What happens when the greatest golf course architect in the modern era plies his considerable imagination and skill on one of the most beautiful spots on Earth? Well, you get one of the special places to play the game of golf at Pete Dye’s glorious Teeth of the Dog layout at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in the Dominican Republic. The maestro himself calls Teeth of the Dog his “best course.” How’s that for high praise?
Why so good? Well, with seven dramatic holes hugging the craggy coral formations rising out of the azure Caribbean Sea, the golf is thrilling. The incredible ocean holes, Nos. 5 – 8 and 15 – 17, are as scenic and challenging as the famous seaside seven at Pebble Beach Golf Links on the Monterey Peninsula. However, Mr. Dye doesn’t take full credit as he gives a “co-designer” tribute to a higher power. He famously quipped, “I created 11 holes and God created seven.”
Teeth Of Dog
14th_Hole
Upping the ante even higher for golf travelers, the resort has two more Dye-created gems. Twenty-seven-hole Dye Fore joined Teeth of the Dog in 2002. Its three nines – Chavon, Marina and Lakes – are distinct. Chavon features seven holes running atop cliffs dropping 300 feet, Marina meanders down to a harbor ringed by restaurants and shops, and Lakes is artfully crafted across tumultuous terrain. Golf course architecture aficionados call Dye Fore “the most underrated course in the Caribbean.”
Located in the interior of the property is the resort’s third Dye layout, The Links. The moderately hilly track with tall Bahia grass framing bunkers and undulating greens presents spectacular Caribbean views. Slightly over 7,000 yards from the back tees and playing to a slope of 126, it is considered one of the most-forgiving courses Dye has designed.
Casa de Campo also recently opened its new world-class Golf Learning Center. The state-of-the-art facility resides on 21 acres of “pure grass” and is highlighted by “best of the best” instructors using Trackman and BODITRAK technology for rapid development.
The resort’s golf amenities are wonderfully complemented by spacious hotel rooms, suites and luxury villas. Expertly prepared cuisine from around the world, a 370-slip Marina & Yacht Club, Polo & Equestrian Club, the La Terraza Tennis Center, 245-acre Shooting Club and Altos de Chavon – an artisan’s village modeled after a 16th century Mediterranean city – are other on-property highlights.
For more information on Casa de Campo Resort & Villas call 800.877.3643 or visit:
www.casadecampo.com.do
