Elite Field Vies for Coveted Title on Pete Dye’s Celebrated Teeth of the Dog
LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic – Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences – will host the seventh edition of the prestigious Latin America Amateur Championship (LAAC) for the third time on its celebrated Teeth of the Dog course, Jan. 20 – 23.
Teeth of the Dog – ranked No. 7 in GOLF Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” – is widely recognized as the No. 1 course in the Caribbean. The dramatic seaside layout showcases Dye’s design hallmarks: railroad ties, vast waste areas, peninsula greens and tees, hand-sculpted putting surfaces and a unique assortment of pot bunkers. The oceanfront holes are astoundingly beautiful, causing Dye to famously quip: “I created 11 holes and God created seven.”
Founded by the Masters Tournament, The R&A and the USGA, the LAAC was established to further develop amateur golf in South America, Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. The championship moves annually to top courses throughout Latin America and showcases the game’s rising talent in the region. Casa de Campo’s iconic Teeth of the Dog layout hosted the LAAC in 2016 and 2019. The event was cancelled in 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The LAAC champion will receive an invitation to the 2022 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club as well as an exemption into The 150th Open at St. Andrews. The winner also receives full exemptions into The Amateur Championship, U.S. Amateur Championship and any other USGA amateur championship for which he is eligible as well as being exempt into the final stage of qualifying for the 122nd U.S. Open Championship at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass. The runner(s)-up will be exempt into the final stages of qualifying for The 150th Open and the 122nd U.S. Open Championship.
“It’s such an honor for the Latin America Amateur Championship to return for the third time to our wonderful Teeth of the Dog course,” said Andres Pichardo Rosenberg, president of Casa de Campo. “Our close partnership with the Masters Tournament, The R&A and the USGA in hosting the coveted event offers the top golf talent in our region to compete for the prestigious title on Pete Dye’s masterpiece design.”
Casa de Campo additionally features its world-class Golf Learning Center. Residing on 21 acres of “pure grass,” the PGA TOUR-quality facility is highlighted by Trackman and BODITRAK technology. It features two indoor hitting bays for rapid game improvement, year-round training, individual and group golf lessons and schools, expert club-fitting and repair, and multiple practice greens for honing putting and short games as well as a pristine double-sided outdoor range for full shots.
In 2002, 27-hole Dye Fore joined Teeth of the Dog as Casa de Campo’s second course. Its three nines – Chavon, Marina and Lakes – are distinct. Chavon features seven holes running atop cliffs dropping 300 feet, Marina meanders down to a harbor ringed by restaurants and shops, and Lakes is artfully crafted across tumultuous terrain.
Located in the interior of the property is the resort’s third Dye layout, The Links. The moderately hilly track with tall Bahia grass framing bunkers and undulating greens presents spectacular Caribbean views. Slightly over 7,000 yards from the back tees and playing to a slope of 126, it is considered one of the most-forgiving courses Dye has designed and is ideal for players of all abilities.
Throughout the COVID pandemic, the five-star resort has initiated its “Casa Cares” program touching virtually every area of the property including significant investment in new equipment and employee training. The robust health and safety practices continue to remain a top priority for its guests. A full list of the measures may be found here.
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/.
About Casa de Campo Resort & Villas
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, 7,000-acre Casa de Campo attracts affluent travelers with 63 holes of exceptional golf. The Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore and The Links courses – Conde Nast Traveler, Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine and Golfweek award winners – are designed by the legendary architect Pete Dye. They are complemented by spacious hotel rooms, suites and luxury villas. Expertly prepared cuisine from around the world, a 370-slip Marina & Yacht Club, Polo & Equestrian Club, the La Terraza Tennis Center, 245-acre Shooting Club and Altos de Chavon – an artisan’s village modeled after a 16th century Mediterranean city – are other on-property highlights.
Getting There: La Romana International Airport (LRM) is five minutes from Casa de Campo and caters to private jet service from around the globe. A short drive from the resort, Santo Domingo (SDQ) and Punta Cana (PUJ) operate daily direct flights from all major North American airports.
