83 which has gained some yardage. The net effect of this, and the removal of some distance for variety, is that around 350 yards have been added to the total length of the course. “One of the more dramatic changes to the course is probably hole six,” says Cupp. “I had planned to create a fun, albeit slightly diabolical, par three but on a tour of the course with Nelson, he thought a large green would be a better solution. A plan was developed and he was absolutely right.” The hole can now play a wide range of distances, as short as 130 yards when the pin is at the front putting surface, the front two-thirds of which forms something of a peninsula, and as long as 175 yards when the pin is at the back. “Another interesting characteristic of hole six is that, while standing on the tee, the player is shielded from the wind by trees,” says Cupp. “Wind direction and velocity can be quite sneaky in this corner of the property, as the breeze tends to swirl in from the mountains, which makes club selection quite challenging.” A key aspect of the project has been to rebuild greens to USGA specifications. This created the opportunity for Cupp to redesign, and in some cases relocate, them. Greens now feature TifEagle bermuda from Atlas Turf International and are built on 12 inches of sand with 10 per cent Profile Porous Ceramic by volume. “We’re excited to support Bobby’s vision for the renovation of Caguas with TifEagle on the greens and Tifway 419 throughout the golf course,” says John Holmes, president of Atlas Turf International. “The combination of thoughtful design, proven turfgrasses and quality construction under Greg Sherwood will provide a strong foundation for the next chapter of Caguas Golf Club.” “The greens have generous pin areas and some challenging spots,” says Cupp. “Sizes vary quite a bit too, and shortgrass areas around the greens have also been incorporated. The redesign led to a reinvention of the course strategy.” That reinvention also extends to the bunkering. “Most of the original bunkers were overgrown or lost to the wild due to The tenth hole at Caguas plays towards the Cordillera Central mountains Photo: Caguas Golf Club
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=