Casa de Campo - The Links

Teeth of the Dog casts a very long shadow at Casa de Campo - so long that I came into my round at the Links with little reason to expect it was anything other than a nice-enough filler golf course, a tame side-dish to Teeth and the rollicking Dye Fore.

Instead, what I encountered was a golf course I would be glad to play every day. Links is extremely thoughtfully routed and designed, a complete test that's tricky but not too taxing, with all of the features - angled fairways, hard-to-read greens, captivating bunkering and some consequential water encounters, as well as expert drainage keeping things fast and firm - that make Dye courses so compelling. It's true that the Links' inland setting - albeit with a couple of peeks at the Caribbean Sea - cannot compete with the more-photographed Casa de Campo courses. But that's quite alright when the golf itself is as engaging as it is. I cannot wait to play this golf course again someday.

We played the Links at Casa De Campo and were totally disappointed. We have played similarly priced course in Arizona and the Links was a let down. One bathroom had no lights or running water. The course condition was ok.

If you play Teeth of the Dog or Linjs ask for Hilario as your Caddie.

Let’s be honest, this course is an afterthought to its neighboring course, The Teeth of the Dog. As advertised, it is the inland course, so no holes with any ocean views. This made for a super hot round with little wind, and as we were staying in a villa and not a “hotel guest” we could not purchase any snacks or beverages from any of the comfort stations. However, the weather was beautiful and the course conditions were absolutely pristine. If you are not willing to spend the $800+ for Teeth, I recommend the Links

Good course, wide fairways and landing areas. Straight forward layout; no tricked up holes. Greens were a bit tougher to get at and close with the wind.(that said, playing partner has 3 birdies)

Not sure it's fully worth the $$ but it's the price of Poker to play at the complex.

A nice day in February with the sticks, especially when you live up North. ;)

The Links proved to be challenging for me, an 18HCP weekend golfer. Although the course does not require the player to be very precise on every golf shot, strong winds made me struggle a lot with distance. The greens made me think before hitting each putt. Playing this course will be a great experience for anyone who is playing this game just for fun.

The Links is the odd-course out at Casa de Campo. While clearly a solid and fun resort course, it's not of the same caliber as Teeth or Dye Fore. Even though water threatens on the back nine, it just might be the most playable Pete Dye design ever built. It's got a nice collection of dog legs, although wide fairways don't require too much precision. It's probably best to play the Links as a warm-up round, otherwise playing it after the Teeth or the Dye Fore might feel like a letdown.