12 Golf Course Destinations That Combine Sport and Scenery

10. Casa de Campo Teeth of the Dog, Dominican Republic - Caribbean Paradise Golf

Pete Dye's masterpiece at Casa de Campo, known as the Teeth of the Dog, represents the pinnacle of Caribbean golf course design, where seven spectacular oceanfront holes play directly along the coral-fringed coastline of the Dominican Republic's southeastern shore. The course's name derives from the jagged coral formations that line the Caribbean Sea, creating both stunning visual drama and strategic hazards that demand precision and courage from golfers attempting to challenge the ocean carries. The tropical landscape provides a lush, colorful backdrop that contrasts dramatically with the azure waters of the Caribbean, while native palm trees, bougainvillea, and other tropical vegetation frame each hole in natural beauty that rivals any resort destination in the world. The course's design takes full advantage of the trade winds that sweep across the Caribbean, creating playing conditions that change throughout the day and require constant adaptation of strategy and club selection. The oceanfront holes, particularly the par-3 5th and the dramatic finishing stretch from 15 to 18, offer golfers the opportunity to play shots directly over Caribbean waters to greens positioned on coral bluffs, creating risk-reward scenarios that can dramatically affect scoring and provide unforgettable memories regardless of outcome. The facility's commitment to environmental protection includes coral reef preservation programs and native habitat restoration that ensures the course serves as both a world-class golf destination and a sanctuary for Caribbean marine life and tropical ecosystems, while the year-round tropical climate allows for consistent playing conditions that make every round a celebration of golf in paradise.