Teeth of the Dog Golf Course, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas

Honestly, I came to the Dominican Republic for Teeth of the Dog. Maybe my expectations were too high, because I felt slightly—just slightly—disappointed. It’s a good course, no doubt, but with so many great options here, I’m not sure it’s top 100 worthy. Still glad I played it.

Some golf courses are played with clubs. Others are lived and remembered long after the final putt. Teeth of the Dog, the legendary Pete Dye design at Casa de Campo in La Romana, belongs firmly in that second category. It is not just the top-ranked course in the Caribbean. It is an experience that demands respect and rewards precision, offering one of the most memorable rounds of golf anywhere in the Western Hemisphere. Carved out of coral rock and Dominican coastline in 1971, this course was Pete Dye’s personal favorite. Seven of its holes run so close to the Caribbean Sea that ocean spray sometimes reaches the green. But it is not just about the scenery. Teeth of the Dog is a test of strategy, discipline, and creativity. The layout moves effortlessly between coastal spectacle and quieter inland moments, creating a rhythm that keeps players alert and engaged from the first tee to the eighteenth green. From holes 5 to 8, the course bares its teeth. Hole 5, a par 3 perched beside the waves, punishes indecision. Hole 7 dares players to cut the corner of a dogleg wrapped around the sea. Later in the round, hole 16 presents one of the toughest challenges. It is a long par 4 framed by the ocean on the left and wind that shifts direction without warning. On a breezy afternoon, a par here feels like a small triumph. Course conditions are superb. Fairways are tightly mown and offer excellent roll. Greens are quick, true, and subtly contoured. The bunkers are sharp-edged, clean, and never placed randomly. Every hazard matters. The rough is playable but penal enough to encourage discipline off the tee. Drainage is excellent, even after heavy tropical rain, and signage throughout the course is discreet and clear. Support facilities meet the standards of elite private clubs. The clubhouse has sea views and a relaxed but refined setting for lunch or a drink after the round. The pro shop is well-stocked with top-tier brands and offers excellent service. Practice facilities include a full driving range with natural grass, short-game area, and large putting greens that accurately reflect the speed and texture of the course. Locker rooms are spacious and well-appointed. Caddies are knowledgeable and offer the right balance between guidance and discretion. Currently, the course is undergoing a full restoration led by Jerry Pate Design, scheduled from January through December 2025. The work includes re-grassing the entire course with Dynasty Paspalum, rebuilding bunkers, restoring original green contours, improving drainage with sand-capping, and renewing cart paths with concrete curbing. The project honors Pete Dye’s original design while enhancing long-term playability. Though closed for play as of July 2025, the anticipation for its reopening is high, and deserved. Teeth of the Dog has hosted the Latin America Amateur Championship and other major regional tournaments. Green fees for resort guests are approximately $395, including cart and practice balls. Early tee times are recommended to enjoy calmer winds and a quieter atmosphere. Non-golfers can relax at the Beach Club or explore nearby Altos de Chavón, a replica Mediterranean village offering panoramic views and cultural experiences. The course suits low to mid-handicap players best, though forward tees provide access to the design’s beauty without overwhelming less experienced golfers. From December to April, conditions are ideal. Year-round play is viable thanks to excellent maintenance and thoughtful course engineering. Once your round ends, stop by the 19th Hole Bar for something light and refreshing. It’s the perfect closing ritual, quiet, shaded, and steps from the final green. If you found this review helpful, please consider follow & leaving a like. 😉❤️

AMAZING golf course and experience!! Had a wonderful time, views are spectacular!! I've played Pebble Beach twice and this is more scenic. Course was in great condition. My caddie Javier was also excellent. Will definitely be back.

Immaculately maintained course with breathtaking views of the sea. It was designed by Pete Dye and it is the only course in the world with seven holes bordering on the Caribbean Sea. They are collectively known as the “holes created by god”. For the most part, the caddies were knowledgeable and helpful with few exceptions. The only real downside is the absolutely outrageous price. For a single who is a hotel guest the cost is $575 Canadian including the $100US mandatory cash tip for caddy service. Club rental adds about $100 on top of that plus 18% mandatory taxes. It all adds up to about $800 Canadian per game. This makes for a crazy expensive golf week on top of the huge accommodations costs. The only other thing worth mentioning is the Pro Shop. We shopped here during the afternoon when it was quiet and although there were few shoppers and three sales clerks, no one was interested in selling anything to us. The women all chatted away to each other in Spanish and basically ignored us. Not cool by any standards let alone at a luxury golf establishment. Given the prices, a little service would have been appreciated.

It's one of the most beautiful courses you can play. With spectacular views, challenging holes, and ocean breezes, you can have a round to remember. Course is kept in immaculate shade. Everything is pressed, cut, and groomed to perfection. No wonder it's in the world's top courts. Staff is knowledgeable, polite, and very helpful. You'll pay a little more to play here, but you should have a blast.

Wonderful experience! Well designed beautiful course and breathtaking ocean views. I've played Pebble Beach and this is right up there or better. That's why I played this course often. I never got tired of it. Staff was friendly and cordial. The 19th green with all the free drinks was a great after event to gather all of our scores to wrap up a great day of golf.

Played both Teeth of the Dog and The Links. Both amazing courses and the caddies are amazing. Nothing matches up to this in the world, definitely play if you get the chance! The ocean holes are what golf dreams are made of.

One of the most beautiful golf courses I have played. Georgous holes by the sea with beautiful views. The course plays short but difficult. You will love it. It is in perfect condition. Absolutely love it.