What’s happening with Teeth of the Dog in 2025?
Casa de Campo Resort & Villas has officially announced the complete restoration of its most iconic course: Teeth of the Dog®. Ranked as the No. 1 golf course in the Caribbean, it was originally designed by Pete Dye over 50 years ago. The renovation, led by Jerry Pate Design, is scheduled for completion in December 2025.
The goal: preserve the original spirit of the course while adapting it to modern golf. This isn’t just a cosmetic update — it’s a complete reimagination of the layout to elevate playability without betraying Dye’s essence.
Why renovate a golf legend?
Let’s be honest: the course was already 50 years old and needed an update. But not just for maintenance. Golf has changed. New technologies have made clubs more powerful and players are hitting longer.
In this context, keeping a legendary course unchanged is like owning a vintage car and never servicing it. It makes sense to update distances, reposition tees, and rethink bunkers to match today’s golf.
And yes, the oceanfront setting is stunning, but it also demands care. Being so close to the sea requires special maintenance, which will be greatly improved with this renovation.
Preserving Pete Dye’s legacy while adapting to today’s golf
The mission of the project is clear: honor Pete Dye’s original design while updating the playing experience. According to Robert C. Birtel, Director of Golf Operations at Casa de Campo:
“The purpose of this renovation is to allow for better maintenance, faster playability, and to set the course up for a bright future — all while preserving what makes Teeth of the Dog so legendary.”
And honestly, this course is a beauty — one that experienced golfers truly appreciate, not just for the views, but for the challenge.
All the changes you’ll see in the new Teeth of the Dog
Repositioned tees:
- Modified holes: 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18
- Purpose: improve flow, adapt to longer distances, and allow flexible setups
Expanded greens:
- Restoring original pin locations
- Increased shot variety on key holes like 2, 3, 8, 13, 16, and 17
Full regrassing:
- Tees, fairways, and greens with Pure Dynasty Paspalum, ideal for seaside conditions
- Improved turf health, drainage, and playability
Redesigned bunkers:
- Repositioned for challenge and better drainage
- Enhanced strategic and visual impact
Sand-capped fairways:
- Firmer, better-drained playing surfaces year-round
Infrastructure upgrades:
- Complete cart path renovations
- More efficient and eco-friendly maintenance systems
Hole-by-hole: what’s changed?
The overall routing remains faithful, but key holes have been significantly upgraded:
- Hole 2 restores classic pin placements
- Hole 16 now requires more strategy from the tee with a new angle
- Hole 17’s redesigned bunkers completely alter the approach game
How the oceanfront affects play and maintenance
The oceanfront location is part of the course’s magic — and its challenge.
Teeth of the Dog has always required special care due to salt air, wind, and humidity. This renovation ensures the course becomes more resilient, playable, and sustainable all year round.
Reopening: December 2025
Teeth of the Dog will reopen in December 2025. And it won’t be a soft launch.
Demand is already surging. It’s important for clients to know that the course is already in high demand ahead of reopening.
To guarantee a tee time, we strongly recommend booking as soon as possible.
Will it feel like the same course? Yes — and no
You’ll walk the same land. See the same views. But each shot will ask new questions.
It’s still Teeth of the Dog — but refined for a new generation.
Why book early?
The reopening overlaps with peak travel season. Casa de Campo is already managing advance bookings for 2026. Interest is high from both U.S. and European golfers.
If you want the full experience, book early and secure your villa, golf package, and preferred tee times.
What do the pros and experts say?
From the Casa de Campo team to top players and architects, the consensus is clear: a faithful yet ambitious restoration.
And from first-hand experience:
«This is a unique course. Good players know it. And now it will challenge you like never before — without losing its essence.»
Planning your golf trip after the renovation
- Less recommended dates: September and October (higher chance of storms)
- Ideal days to play: every day is great — it’s a vacation destination
- Preferred accommodations: Casa de Campo’s hotel and villas, both offering direct access and premium service
- How to book tee times: contact us directly. If you prefer, we can refer you to a trusted travel agency that will organize your complete golf getaway
- Extra tip: play all three courses — Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore, and The Links (recently updated as well)
Teeth of the Dog returns more beautiful, more challenging, and more iconic than ever.
If you want to experience golf history reborn — now is the time to plan your trip.
Do it before the rest of the world catches up.