87 CAGUAS GC area and chemical storage area have also been built. “The very first thing we did on site was run a series of water tests on the irrigation pond, associated water ponds and the water from the wastewater treatment plant,” says Sherwood. “The bottom line is we are dealing with a ‘dead’ lake, meaning that the oxygen levels are below sustainable levels for turfgrass. We developed a strategy to revitalise our lake system that would oxygenate our irrigation pond. We also added an acid injection system into our pump system to break down the bicarbonates and salts in the water. Today we are proud to say all irrigation water is back in line with the recommended levels of oxygen required to grow excellent turfgrass.” The finished course will look markedly different from the original, although parts of the layout – particularly the back nine, with its long slopes and elevation changes – will remain familiar to returning players. “We knew going into the project that Caguas Golf Club would remain a public golf course,” says Cupp. “So, the design programme revolved around maintainability and sustainability as much as playability. “Caguas is famous for its rainfall, so creating a course that functions better in that particular environment and requires less recovery time after an event is ultimately better for the bottom line and aesthetics. Severe slopes were softened where possible and we made every effort to improve the infrastructure of the golf course, along with the addition of new maintenance equipment and sound agronomic practices. “Playability is always paramount. Designers walk the line of how to challenge the really good players without smashing in the heads of the average player, and then walk that line backwards of how to create a fun, enjoyable round of golf for the average golfer without creating a ho-hum pushover experience for the good players. So we seek, and hopefully find, a balance. And right now, that balance seems to be found in length, which is why we worked so hard to uncover more yardage for the back tee players.” Caguas Golf Club is now part of a much larger destination called Ignite 360, which includes a golf academy led by teaching professional Erika Larkin, founder of True Swing. Ignite 360 has also created Backspin, a new interactive driving range building. “At a normal range, nongolfers walk out the door and think about golf but have no idea where to go or what to do next,” says Cupp. “In the case of Backspin, the answer is about 400 yards away, at the new Caguas course. In my opinion, this combination could be huge for growing the game.” Ignite 360 also includes pickleball and padel courts, an activity centre with a rooftop venue, an indoor and outdoor restaurant, a cigar lounge, a pro shop, an arcade, batting cages, a 40-suite interactive driving range, mini golf, an entertainment area for children and more. “ The design programme revolved around maintainability and sustainability as much as playability” Image: Caguas Golf Club Cupp has retained John Sanford’s original routing, but has overseen changes to add more yardage to the course, change the location of bunkers and widen fairways
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=