Casa de Campo — Teeth of the Dog Golf Course

— About

About Casa de Campo — Teeth of the Dog Golf Course

Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic is the greatest and most celebrated golf course in the Caribbean, designed by Pete Dye in 1971 and consistently ranked among the top 25 courses in the world. The course derives its evocative name from the razor-sharp coral limestone that juts from the sea along the coastline — the 'teeth' of the Caribbean coral that Dye incorporated as a design element and natural hazard. Seven holes play directly alongside the Caribbean Sea, with ocean water lapping at the edges of fairways and greens in a display of coastal drama that few golf courses anywhere in the world can match. Dye's genius was to recognise the spectacular natural setting and let it dominate — the golf is challenging and occasionally severe, but the ocean views and Caribbean breezes create a playing atmosphere that is overwhelmingly enjoyable rather than punishing. Casa de Campo resort has been the jewel of Caribbean golf tourism since the 1970s, and Teeth of the Dog remains its unquestioned crown jewel — a course that belongs in any serious golfer's lifetime list.

— History

History of Casa de Campo — Teeth of the Dog

Teeth of the Dog was designed by Pete Dye after he was commissioned by Gulf + Western Industries — then one of the Dominican Republic's largest industrial investors — to create a resort at La Romana in 1970. Dye flew over the coral coastline and immediately recognised the potential of the jagged coral limestone formations for golf. Construction required local labourers to clear the razor-sharp coral by hand — a process that Dye has described as the most physically demanding course build he ever supervised. The course opened in 1971 and was immediately recognised as a masterpiece, becoming the standard by which all subsequent Caribbean golf courses are judged.

— Signature Holes

Signature Holes at Casa de Campo — Teeth of the Dog

The par-3 5th plays directly along the Caribbean Sea to a green where ocean water defines the right boundary for the full length of the hole — any miss right is in the sea, and the wind off the water is a constant variable. The par-4 16th is considered the most demanding hole on the course, with a long drive over coral-edged terrain followed by a precise approach to a well-bunkered green where any miscalculation is penalised severely. The par-5 18th finishes back toward the resort with a second shot that the bold player can attempt across a water inlet, offering genuine risk-reward drama at the climax of the round.

— Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit Casa de Campo — Teeth of the Dog

December through April is the peak Caribbean golf season — dry, pleasant trade wind weather with temperatures of 24–30°C and minimal rain. May through November is the hurricane season and the wetter period, though golf remains playable most days and green fees are lower. The Casa de Campo resort operates year-round; December through March is the busiest and most expensive period for both golf and accommodation.

— Practical Tips

Tips for Playing Casa de Campo — Teeth of the Dog

Teeth of the Dog is a resort course accessible to guests of Casa de Campo — book tee times through the resort reservation system. Green fees range from USD 250 to 350. The resort is in La Romana, approximately 2 hours east of Santo Domingo or 1 hour from La Romana International Airport, which has direct charter connections from North America. Caddies are available and strongly recommended for first-time visitors unfamiliar with the coral-edge hazards.

— Highlights

Why Play Casa de Campo — Teeth of the Dog

• ▸ Ranked among the world's top 25 courses — the undisputed No.1 course in the Caribbean
• ▸ Pete Dye's 1971 masterpiece with seven holes directly on the Caribbean Sea coast
• ▸ Name derives from the razor-sharp coral 'dog's teeth' limestone along the coastline
• ▸ Ocean water borders fairways and greens on seven holes — pure Caribbean coastal drama
• ▸ Casa de Campo resort offers comprehensive luxury — the finest golf destination in the Caribbean

— FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Casa de Campo — Teeth of the Dog

How much does it cost to play Teeth of the Dog?

Green fees range from USD 250 to 350 depending on season. Casa de Campo resort packages combining accommodation and multiple rounds offer better value for multi-day golf stays.

Why is it called Teeth of the Dog?

The name refers to the razor-sharp coral limestone formations — 'dientes del perro' in Spanish — that jut from the Caribbean Sea along the coastline and were incorporated by Pete Dye as natural hazards.

How many holes at Teeth of the Dog play on the ocean?

Seven holes at Teeth of the Dog play directly alongside the Caribbean Sea, with ocean water bordering fairways and greens and providing both visual drama and genuine hazard.

How do I get to Casa de Campo?

La Romana International Airport is approximately 1 hour from the resort and has direct charter connections from North America. Santo Domingo is 2 hours by road. Miami is a 2-hour flight.

Is Casa de Campo open to non-resort guests?

Teeth of the Dog is primarily reserved for Casa de Campo resort guests. Day visitor access is occasionally available but staying at the resort is the reliable way to secure a tee time.