I’ve been fortunate that golf has really taken me around the globe. After college, I traveled extensively, playing in various international women’s golf tournaments and experiencing different people, cultures and ways of life. Some experiences were easier than others, and some were so much fun that it’s hard to describe.
Now that my son is 17 and playing tournament golf, I have the opportunity to travel with him to his events and occasionally play golf alongside him at some incredible destinations.
Recently, we traveled to the Dominican Republic for a 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 next day, my son played a practice round and certainly didn’t need his mom to follow him around all day. So, I decided to take a trip to Casa de Campo to play The Teeth of the Dog. I had heard so much about the course over the years that I couldn’t wait to experience it myself.
Here are some of my tips and why I believe you should seriously consider a golf trip abroad.
1. Fantastic view
The stunning coastal scenery alone makes these trips worthwhile. It’s hard to put into words how beautiful the views are and how impressive the course designs can be.
At Corales, even the holes away from the water were carefully designed, challenging and visually stunning. Each hole felt unique and the overall experience was memorable.
2. Getting out of your comfort zone
Traveling to another country where another language is spoken can be exciting and challenging.
While many travelers can arrange 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 ran into a small problem when I got to a payment booth that asked for pesos instead of US dollars. After receiving change from a helpful security guard, I was on my way.
Moments like these require a bit of troubleshooting, 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 met, inside and outside the resort, was extremely 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 tried to speak Spanish despite our limited abilities.
By the end of the trip, our Spanish had improved significantly. In fact, I found myself missing the chance to talk to him after we got home.
4. Caddy program
Teeth of the Dog is as beautiful as its reputation suggests. The oceanfront holes are breathtaking and the course itself is outstanding.
I played in the afternoon so the course was relatively quiet. I was paired with a wonderful caddy who made the experience even more enjoyable. The ability to walk the course taking advantage of his local knowledge added another dimension to the round.
He gained my trust very quickly. Having been there for 23 years, he offered excellent advice from the very first hole. Later in the round, I faced a blind shot. He told me exactly where to aim and how far to hit it. Honestly, I never would have chosen that line myself.
Luckily, my second shot on that par 4 found the bottom of the cup for an eagle. I think my caddy 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 rambled, but his advice was absolutely essential.
5. Eternal memories
I love photography in general, but I find myself taking even more photos when I travel to golf. Looking at those photos 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 go back to the Dominican Republic in a heartbeat. We had a great trip, my son played well in his tournament and we made memories that will last a lifetime. It was a win all around.
