Teeth of the Dog, ranked the #1 golf course in the Caribbean and among the top 30 globally, is a masterpiece by Pete Dye nestled along the rugged shores of La Romana, Dominican Republic. Known for its dramatic coastal design, seven of its 18 holes hug the Caribbean coastline—each offering a scenic and strategic challenge unlike any other.
In this article, we take a hole-by-hole look at the famed seaside stretch that gives the course its nickname—and explain why golfers keep returning for more.
Sea‑Side Hole Highlights: What Makes These Holes Special
Hole 5 (Par 3 – ~168 yards):
This short, scenic gem marks the first of the ocean holes. Your tee shot flies directly over the Caribbean Sea to a small green jutting out into the water. Precision is key—bunkers and rocks guard the green with almost no bailout.TeeOff+1golfcoursegurus.com+1
Hole 6 (Par 4 – ~402 yards):
This is back-to-back seaside challenge. The fairway hugs the water—players who bail right face a long approach while those trying to flirt with the ocean must control risk. A favorite for its demanding dogleg and wind‑driven design.course.bluegolf.com+7TeeOff+7Casa de Campo+7
Hole 7 (Par 3 – ~186 yards):
Often considered Pete Dye’s signature hole at Casa de Campo. The green is framed by the ocean on the left, and a quartet of bunkers protect the right side. A tee shot must clear salt‑splashed rocks and carry water—a breathtaking test.Casa de Campo+9Graylyn Loomis+9golfcoursegurus.com+9
Hole 8 (Par 4 – ~399 yards):
Continuing the seaside stretch, water lines the left, and the ideal angle into the green comes from hugging the coast. A deep depression right of the green adds drama.hiddenlinksgolf.com+3Graylyn Loomis+3moegolf+3
Back‑nine Finale (Holes 15–17):
After a quieter stretch inland, the ocean returns with impact:
Hole 16 (Par 3 – ~154–183 yards): A shorter par‑3, but with coastline on one side and bunkers on the other. Distance control is non‑negotiable.golfcoursegurus.com
Hole 17 (Par 4 – ~422 yards): The penultimate ocean hole. Water right, bunkers left, and a narrowing green perched over the sea. Approach with care—or walk away humbled.golfcoursegurus.comhiddenlinksgolf.com
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Why These Ocean Holes Elevate Teeth of the Dog
Pete Dye’s famous layout: “I created 11 holes and God created seven”—a nod to the natural coastal routing that defines the course.
Immersive visuals: Each ocean hole feels intimate—tees and greens are almost at water level, surrounded by coral rocks and framed by crashing waves.
Risk vs reward: Strategic design means bold shots pay off, but even a slight miss invites trouble—just as Dye intended.
Sample Player Experience Section
“Standing on the 5th tee, you feel the breeze off the Caribbean as your ball arcs over the azure water toward a tiny green. Miss left or right, and you’re in rocks. It’s beautiful… and terrifying.”
Other Memorable Inland & Finishing Holes
Hole 3 (Par 5 – ~526 yards): A reachable par‑5 inland. Fairway bunkers and a raised “volcano” green enforce strategy—tempting but not without risk.
Hole 13 (Par 3 – ~168 yards): Raised green surrounded by sandy waste—your target is hidden until the shot, adding suspense.
Hole 18 (Par 4 – ~389 yards): The final hole caps the day with water left and an uphill approach. A dramatic, uphill finish that offers one last challenge before the clubhouse.
Conclusion & Call‑to‑Action
The Teeth of the Dog isn’t just a course—it’s a coastal symphony of color, challenge, and Caribbean charm. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a casual enthusiast, the seaside stretch from holes 5 to 17 will leave a lasting impression and fuel stories for years.
Interested in pairing this unmatched golf experience with a luxury villa stay? At 360LuxuryRealEstate, we offer exclusive golf‑view villas just minutes from the course, complete with concierge support and tee‑time access.
Contact our golf villa concierge today to curate your custom Casa de Campo golf vacation.