Teeth of the Dog Golf Course Experience
Having a cold Presidente on the first tee and basking in the Caribbean sun, I thought to myself, “this course is not that tough.” I promptly catapulted my drive and began to harbor thoughts of a course record, knowing full well I have never set any record in my life.My second shot found the rough, a pitch shot caromed off the back of the green, my wedge into the side of the hill, and my great hole was a double bogey. I thought about the beer-per-hole policy I instituted in college, then asked my caddy if he would take a few shots for me, as my playing partner was serious about a low score and I had to make a decision.
Seven holes are cradled by the ocean -- the awesome views can be a distraction -- and the pin placements will make you linger over your ball for longer than usual. The course is laid out around the Casa de Campo property, so if the idea of dropping a shot into the water does not bother you, then the idea of retrieving your ball from a multi-million-dollar living room might.
Teeth of the Dog Hole Highlights
Hole 5, Par 3 176 yards: The wind comes off the ocean and will send your ball left to right. If you play it safe and aim right you will be stuck high up on a hill and faced with a chip that funnels your ball into a sand trap -- or even worse, the jagged coral on the beach. The ideal shot sails partially over the ocean and lands softly on the green. Unfortunately, I didn’t have that shot.Hole 6, Par 4 500 yards: If you don’t have a big drive this hole will make you pay. The ocean only comes into play when it helps you forget that bogey is the only real score if you are playing from the back tees.
Hole 7, Par 3 229 yards: This hole is a bad practical joke by designer Pete Dye. This is where Teeth of the Dog bites down on you hard -- 229 yards from the back, with a left-to-right wind that can shift in an instant and knock your ball down into the blue water. Aim way left and hope that the wind does it’s part to keep you in play.
Hole 11, Par 5 604 yards: The wide-open fairway off the tee lulls you into believing you can reach the green in regulation. You might be able to, but the penalties for a bad shot on this hole are trees and plenty of sand.
Hole 16, Par 3 204 yards: The par 3 at Teeth of the Dog will allow you to play that slice that you are so proud of. If the wind is strong you can hack away and the right-to-left wind will escort your ball onto the green some 200-plus yards away.
Teeth of the Dog Golf Course Insights
Caddies are required on Teeth of the Dog, and the cost is $25 per caddie plus tip. You may select one caddy per foursome, but it is generally accepted that each twosome will have one caddy. The caddy will help you read the greens as well as assist with yardage and local knowledge. The disparity between knowledge among the individual caddies can be great, so inquire as to the level of caddy you are being assigned. Tip is generally around $10 per player unless the caddy has really impressed you.Teeth of the Dog Golf Course Course Specifics
The numbers for Teeth of the Dog Par 72:Black – 7471 yards
Gold – 7077 yards
Blue – 6845 yards
White – 6015 yards
Red – 4906 yards
