The Caribbean’s most iconic waterfront fairway is back.
dog teethPete Dye’s masterpiece Casa de Campo Resort & Villas In the Dominican Republic, the course has officially reopened after a meticulous restoration that returned it to the clarity and intent of its original design.
For over 50 years, Teeth of the Dog has defined championship golf in the Caribbean. Seven holes are set right along the rocky coastline. Green outcrop frame of coral. Trade winds change club selection without warning. This is a course where players measure up to others.
Now, following a comprehensive refurbishment in line with Dye’s original architectural philosophy, the layout has reopened with refined surfaces, new bunkering and upgraded practice facilities while retaining its legendary character.
Benchmarks are back!
Course carved out of coral
When Pete Dye first walked the rugged coastline of Casa de Campo in the late 1960s, there was no template for this level of Caribbean golf. He carved the course out of coral rock and rugged coastline, creating fairways and greens that felt indigenous to the land rather than imposed on it.
Teeth of the Dog debuted in 1971 and quickly gained international recognition. Sea holes, especially the closed ones, have become one of the most photographed locations in the sport. Generations of travel experts, low-impact and bucket list travelers have journeyed to La Romana to test themselves against the angles of the Dye and coastal winds.
The restoration respects its DNA.
Rather than reinventing the course, work focused on improvements that brought the surfaces, lines and controls back in line with Dye’s original intentions.
Sharper greens, more accurate contours
The most noticeable change is underfoot.
The greens were reshaped and trimmed to restore shape and edge definition. The outlines are now cleaner and more accurate. Approach shots require the same strict positioning that Dye intended. If you miss it in the wrong place, recovery is still tricky.
Fairways were strengthened and realigned to improve both turf quality and strategic clarity. My vision is clearer. The landing area feels intentional.
The bunker has been reborn in the spirit of the original design, with its shape and layout reflecting Dye’s preference for bold framing and non-gimmicky visual menace. The sand shines brightly against the green lawns and blue sea, especially in the waterfront halls.
The sea hole still defines it
Seven holes are played right next to the Caribbean Sea and remain a signature feature of the course.
Playing to a green perched on crashing waves, the par-3 5th hole requires a dedicated swing. The par 4 7th hole hugs the coastline and is constantly windy. The closing stretch along the water continues to test your distance control and nerves.
The renovations have enhanced control along the coastal corridor, sharpened edges and restored visual contrast between fairways, bunkers and the sea. The background is still dramatic. The margin for error is still narrow.
For returning players, this sight will feel familiar and even more vivid.
For first-time visitors, this remains a unique experience in the area.
Playability without compromise
One of the focuses of the restoration was to improve overall playability through improved course conditioning.
Teeth of the Dog has always rewarded accuracy over power. Strategic angles define scoring opportunities. These improvements ensure your shots respond as intended, delivering more accurate roll on the greens and consistent lies from the fairway and rough.
The course maintains its championship pedigree. It has hosted professional events and international tournaments over the years and continues to rank high in the global rankings for resort courses.
But it’s still accessible to golfers who come for the experience as much as the scorecard. A variety of tee options allow players to choose their own challenge, but the architecture still requires thoughtful play.
Upgraded practice facilities
Alongside the course work, Casa de Campo has upgraded its practice facilities to the standards of the layout itself.
The driving range has been revamped with improved turf and target alignment. The short game area allows players to practice the types of shots the course requires: tight lies, firm approaches, and controlled pitches to sloping greens.
For many visitors, a round at Teeth of the Dog defines a multi-day golf trip that might also include Dye Fore (actually another one of my favorite golf courses with 27 holes) and The Links at Casa de Campo. The upgraded practice area provides a more powerful arrival experience before players step onto the first tee.
A lasting legacy
Pete Dye’s influence on modern golf course design runs deep. His work has reshaped the way architects approach visual threats, risk-compensation options, and integration with the natural landscape.
The dog’s teeth appear in his Caribbean signature.
The restoration does not attempt to modernize the course beyond recognition. Restores clarity. Reinforces intent. This ensures that our strategic needs for the next generation of golfers remain the same.
That approach has weight. A course of this caliber is preserved, not recreated.
Why is the Caribbean still leading?
There are other strong layouts in the area, including clifftop courses in Mexico, coastal designs in the Bahamas, and championship tracks in Puerto Rico and Jamaica. But Teeth of the Dog has long held a top spot in the Caribbean golf conversation.
The combination of coastal exposure, architectural integrity and resort infrastructure puts it ahead of the curve.
You will stay in a villa or guest room at Casa de Campo (or the fantastic new Premier Club). Dine at one of the Marina’s waterfront restaurants. You can travel between golf, the beach and the spa without leaving your home.
And at the center is a dog’s tooth.
With the reopening complete, the course has returned to its restored original rather than a reimagined concept. It’s sharper, more realistic, and ready for the next generation of players looking to test themselves along coral-lined fairways.
The sea is still there. The wind still changes. Green still demands precision.
The Caribbean’s best course has reopened.
