Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic  

- The sun-drenched Caribbean is a magical place in anyone’s eyes, but when it comes to golf, there’s no more magical, or exquisite place then the Casa de Campo on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic. With its 300 luxury hotel rooms designed by Oscar de la Renta (some overlooking the golf course), this resort has been named the Caribbean’s most complete and highly regarded. How else would you explain why such celebrities as Michael Douglas, Robert Redford and Linda Gray (of “Dallas” fame) have vacation homes here or why this is where Michael Jackson chose to stay on his wedding night, many years ago?

For the golfer, the highlight of a visit is the 3 challenging golf courses (although one is actually private). The Teeth of the Dog course, said to be architect Peter Dye’s greatest course, contrasts with the Links course, reminiscent of many of Scotland’s best.

“Wonderful, demanding, intimidating and unpredictable” is how the 6,888 yard par-72 Teeth of the Dog course is described by the golf pro. And he is right. T&L Golf Magazine consistently ranks Teeth of the Dog as the #1 course in the Caribbean while Golf Magazine ranks it as the #34 course in the world. Since it was built in 1971, it has challenged the golf skills of such notables as actor Sean Connery and former US Vice-President Dan Quayle, and has hosted several international championships.

Seven holes skirt the rugged, untamed Caribbean coastline – the most anywhere in the world and players look at the ocean throughout the game. Dye credits more than himself for the layout, however. “I built eleven holes; God built seven.”

The spectacular views have been preserved by a layout that makes use of extra-wide corridors for the holes and short citrus trees.

Meanwhile those eleven inland holes offer challenges of their own with the ninth and 18th holes playing across the international airport that serves the 7,000 acre resort. Many a game has been interrupted by players stopping to watch a private jet land. Other features worthy of note are the distinctive bunkering that guards the green on the par-4 15th and the dramatic cliffs that fall sharply to the sea on the par-four 17th. These rocky coastal promontories resemble canine jaws and are the reason the course got its name.

First time players would be wise to play the regular tees on this course where even veterans are challenged by the rolling fairways, a variety of pot bunkers and raised bunkers, and the strategically designed greens. Be prepared for the trade winds that can upset the most experienced golfer’s club and shot selections, particularly on the ocean holes. Unwary players may find themselves sailing several drives into the sea’s unforgiving expanse. Be reassured however that you are contributing to the local economy, as Dye says, since local children fish out the balls and sell them.

The Links Course, in contrast to the Teeth of the Dog, features undulating terrain with small greens and several lagoons. This too was created by Peter Dye, after he had completed the Teeth of the Dog. Water comes into play on five of the holes on this inland, rolling course which would rank as the finest in the Caribbean had it not been for its older brother with the “teeth”. The Links course gives outstanding views of the Caribbean and the resort itself.

Practice facilities are available on the outsize driving range and short game area. Clinics and individual lessons are also available for all skill levels while the pro shop offers club rentals as well as left-handed and women’s sets.

The most complete resort in the Caribbean, however, wouldn’t be so comprehensive without a host of other amenities to keep the guest entertained. So when you’ve had your fill of golf, there are plenty of top-class diversions to be experienced: 13 restaurants, 14 swimming pools (yes, 14!), a fitness center and world class facilities for tennis, riding, polo, water sports and shooting.

And don’t forget to visit the famed Altos de Chavon. This is a “medieval” Mediterranean village (though it was actually built in the 1970s!) dedicated to the arts and a functioning cultural center for the island. Wander through the shaded cobbled streets, past stone carvings and refreshing fountains and feel yourself transported back to a more unhurried era. The village now boasts several craft and pottery shops, alongside elegant restaurants. Local artisans, under the guidance of Italian cinematographer Roberto Copa, constructed the village by hand using stone, wood and iron. Be sure to stop by the 5,000 seat ampitheater where performances by Julio Iglesias, Frank Sinatra and Gloria Estefan have been staged.

Complete golf packages at Casa de Campo include accommodations, meals, unlimited drinks in resort restaurants, bars and lounges, unlimited green fees, unlimited use of golf cart, range balls and club storage, roundtrip airport transfers and taxes.

Course fees are per person per round and include green fees and shared cart.

For more information, see the website: www.casadecampo.