Casa de Campo, the renowned destination in the Dominican Republic known for its three resort golf courses, has exciting plans to restore its iconic Teeth of the Dog layout starting in January of 2025. This Pete Dye-designed course is considered one of the best in the Caribbean, featuring seven dramatic holes that play along the ocean, testing players’ skills and offering stunning views. The restoration will be carried out by Jerry Pate Design, a company owned by the former U.S. Open and Players Championship winner, Jerry Pate.
The work to be done at Teeth of the Dog will include re-grassing all tees, fairways, and greens with Dynasty Paspalum, a grass ideal for seaside courses like this one. The fairways will also be sand-capped to promote firm and bouncy turf conducive to golf. The greens will be expanded back to their original sizes with some recontouring, while the greenside bunkers will be reshaped and enlarged for a more dramatic look. Other renovations, such as updating the cart paths, will also be part of the restoration process.
The restoration is expected to be completed by November of 2025, with the aim of preserving Pete Dye’s lifeworks and enhancing the Teeth of the Dog layout. While this course undergoes renovations, Casa de Campo’s other two Dye-designed courses, Dye Fore and Links, will remain open to guests. Dye Fore offers stunning views of jungle cliffs and the ocean, while Links provides a challenging golf experience with wider fairways and tricky greens.
Casa de Campo is a sprawling resort with a variety of amenities, including a marina, diverse dining options, and activities like shooting sports and beach relaxation. The property also offers accommodation options ranging from hotel rooms to luxury villas often frequented by celebrities. The upcoming updates to Teeth of the Dog will be the first major renovation to the course since its opening in 1971, reflecting a commitment to preserving Pete Dye’s legacy as one of the world’s premier golf architects.
Gilles Gagon, a longtime friend of Dye and the golf director emeritus at the resort, expressed excitement and honor in taking Pete’s masterpiece to new heights with the restoration project. The goal is to completely restore the integrity of Teeth of the Dog and elevate it to a new level of excellence. With a focus on honoring Dye’s creativity and legacy, the renovation aims to put a bit more bite back into this renowned course, ensuring it continues to be a standout destination for golf enthusiasts in the Caribbean and beyond.
Overall, the restoration of Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo represents a significant project that will enhance the golfing experience at this iconic destination. By preserving Pete Dye’s lifeworks and incorporating modern enhancements, the resort aims to maintain its reputation as a premier golf destination in the Caribbean. With work set to be completed by November of 2025, guests can look forward to a revitalized Teeth of the Dog course that pays homage to the legendary architect and offers a challenging and memorable golf experience.