69 “The Toro Lynx system also gives us precise control over irrigation and allows for individual sprinkler adjustments depending on wind direction and micro-conditions. We’ve installed Infinity heads on greens for ease of maintenance and Flex heads across the rest of the course for consistent performance and the results so far have been great.” Lobb and his team’s thoughts are now focused on the front, which is currently under construction. “It is played mainly in the central land parcel of Somabay but will still have long views of the Red Sea,” says Lobb. “Like the back nine, the front will have a number of teeing locations to cater for all levels and interestingly shaped greens complexes. There will be a few more lakes to bring the water element into the golfing strategy, too.” There are several excellent additional golf facilities (see box) at the resort, which allow visitors to complement an eighteen-hole round with a more casual golfing experience. For those wanting more variety over a longer stay, the Madinat Makadi course, designed by John Sanford, is just up the coast and there are two more (El Gouna and Ancient Sands), north of Hurghada. It may have taken a while, but Somabay’s status as a golf destination is now secured. HIDDEN COVES Photo: Somabay Golf Beyond the eighteen Before opening Hidden Coves, Somabay completed a wide array of golf facilities that are ideal for those wanting to work on their game or enjoy a quicker and more casual round. A 5,000-square-metre short game area (pictured) designed by James Edwards has no less than 27 different zones for dedicated practice. Golfers can replicate every short-game scenario they might face on the course over terrain that combines contours, runoffs, bunkers and tight-lie areas with multiple green complexes in a space that functions as a playground of practice. The layout can even be reconfigured into a par-three loop or a Himalayas-style putting course. Edwards also worked alongside Lobb to redesign the par-three course at the resort. The new layout – which can be set up for foot golf and is floodlit for night play – has nine short holes totalling just over 1,200 yards, complemented by highly contoured and varied green complexes. A double-sided driving range, island-green for hole-in-one contests and comprehensive academy complete the suite of facilities, meeting every golfing need. The front nine will see water in play on five holes Image: Lobb + Partners/Google Earth
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