77 Photo: Cheah Kok Aik and massive bunkering at times, punctuated with bahia grass islands,” says Curley. “The streams dominate many holes and the overall landscape, as they can be seen from many angles due to the elevation change.” Some earthmoving was inevitable to create a playable golf course, as Curley explains: “The terrain is very severe in some places, so we did move a little under 500,000 cubic metres of dirt, which may sound big compared to many sites but I feel we got a lot out of a tough site with a relatively modest earthmoving effort given the terrain. The results mean dramatic views are incorporated at most holes, with all holes looking very natural, something most visitors comment on, which is always a compliment.” The project was originally planned as 27 holes, incorporating some land in a second, lower valley. “While this is a very dramatic setting with a good-sized stream, it also caused long connection issues between greens and tees, due to a significant slope, says Curley. “This land was also less open to breezes and can get stagnant and hot.” The change to 18 holes saw the elimination of five holes that had been planned for this area, and a reworking of the holes on the rest of the site. Curley sought to maximise the potential offered by the varied and expansive landscape. “The course has a heap of great par threes, all with dramatic backdrops and distinct character, while Brian Curley’s design embraces the site’s significant elevation change and natural features
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