I have been fortunate that golf has truly taken me around the globe. After college, I traveled extensively, playing on various international women’s golf tours and experiencing different people, cultures and ways of life. Some experiences were easier than others, and some were so much fun they are hard to describe.
Now that my son is 17 years old and playing tournament golf, I have the opportunity to travel with him for his events and occasionally play golf alongside him at some incredible destinations.
Recently, we traveled to the Dominican Republic for an AJGA tournament. We arrived a day early, and he and I played Corales Golf Club, which was both stunning and challenging. The course was beautifully maintained, and the ocean views were spectacular.
The following day, my son played a practice round and certainly didn’t need his mom following him around all day. So, I decided to make the trip to Casa de Campo to play Teeth of the Dog. I had heard so much about the course over the years that I was eager to experience it for myself.
Here are some of my takeaways and why I believe you should seriously consider a golf trip abroad.
1. Fantastic views
The stunning seaside landscapes alone make these trips worthwhile. It is difficult to put into words just how beautiful the views are and how impressive the course designs can be.
At Corales, even the holes away from the water were thoughtfully designed, challenging and visually striking. Every hole felt unique, and the overall experience was unforgettable.
2. Getting out of your comfort zone
Traveling in a different country where another language is spoken can be both exciting and challenging.
While many travelers might arrange for a driver, I rented a car and planned to drive myself. It was a great way to see more of the countryside and experience the destination beyond the resort. My GPS worked perfectly, and I only encountered one minor issue when I reached a toll booth that required pesos instead of U.S. dollars. After getting change from a helpful security guard, I was on my way.
Moments like that require a little problem-solving, but they often become some of the most memorable parts of the trip.
3. Experiencing different cultures
The people of the Dominican Republic were fantastic. Everyone we encountered, both inside and outside the resort, was incredibly welcoming and kind.
One of my favorite memories happened at customs, where the agent sang the entire time she checked our passports. We also appreciated how patient and encouraging the locals were as we attempted to speak Spanish, despite our limited skills.
By the end of the trip, our Spanish had improved noticeably. In fact, I found myself missing the opportunity to speak it once we returned home.
4. The caddie program
Teeth of the Dog is every bit as beautiful as its reputation suggests. The oceanfront holes are breathtaking, and the course itself is exceptional.
I played in the afternoon, so the course was relatively quiet. I was paired with a wonderful caddie who made the experience even more enjoyable. Being able to walk the course while benefiting from his local knowledge added another dimension to the round.
He earned my trust very quickly. Having caddied there for 23 years, he offered excellent advice from the very first hole. Later in the round, I faced a blind approach shot. He told me exactly where to aim and how far to hit it. Honestly, I would never have chosen that line on my own.
As luck would have it, my second shot on that par 4 found the bottom of the cup for an eagle. I think my caddie may have been even more excited than I was. It was a special moment, and one that would not have happened without his guidance.
Yes, I hit the shot, but his advice was absolutely essential.
5. Lifelong memories
I enjoy photography in general, but I find myself taking even more photos when traveling for golf. Looking back through those pictures brings back incredible memories of the courses, destinations, and people I met along the way.
The experience of discovering a new course, exploring a new location, and meeting new people is truly priceless.
I would return to the Dominican Republic in a heartbeat. We had a wonderful trip, my son played well in his tournament, and we created memories that will last a lifetime. It was a win all around.
