeet along with a tennis facility and two resort pools.

Paradise perfected, renewed and restored. Pick your favorite island slogan and you have it at the enticing nature of the Casa de Campo Resort and the famed Teeth of the Dog Golf Course.

More Information:
www.casadecampo.com.do