Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Formerly About Advanced Micro Devices -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: bentway who wrote (450304)	1/24/2009 10:14:08 AM
From: longnshort	Respond to of 1572957

October 2006 Being a single digit handicapper and a local I have had the pleasure of playing almost all of the courses on the Island. In order to properly advise golfers thinking about coming to the DR, I decided to rank my favorite courses (for purposes of this review I shall not include private courses such as the Santo Domingo Country Club and La Romana Country Club or the courses in the Bavaro / Punta Cana area which are very good, but I have not played significantly enough to comment upon). Metro Country Club: Metro Country Club () is located in the municipality of Juan Dolio, between Santo Domingo and San Pedro de Macoris, built at the center of a development project. The course is rather short from the back tees, and does not present a difficult challenge in its design, apart from the fairways and greens being obnoxiously hard, therefore preventing any type of spin on the ball (the project does however have an Embassy Suites Hotel). Price: Fair Guavaberry Country Club: Guavaberry, also located in the Juan Dolio area is a Gary Player design. I personally enjoy this course which is significantly more challenging than the nearby Metro Country Club course. Guavaberry is of normal length but possesses a design where players must work the ball in order to take advantage of the shorter holes. All in all is pretty good course and is offered at a good price for the quality. Price: Fair Las Lagunas: Located in the outsides of Santo Domingo, las Lagunas is considered the national course, due to its administration by the Dominican Golf Federation. This course is a real challenge due to its length. The layout is also very different from most of the course in the Island which are resort type, ocean courses. Las Lagunas is built on a wet area making everything seem extremely green. If in Santo Domingo, this would be a highly recommended course before tackling any of the more famous courses. Price: Bargain Playa Dorada: I use to play the course often growing up. The course is a Robert Trent Jones Sr., design, but has been significantly altered over the years. Although it has been altered, and not particularly kept as it should be, any true golfer will appreciate the design and find certain holes rather difficult. Price: Currently overpriced. Playa Grande: Considered the Pebble of the Caribbean, also a Trent Jones Sr., design. Having played some of the more famous courses in Hawaii this course really stacks up well. I have never seen a more scenic course anywhere in the world. The course plays well for all levels of play due to its five different tee boxes. The wind is a real factor and can toll up to 10 shots on any given day. The only bad thing I can say about the course is that it is tucked away in the northern part of the island, where the closest airport (Puerto Plata) is over an hour drive away, however it is well worth the time. Price: Somewhat overpriced but really worth it. The Links (Casa de Campo): The Links Is the easiest course in the Casa de Campo resort. It is a rather short course, but presents large undulating greens. As a Casa de Campo course there is not much anyone can criticize about its maintenance or the staff organizing it. In my opinion the course is a good warm up for the other two courses in the resort. It may also prove to be very enjoyable for juniors and women. Price: Expensive Teeth of the Dog (Casa de Campo): This course is world renown and speaks for itself. Truly one of Pete Dye’s masterpieces. The greens have all been redone and are playing well. I personally love playing here and find that although it is really tough from the championship tees; its design permits players to bail on almost every hole. Price: Expensive Dye Fore (Casa de Campo): The course is a monster. The only course I have played that remotely resembles this course may be Kapalua Plantation in Maui. From the tips this course is virtually unplayable unless you are close to a scratch. I personally play it from the gold tees (7,400 yds) however I take a beating every time. The greens are all elevated and cut very short. One must truly be in top form or scores may get out of hand. If you like a challenge I would really recommend the course, however if you are looking for a relaxed round you might prefer one of the other courses that are less difficult. Price: Expensive Bonus Course: Punta Espada: Although few people have been able to get on the course, I was lucky enough to be invited here. I have never played a course that I have enjoyed more than this Nicklaus design. The views, maintenance, and staff is unparallel. This course is the first of the ultra exclusive Cap Cana project located outside Punta Cana. If you agree with any of my comments as to the courses that I described, do the impossible and get on this course; I promise you will not regret it debbiesdominicantravel.com