Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield

Rankings: 

 

The Takeaway:  Unlike any course in the Dominican Republic, Dye Fore is a ride through the mountains, along the river, and with views of the ocean; one of the most unique combinations in the world. It will never compete with Teeth of the Dog's greatness, but it shouldn't be missed on a trip to Casa de Campo.  Grade B+

Quick Facts

Designer:  Pete Dye in 2005

Cost:  $195 - $310 Click for current rates

Phone Number:  866-719-8883 or 809-523-8115

Course Website:  Official Website - Visit Casa de Campo (Dye Fore)'s official website by clicking on the link provided.

Directions:  Get here! - La Romana 22000, La Romana, Dominican Republic – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Photos:  See additional photos of Casa de Campo (Dye Fore)

What to Expect:  Unquestionably the most unique course in the Dominican Republic and located on a property with view rivals in the world, the Dye Fore course at Casa de Campo lays claim as one of the only in existence that is located in the mountains, located next to a river, and boasting views of the ocean. 27 holes are found at Dye Fore with the Chavon and Marina nines representing the original 18 and the Lagos nine being added later. The Chavon nine is located at the northern end of the property while Marina occupies the south closer to the Caribbean with 150 feet of elevation change from top to bottom; let alone the extra steep descent to the Chavon River if your ball goes wayward. While the Marina nine offer attractive views and an enjoyable collection of holes to offer, the Chavon nine is the clear winner as the best grouping of holes at Dye Fore with flat out stunning offerings along the river. The course as a whole features a variety of forced carries, difficult bunkers, and brash edges that gives the course a unique look and challenge to enjoy and will definitely feel like a Pete Dye design to those familiar with his work. Unlike Teeth of the Dog, a caddie isn't required and players can ride in a cart to navigate the engaging piece of property. Getting to Dye Fore requires leaving the resort gates but is well worth the journey to this course that would get more publicity in the Caribbean if it wasn't known as the little sister to Teeth of the Dog.

By the Numbers

Tees	Par	Yardage	Rating	Slope
Negro (Black)	72	7667	76.7	138
Dorado (Gold)	72	6943	73.1	128
Azul (Blue)	72	6589	71.4	125
Blanco (White)	72	6204	69.2	123
Verde (Green)	72	5993	68.0	114
Rojo (Red - Women)	72	5115	69.4	115

Individual Hole Analysis

Signature Hole:  3rd (Chavon) Hole – 232 Yard Par 3 – The heroic 3rd hole on the Chavon course plays over a ball hungry ravine to a green flanked by two bunkers on the right that stand as your only saving net before cascading down the ravine towards the river. The left side has an additional bunker greenside as two raised bunkers well short of the putting area that you can only get in with the largest of misses. This do-or-die hole won't go down easy with 232 yards to cover from the back tee, but if you aren't feeling confident there is an area to layup to short and left. With the Chavon River wrapping around the back, this is a scenic hole that is as fun to view as it is to play.

Best Par 3:  6th (Chavon) Hole – 204 Yards – The 6th hole's green goes back to back with the 3rd hole as Pete Dye doubled down on this dramatic corner of the property perched above the Chavon River. Like the 3rd, the tee shot plays over a ravine to a green that is heavily bunkered on the left that provides the last barrier before tumbling down the ravine towards the river. A center bunker fronts the green and also marks the break between the high shelf on the right and low shelf on the left where par saves don't come as frequently. The putting surface slopes from right to left and begs players to keep their tee shot up that side for the greatest chance at success. It is a beautiful hole in a stunning setting that stands as one of the most talked about offerings at Dye Fore.

Best Par 4:  5th (Chavon) Hole – 368 Yards – While the 3rd and 6th holes on the Chavon nine are often regarded as Dye Fore's most memorable, the 5th is perhaps its most stunning and engaging to play. The fairway runs parallel to the Chavon River which is much more in view on this two-shotter compared to the par threes at that end of the property. The hole bends slowly but steadily to the left and follows a pair of long, skinny bunkers that hug the ravine's edge. While the fairway bends left, the green angles back to the right which creates a unique approach strategy to consider. A pair of bunkers split the fairway and create a lower path that is shorter and an upper path which covers more yardage but an alternative angle to attack the green. The pin placement for the day can determine which strategy is best.

Best Par 5:  1st (Chavon) Hole – 616 Yards – The opening hole on the Chavon nine sets the drama early that the Dye Fore course is known for. The tee shot plays over a ravine to a big fairway that is sloping to the right towards the river and features long, skinny bunkers that run along the rim and can catch tee shots heading wayward. Bunkers continue to be peppered out along the hole enroute to the green that slopes to the right and down a steep bank where four more bunkers lie in wait. The best angle to approach the green is clearly from the right where you can play back into the slope, but that requires being risky with your opening two shots to get there. If you can start this nine with a par, you have the chops to take on what Pete has waiting for you.

Birdie Time:  8th (Chavon) Hole – 344 Yard Par 4 – The short 8th is a great opportunity to take a stroke back from Old Man Par and hitting your drive on a line with the left edge of the green is a great start to that goal. While the green is more receptive to being attacked from the right, players have to make sure their tee shot doesn't fly too far off line as the fairway kicks off steeply towards a tree line. Overall though, the fairway and green are both receptive and can be taken advantage of; so do it.

Bogey Beware:  5th (Marina) Hole – 495 Yard Par 4 – The Marina's 5th hole measures just five yards short of an even 500 and you only have four strokes to hole out for a par, so you better have every part of your game ready. The Chavon River sets the left boundary of the hole as the fairway bends along it and descends to a low point before ascending and battling the right to left slope. A precise approach to the green is required as six bunkers curl around the putting surface with nothing but the front clear of sand and an opening that is less than half the width of its depth. If you can't score well, you will at least be treated to a view of the river terminating into the sea.