A new golf course designed by Canadian architect Jason Miller is in construction near Georgetown, the capital of Guyana.
The Timehri Sands course is the vision of the DaSilvas, a Canada-based Guyanese family.
“Their dream is to return full time to Guyana and build an 18-hole golf course that the entire country, locals, international workers and tourists can play,” said Miller. “A clubhouse will accompany this development, which will cater for events and tournaments.”
The Guyana government has supported the project as part of a strategy to diversify its economy, and the Ministry of Sport is planning to host local, national and international events once the course is completed. A new road construction project will make the course, located near Cheddi Jagan International Airport, more accessible from Georgetown.
“The vision for the site, which was an old sand pit weathered by rain and wind, is to soften the outer steeper banks and utilise these higher elevations for a series of tee decks and unique greens complexes that play in and out of the valley zone,” said Miller. “Fairways will roll and tumble throughout the property, separated by tree groupings or sandy wastes zones. These outer slopes will provide great views across the golf course, from tees and greens, as well as the clubhouse.
“Timehri Sands is a throwback to the sand-based golf courses of the past and, as we have recently seen throughout the world, a new Golden Age of golf design on sandy sites.
“The site’s undulations will provide a plethora of lies that will challenge both the ground game, as well as provide the opportunity for an aerial attack on the greens. Angles into the greens will be an important consideration for the low handicap golfers, in order to set up their green strategy and score well.”
The golf course will be seeded with Pure Dynasty paspalum, supplied by Atlas Turf International and Pure Seed.
“We chose Pure Dynasty due to its ability to handle the sub-tropical location, sandy soil, humidity, warm temperatures and rainy periods,” said Miller. “It has a proven track record in these zones. Its upright cut helps to keep the ball up and to make life easier for beginners. It is a warm-season grass and among its benefits, it is salt and wear tolerant, has minimal thatch issues and is easy to maintain.”
Shaping of the opening nine is expected to be complete by the end of 2025, before seeding begins in 2026. Another nine will be built in a second phase. Once 18 holes are complete, the course will be playable from 4,000 to 6,700 yards, with wide fairways to provide strategic angles.
“Timehri Sands will be challenging, with stunning views and strategy,” said Miller. “I can foresee the oil patch crews in the local area playing the course in between long stints on the rig, as well as those visiting on business, especially as the airport is only two kilometres away.
“The country is also seeing a developing and expanding middle class that will have more leisure time, and golf should be well positioned to solicit more local play, too. We hope both the course and the proposed practice facilities will allow locals to learn the game and attract schools, sports groups and international travellers alike.”