New Teeth for an Old Dog

TEETH OF THE DOG AT CASA DE CAMPO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Golf Course Architecture | Issue 84 | April 2026

Pete Dye’s iconic Dominican Republic design has been restored and rebuilt to withstand the

harsh coastal climate.

Pure Dynasty Featured on the Front Cover

Since it opened in 1971, Pete Dye’s famous Teeth of the Dog layout at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic has been regarded by many as the best golf experience in the Caribbean. And while there is now very strong competition for that crown, the resort has completed a major project to protect the course’s status.

Dye oversaw numerous tweaks to Teeth of the Dog until his death in 2020. However, grassing issues, storm damage and ongoing loss of the shape and character of course features meant it was in need of further care. Step in former US Open champion Jerry Pate and his design partner Steve Dana, to develop a plan focused on restoring the glory of Dye’s handiwork....

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“Pure Dynasty paspalum was selected for several reasons,” says Birtel. “It is an extremely durable turfgrass and highly salt-tolerant, critical factors given our location directly on the Caribbean Sea. We already had experience with this grass on the greens and surrounds at La Romana Country Club, which gave us confidence in both its performance and long-term management. The turf is already performing well and providing firm conditions while maintaining high playability and visual definition.”

Dana adds: “With the competition for water across the resort becoming fiercer, the real possibility of using desalinated seawater for irrigation is an approaching reality. The paspalum turfgrass will allow for this in the future. Developing a desalination system for the golf irrigation is likely not too far away – this will allow for all the river water to be used for the potable uses across the community and greatly enhance the resort’s sustainable initiatives.”