Redesigned Aurora International course to open next month

Greg Norman Golf Course Design has completed a ‘remastering’ of the golf course at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, located on the Caribbean island of Anguilla.

Originally opened in 2006 as CuisinArt Golf Club, the resort was taken over and renamed by private investment firm Olympus Ventures in December 2020, with both the resort and golf course undergoing a transformation.

Norman and Jason McCoy, his senior designer, have overseen the complete remastering of the course, with the aim of it better reflecting its Caribbean setting. Aurora International is the only golf course on the island and has views across Rendezvous Bay towards the Caribbean Sea.

The project has included re-grassing playing surfaces, new bunkers, reconstruction of tees and greens, removal of overgrown plants, new forward tees, a total renovation of the irrigation system, and some design changes.

Fairways, approaches and tees have been re-grassed with Latitude bermudagrass while green complexes have been resurfaced with TifEagle bermudagrass.

“Our primary objective is that the course continues to be recognised among the best golf courses in the islands for years to come,” said Norman. “Aurora International Golf Club has the optimal characteristics for a championship golf course and following the renovation will be able to host world-class tournaments.”

One of the design features brought back to life at Aurora International is the double green at the second and tenth holes. The par-three second, which measures 194 yards from the back tee, has Rendezvous Beach as a backdrop. “When playing the second you must always start the ball on the left side of the green to allow for the prevailing winds to carry it back to the centre of the green,” said McCoy. “There are three mountain peaks on neighbouring Saint Martin, which are perfect starting targets to remind players to start the ball left. On the left side you get a peek of the tee boxes on the third hole, which is a 525-yard par five heading back into the island.”

The tenth hole is a par five that can play to 590 yards from the back tee, which winds its way down the hillside finishing at the ocean. It has the only forced carry over water for players playing from the forward tee. Players have a short walk to the eleventh’s tee box, which is a 225-yard par three.

The course will open on 1 April.

A new nine-hole short course will be completed in summer 2022, aimed at families and golfers wanting to play a quick round. The short course will have double greens, a short par-four, minimal water features, and a first hole with views of the Caribbean Sea.

Alice ChambersAlice Chambers

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