Hunting Birdies on the Island that “Has It All”

By CLAUDIO DEMARCHI

When it comes to golf in the Caribbean you won’t find anything that comes close to the Dominican Republic. (Part 1)

Some 86 holes that provide ocean views amongst those a plethora of holes that provide daily ocean mists to tantalize the spirits for the day.

Part one will cover the two primary resorts, Casa de Campo and PGA Oceans 4, located in the proximity of La Romana on the southern seascape of the island, and just over an hour from Puntacana.

With the breathtaking backdrop of the Caribbean, PGA Ocean’s 4 would be the lesser known of the 2 resorts, however a must stop on the southside of the island. The thought of playing ocean golf putts a smile on everyone’s face and there are 4 magnificent holes here. The fab 4 are impressive holes that border the Caribbean Sea, perfectly integrated into the native Caribbean flora, with coconut palms and the characteristic beach grape, white sand and cliff, which, at the same time, give the sensation of playing on the verdant links of

Scotland. Beware the unseen wind blowing blowing through your!

Opening holes will quickly introduce you to the holes surrounded by lakes and beautiful waterfalls, a picturesque and calming Parkland-style setting. Desert style golf more to your liking, they have that too, a number of holes are carved out of rocks and sand while the entire property is surrounded by tropical forest.

Impressive for its variety, diversity and cool modernity, the 18-hole course was masterfully built and designed by Maverick Golf. It is the second PGA golf course developed by Grupo Piñero, combining the area’s most striking elements while meeting its main goal: the enjoyment of all golfers.

PGA Ocean´s 4 has a total of 27 holes distributed into two spectacular golf courses; one 18-hole par 72, for intermediate and advanced level players, and another 9-hole short par 27, ideal for children and beginners.

A couple of great options for accommodations, and you know you are in good hands when you are with Bahia Principe. The adults only Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville is the perfect place to soak up some sun and consuming your adult bever- ages of choice while being pampered after golf. My kind of place!

Family vacation? They have you covered, Bahia Principe Grand La Romana, is ideal for that family vacation, a peaceful oasis, with all the comforts your heart could desire. An idyllic setting that invites you to relax in its gorgeous bay. For more information: www.PGAOceans4.com

The granddaddy of golf resorts in the Dominican is without a doubt Casa de Campo Resort & Villa’s. Luxury in an exclusive gated community, a setting that has hosted discerning travellers and celebrities for over 50 years. Boasting three golf courses designed by the legendary Pete Dye, Teeth of the Dog is the #1 ranked course in the Caribbean.

One of the most unique features of the resort is that every guest has their own golf cart for their stay and believe me that comes in very handy while trying to navigate the over 7,000 acres that await. Also available are resort shuttles for those who may want to visit the breathtaking replica of a 16th century Mediterranean village

Altos De Chavon overlooking the Dye Fore course and the river of the same name.

Other than the outstanding world class golf this might be my most favorite resort experience. Meticulously designed by Dominican architect, Jose Antonio Caro, and Italian master designer and cinematographer, Roberto Coppa, every detail of Altos de Chavón was handcrafted by local artisans. The village is a cultural center for residents, tourists, and working artists from all over the world. Active studios for artists of every medium from pottery to weaving, silk screening, and everything in between line the cobblestone streets alongside shops and boutiques showcasing their unique creations. The Art Gallery features works from noted Dominican artists, as well as artists from around the world which helps to foster a dialogue of creativity and cultural exchange.

Everything offered at Casa de Campo is world class, yours to enjoy is the stunning Minitas Beach Club, a Marina, Equestrian Center featuring Polo, Shooting Course, great shopping, and 3 private pristine white sand beaches. Restaurants are also second to none, and yes you can also dine up top at Altos De Chavon, one of my favorites there is La Piazzetta with its selection of Italian classics. Waterside favorites include Minitas Beach Club with its sweeping views of the Caribbean and the Spanish inspired La Casita located within the marina complex, watch as the sun sinks from the sky into the calm ocean beyond.

When you have accolades like these…… and there are probably many more non golf related.

Teeth of the Dog: Ranked No. 7 in GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Courses You Can Play 2020-2021

Teeth of the Dog: Ranked No. 59 in GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Courses in the World

Teeth of the Dog: Ranked #27 in World’s 100 Greatest Courses outside the U.S., by Golf Digest

Best Caribbean Golf Course/ Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo (ranked #2) By USA Today 10

There are 3 fabulous Pete Dye Golf Course a casa de Campo, but any way you slice it golfers are coming to play the world renowned and breathtaking ocean holes on Teeth of the Dog, and those holes keep them coming back year after year!

Dye did a masterful job carving from the rugged rock and coral and he loved his work here so much that you will find a plaque on one of his favorite holes that denotes that somewhere around this green his ashes are buried. Just so happens I made my first birdie of the year on this par 4, second shot into a deep grassy swale, lofted a 1 hop wedge into the hole. You will know it when you get there. Thanks’ Pete!

Not to be discounted are the other holes that make up Teeth of the Dog. There is plenty of sand, a few lava rock formations and strategically placed ponds for you to deal with throughout the round.

Not nearly as popular as the Teeth, but definitely a really, really great golf course. We expect nothing less from Dye. The Dye Fore Course is about a 15-minute ride from the main resort, high above the Chavron River and eyelevel to Altos de Chavon.

3 very different nines await. The Chavron and Marina nines are the original 2, with the Lagos nine being added in 2011. Ocean views here are from afar, but the golf course drama continues as you navigate the cliffs along the Chavron nine, with views from some 300 feet above and the jungle below. The Marina course 4th and 5th holes are most memorable guiding you down to the mouth of the river with views of the Marina.

There are some that will say the Dye Fore is the better of the 2 tracks at Casa de Campo. A testament to just how good it is. For my money you can’t compare the WOW Factor of playing on the rugged shores of the Caribbean. Any way you cut it; Casa de Campo is a World Class “Bucket list” experience.