83 Fairways are wide, bunkers have mainly been located at landing areas for the longer hitters, and greens are expansive, although Pern says there are one or two “devilish” pin positions that could be used. “A golf course is like a symphony with 18 movements to be discerned individually but judged as a whole,” says Pern. “Rhythm of play should rise and fall in a measured fashion; the occasional quiet spell, a gradual build up, and then a crescendo and memorable finale. I have created a diverse assortment of holes, and each has its own distinct character, specifically designed to be part of a larger but coherent composition. “Like all seaside courses, wind is a big factor so club selection will present its own complexity. Whilst water is ever present, and admittedly on some holes a very direct threat, it is more often a lurking menace than an insurmountable obstacle.” The 142-yard, par-three fifth, the shortest hole on the course, encapsulates the influence of wind and water, with an accurate shot needed to hit a narrow green. At the 600-yard twelfth, a very wide and windswept fairway is flanked by water and sandy waste areas. “The fourth is a cosy par four playing into wind with a long, narrow and undulating green backed on three sides by a lake, close enough to threaten but far enough away to pardon all but the most erratic approach shot,” says Pern. “The finishing hole is the crescendo, with discreet but sometimes hidden surprises. The 480-yard par four – or a short par five for the less ambitious – plays into the wind, has no water but lots of bunkers surrounding an enormous green, a fitting end to the symphony.” Ouidah is not exclusively aimed at tourists or high-income players, says Fomi, it has a strong commitment to develop golf at a local level. “Particular attention has been given to training local players and creating opportunities for a new generation of young Beninese golfing talent to emerge,” she adds. “Ouidah Golf Club is expected to play an important role in establishing partnerships with schools and educational institutions, thereby supporting the long-term development of golf participation in Benin.” Pern describes the project as “a golf architect’s dream”, whether that be the large and ecologically rich site, the lack of interference from the client or unlimited water supply. And given the government’s tourism mandate, the development also benefitted from swift processes for permitting and construction. “During a 50-year career in golf course design, this project stands out,” says Pern. “From my very first visit to the course being in play usually takes five, 10 or 20 years. Here, we did it all in less than two!” “ A golf course is like a symphony with 18 movements to be discerned individually but judged as a whole” Jeremy Pern describes the project as ‘a golf architect’s dream’ OUIDAH Photo: Afrikafun Production/ Stephane Brabant
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