structures that often incorporate a rounded, dune-inspired roof that is then built into dune landforms. “I was also able to convince the team to shift some hole lengths. For instance, the original ninth was a par five that I pulled back to a par four, freeing up land around the clubhouse for a putting course and a shortgame area. Another move was to eliminate a par three that was mostly surrounded by villas and move it to a new location that plays out to sea in a sand dune expanse. The result is our sixth, a stunning short hole that is my favourite on the course and never existed prior to my involvement. “My favourite tee shot is likely the twelfth, with its almost split fairway featuring a strong sandy gouge that cuts into what is a surprisingly wide fairway,” says Curley. He has incorporated carry dunes on holes five, seven and fourteen. “Without these, tee shots would become repetitive, but the slightly blind aspect brings a very distinct visual.” Curley has set almost every green quite low so they can be approached with a running shot. They have also been built to encourage balls to stay on the putting surface rather than feed away, and the backstops and feeder slopes that allow this also help give each hole its own sense of character. “This is most evident on the massive par-five fifth, where the green is some 70 yards deep and features plateaus and dips,” says Curley. “Players will learn that you can play to spots that direct balls to the flat portions of greens. Variety is key to the overall design, and I believe that holes with individual character are offered from start to finish.” Set on the Red Sea coast, there is the potential for strong winds, so Curley was very conscious of the potential for difficulty among a clientele that will primarily be resort guests. “Most tee shots offer plenty of width but there is always a preferred line of attack to shorten the hole or provide the best angle to a green,” he says. “Width has also been achieved with offsets and irregular turf lines that create angles. Width is there, but it is often hidden behind landforms that appear more intimidating from the tee.” While some holes play alongside or over water, Curley has made a concerted effort for it to not be extremely penal. “There was a strong intention to use turf width and firm sandy expanses to ensure a ‘find your ball’ experience,” he says. “The home stretch offers a wonderful experience with a large island-green site for the fifteenth’s putting surface and sixteenth’s tees, and the home hole playing back to the majestic Foster + Partners clubhouse.” REPORT Curley inherited the routing but made some tweaks to free up land for the par-three sixth, plus a putting green and short-game area near the clubhouse 81 Photo: Red Sea Global
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