Teeth of the Dog at a Glance
| Designer | Pete Dye |
|---|---|
| Year Opened | 1971 (renovated 2024 by Jerry Pate) |
| Holes | 18 · par 72 |
| Total Length | 7,471 yards from championship tees |
| Course Style | Seaside championship — 7 oceanfront holes Pete Dye said “were created by God” |
| Carts | Required (included in green fee) |
| Dress Code | Collared shirt; soft-spike or spike-less golf shoes |
| Booking | Tee times bookable online or by phone — 24+ hours ahead recommended |
Forget every other bucket-list course — Teeth of the Dog® at Casa de Campo® is the one course every serious golfer must play. Ranked #1 in the Caribbean by Golf Digest and carved from the jagged Dominican coral coastline, this is where Pete Dye produced his life’s masterpiece: 18 holes where the trade winds, the sea, and the razor-sharp coral “teeth” punish anything less than your very best. Seven of those holes — the legendary “Holes Created by God” — play directly along the Caribbean shore, making a round here impossible to replicate anywhere else on earth. Caribbean Paradise Homes places you inside Casa de Campo® Resort, steps from the first tee, so your 2026 experience begins the moment you arrive.
In 1971, Pete Dye and his wife Alice arrived at a raw stretch of Dominican coastline with 300 local workers and hand tools — no bulldozers. Dye later said, “I created 11 holes and God created 7,” crediting the seven oceanfront holes to the natural coral shelf that rises from the sea. The course was originally named Diente del Perro — “tooth of the dog” — for the razor coral that juts from the Caribbean below. It opened in 1971 and has appeared in Golf Digest’s World Top 100 every year since. A comprehensive 2025–2026 bunker restoration returned the course to Dye’s original punishing aesthetic — a gift for purists, a warning to the unprepared.
2026 course profile & Player specs
- Architect – Pete Dye (Signature Design)
- Course Type – Oceanfront / Championship
- Par / Slope – Par 72 / Slope 145 (Black Tees)
- Signature Holes – 5, 7, 8, 15, 16, 17 (Oceanfront)
- Green Fees 2026 – $400 – $550 USD (Seasonal)
- Grass Type – Paspalum (Seaside Optimized)
luxury accommodations near teeth of the dog
The “First Tee” Collection (Punta Águila)
For those who want to be on the practice range in under three minutes. These villas are located in the Punta Águila and Golf Villa sectors, offering the closest proximity to the Teeth of the Dog® clubhouse.
Oceanfront Elite Estates
Stay where the action is. These ultra-luxury estates overlook the very fairways of the 5th and 16th holes. Features include infinity pools mirroring the Caribbean Sea and full staff (Chef, Butler, Maid) for post-round recovery.
Corporate & “Buddy Trip” Hubs
Designed for groups of 8–16 players, these 6+ bedroom villas feature expansive outdoor “19th Hole” lounge areas and multiple golf carts for easy resort navigation.
Golf Villa vs. Resort Hotel: What’s the Real Difference?
The Casa de Campo hotel options are excellent — but for a dedicated Teeth of the Dog golf trip, a private villa changes everything. Here’s the honest comparison:
| Resort Hotel | Caribbean Paradise Villa Rental | |
|---|---|---|
| Private group space | Individual rooms | ✅ Entire villa — your group only |
| Post-round atmosphere | Hotel bar, shared | ✅ Private pool & terrace, your schedule |
| Value for groups of 4+ | Per-room costs add up fast | ✅ Split villa cost — often cheaper per person |
| Private chef & butler | Shared hotel service | ✅ Available on request |
For a golf group of 4–8, a private villa is almost always the right answer — for both experience and cost.
golf at the resort: more than one championship course
While Teeth of the Dog® is the crown jewel, Casa de Campo® is also home to two additional Pete Dye courses that create one of the finest golf destinations in the Americas.
Dye Fore
Perched high above the Chavón River valley, Dye Fore delivers dramatic elevation changes and sweeping views of the Caribbean. Its cliff-edge holes overlooking the Altos de Chavón replica village are among the most photographed in Caribbean golf.
The Links
Inspired by traditional British and Scottish courses, The Links winds through lush inland landscapes and rolling fairways. It provides a strategic contrast to the oceanfront drama of The Dog.
Three world-class Pete Dye courses (compared side-by-side in our three-course golf guide) make this one of the finest golf destinations in the Americas.
What Does a Golf Trip to Teeth of the Dog® Cost? (2026)
A 4-night golf trip here for 8 players runs roughly $2,800–$5,500 per person, all-in — covering green fees, caddy service, resort access, and villa rental. The spread is wide because villa size, number of rounds, and course selection move the needle significantly. Here’s exactly how the numbers break down.
Golf Fees & On-Course Costs
- The Dog green fees (2026): $400–$550 per person, per round. Rates vary seasonally; peak winter months trend toward the top of that range.
- Dye Fore green fees: $175–$225 per person, per round. Four distinct nines above the Chavón River canyon — outstanding value alongside the flagship.
- Caddy fee: $50–$80 per round, mandatory at both courses. Budget an additional $20–$40 per round for tip; your caddy earns it.
- Golf cart: Included in the green fee at both courses.
- Club rental: Available through the Casa de Campo® pro shop. Worth reserving in advance if you’d rather not travel with your bag.
- Club storage at the villa: Complimentary for all guests.
- Casa de Campo® resort access fee: $30 per adult, per night. Mandatory for all villa guests; covers full resort amenity access for the duration of your stay.
Rates are indicative only and subject to change based on exact dates, occupancy, villa selection, and availability at the time of booking.
Insider Expert Guide: Playing “The Dog” in 2026
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The Wind Factor: Trade winds typically intensify after 1:00 PM. For lower scores, book a morning tee time. For the “True Teeth” challenge, play the afternoon loop when the 16th hole requires two extra clubs.
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Caddy Mastery: A caddy is mandatory. Trust their “read” on the greens—the grain consistently pulls toward the Caribbean Sea, even when the slope suggests otherwise.
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2026 Restoration: The course recently underwent a bunker restoration to maintain Pete Dye’s original “rugged” aesthetic. Expect deep hazards and precision-heavy approach shots.
- Hole 7 — The Caribbean Par 3: The most-photographed hole in the Caribbean. A short par 3 that plays over a cove of jagged coral to a green perched at the sea’s edge. On a calm morning it feels achievable; when the trade winds arrive after noon, par feels like a birdie.
- Hole 16 — The Coastal Dogleg: A demanding par 4 where the fairway hugs the coastline and the prevailing wind pushes every shot right toward the coral. The approach must carry the “teeth” — miss right or long and the Caribbean takes your ball.
- Hole 17 — The Oceanfront Par 3: Pete Dye’s most uncompromising hole. The green is flanked by coral on three sides with the Caribbean Sea directly behind it. There is no safe miss. The 2025–2026 restoration deepened the rear bunkers, making even a short miss equally punishing.
experiences beyond the fairways
Although golf — covered in detail in our Teeth of the Dog visitor guide — is a central draw, the resort offers a wide range of experiences that complement a luxury villa stay.
Minitas Beach Club
An elegant beach club where guests enjoy pristine Caribbean waters, beachside dining, and sunset cocktails.
Altos de Chavón
This stunning Mediterranean-style village overlooking the Chavón River features art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and a world-famous amphitheater.
Marina Dining and Yachts
The marina area offers waterfront dining, fishing charters, and yacht excursions to nearby islands.
Tennis & Spa
The Racquet Center and luxury spa provide additional wellness and recreation options between golf rounds. See our complete Casa de Campo tennis guide for courts, rates and lessons.
Guests staying with Caribbean Paradise Homes enjoy seamless access to all of these experiences through our concierge team
personalized concierge for the perfect golf escape
A truly exceptional golf trip is defined by the details.
Our concierge team assists guests before arrival and throughout their stay to ensure every aspect of the journey runs smoothly.
Services include:
• airport transfers and private transportation
• restaurant reservations across the resort
• in-villa chefs and private dining experiences
• yacht charters and fishing trips
• spa appointments and wellness experiences
For many returning guests, this level of personalized attention is what transforms a vacation into an effortless luxury retreat.
Our villa specialists have personally stayed in and vetted every property we recommend. We’ve coordinated hundreds of golf villa stays at Casa de Campo® and know the insider details — which villas put you on the practice range in under 3 minutes, which properties offer dedicated bag storage at the clubhouse, and how to lock in tee times even during the peak winter season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Teeth of the Dog golf course?
Teeth of the Dog is the signature golf course at Casa de Campo Resort in the Dominican Republic. Designed by Pete Dye, it is widely ranked as the best golf course in the Caribbean.
How many oceanfront holes are at Teeth of the Dog?
Seven holes play directly along the Caribbean Sea, making it one of the most scenic oceanfront courses in the world.
Can guests staying in villas play Teeth of the Dog?
Yes. Guests staying in Casa de Campo villas have access to the resort’s golf courses and can reserve tee times through concierge services.
How far are villas from the golf course?
Many luxury villas are located within a short golf cart ride from the Teeth of the Dog clubhouse, providing convenient access to the course.
Is a caddy mandatory at Teeth of the Dog?
Yes, caddies are mandatory at Teeth of the Dog® and are included in the green fee. Budget an additional $20–$40 per round as a tip. A good caddy is invaluable — they read the coastal winds and the grain of the Paspalum greens better than any yardage book.
What is the best time of year to play Teeth of the Dog?
December through April is peak season — dry, breezy, and with the most consistent conditions. For lower green fees and quieter tee sheets, May and June offer excellent value, with very similar weather before the rainy season picks up in late summer.
Can non-resort guests play Teeth of the Dog?
Access to Teeth of the Dog® is restricted to registered guests of Casa de Campo Resort. Staying in a villa through Caribbean Paradise Homes grants full resort guest status, including golf access, tee time reservations, and use of all resort amenities.
Plan your golf villa stay in casa de campo
For golfers seeking the finest Caribbean golf experience, Teeth of the Dog® at Casa de Campo® remains unmatched.
Combining dramatic oceanfront golf with refined hospitality and private luxury villas, the destination offers a rare balance of sport, relaxation, and exclusivity.
Caribbean Paradise Homes specializes in curating exceptional villas within Casa de Campo®, ensuring guests enjoy both proximity to the resort’s iconic golf courses and the privacy of a luxury residence.
Whether you are planning a dedicated golf trip or a sophisticated Caribbean getaway that includes time on the fairways, our team will help you find the perfect villa for your stay.
Tip: Tee times for Teeth of the Dog fill up 6 months in advance during peak season; we recommend booking your villa and golf simultaneously.
Related Caribbean Paradise Homes Curated Pages
Browse the curated rental shortlists most relevant to golfers playing Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo®.
- Golf Villas pocket — CPH villas on or near the Phase I/III/IV fairways
- Punta Águila villas — clifftop estates adjacent to TotD’s 16th and 17th holes
- Corporate Retreat villas — estate-scale stays for golf-trip leadership offsites
Begin Your
villa rental experience
Tell us a bit about your plans, and one of our villa specialists will personally curate a selection of homes tailored to your group, preferences, and budget—typically within a few hours. There’s no commitment at this stage, just a conversation to help you explore the right fit. Our villa specialists have personally stayed in and vetted every property in our portfolio. Availability can shift quickly, especially during peak travel periods.