(LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic) – Following the most significant restoration process since its inauguration in 1971, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas officially celebrated the reopening of its legendary Teeth of the Dog golf course during a ceremony held at the resort on March 13. The ceremony was attended by the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader Corona, alongside government officials and industry leaders.
The $15 million investment reaffirms the resort’s position as one of the world’s most prestigious golf destinations and the undisputed leader in the Caribbean. The event featured a blessing by Reverend Father Jorge Dionel Hernández and brought together high-ranking government officials, including Minister of Tourism David Collado and Minister of Industry and Commerce Eduardo Sanz Lovatón. They were joined by top executives from Central Romana Corporation, led by President José “Pepe” Fanjul Jr., and Executive Vice Presidents Ramón Menéndez, Leo Matos García, and Eduardo Martínez-Lima.
During the ceremony, Andrés Pichardo Rosenberg, President of Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, emphasized that the restoration’s primary vision was to preserve the integrity of one of the globe’s most emblematic courses.
“Today we celebrate the preservation of a legend. Restoring Teeth of the Dog was not merely an upgrade; it was a commitment to excellence and to the legacy of the legendary architect Pete Dye,” stated Pichardo Rosenberg. “This project ensures that future generations of golfers can experience the course exactly as it was originally conceived.”
José “Pepe” Fanjul Jr., President of Central Romana Corporation, highlighted the impact of this investment on the country’s tourism development, “Teeth of the Dog is a global benchmark for golf and a source of pride for the Dominican Republic. At Central Romana, we remain committed to investing in projects that positively impact La Romana and the entire nation.”
After five decades of exposure to the Caribbean marine environment, the course required a comprehensive restoration. The project was led by the renowned firm Jerry Pate Design, with the goal of faithfully reconstructing Pete Dye’s vision using modern techniques and high-level engineering.
The work included a complete renovation of greens, bunkers, tees, and fairways, as well as updated drainage and irrigation systems. The entire course was re-grassed with Dynasty Paspalum, a grass variety specifically suited for harsh coastal environments. A key focus was the protection of the famous “Heaven 7”, the seven spectacular oceanfront holes. Other advanced coastal engineering solutions were applied to ensure their resilience against future climate conditions.
Furthering the investment in the resort, Pichardo Rosenberg also announced that in May of this year, the resort will begin the second phase of the Premier Suites project. This expansion will include a new pool and the enlargement of the resort’s spa, which recently earned a Forbes Four-Star rating, making it the only spa in the Dominican Republic to hold this distinction.
President Luis Abinader and Minister David Collado agreed that investments of this magnitude strengthen the country’s luxury tourism portfolio and enhance the Dominican Republic’s competitiveness on the international stage.
The event concluded with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. It served as a tribute to Pete Dye, whose ashes symbolically rest on hole No. 8, a location steeped in history within this iconic design. Consistently ranked by GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest as one of the best courses in the world, Teeth of the Dog continues to stand as a masterpiece of international golf.
For more information on Casa de Campo Resort & Villas please call 800.877.3643, email golf@ccampo.com.do or visit: www.casadecampo.com.do/.
