93 Photo: Cracknell Landscape Architecture animals have already been attracted to those lakes.” The lakes will also serve as reservoirs for irrigation during months of dry weather. “That particular fact is quite a paradox because the very heavy downpours during the monsoon season erode many slopes and newly created landforms on the golf course,” said Harradine. “To avoid erosion, all steep slopes have been planted with natural local vegetation or grass. We have also provided an elaborate, intricate and substantial drainage system that feeds into the many lakes.” Harradine notes that while the site’s elevation change and natural features guided the design, they also tested him as an architect. “The final decisions on the levels of the surrounding real estate, clubhouse and landforms within the golf course required some clever calculations,” he said. “Locating the clubhouse was a big decision. We finally placed it at the end of a deep valley, which was left as it is and gives golfers and guests a good idea of the original site.” The tees for the first hole and the eighteenth green are located on one side of the valley, while the ninth green and tenth tees are on the other side, all close to the central clubhouse. “The course will be challenging although we have designed many bailout areas and multiple tees,” said Harradine. “It will be one of those courses where the players will rise to the challenge and return many times to master it. Numerous elevated tees will produce a daunting and surprising effect, although the holes are more intimidating than they seem. I can safely say that the course will be playable for all abilities.” The fairways feature Pure Dynasty paspalum, and the greens are Platinum TE paspalum, both supplied by Atlas Turf International and Pure Seed. “We used both varieties before and upon an in-depth study of local conditions and found them to be the right grass for that site,” said Harradine. “The city and course will cater to the ‘well-to-do’ Pakistani diaspora although the many golfers playing and living in Pakistan will definitely want to try this incredible track. Thanks to the British Army and civil service, golf is actually quite popular in Pakistan and our layout will only enhance this incredible sport. I’m not being facetious when I declare that this course, when complete, should be classified within the top 100 in the world.” The full eighteen and clubhouse are expected to open by April 2028. For more photos and insight from Harradine, visit the GCA website. A visualisation of what the Capital Smart City development will look like
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