Design firm Robert Trent Jones II and contactor Landscapes Unlimited have broken ground on the new Max Mandel Municipal Golf Course in the city of Laredo, Texas.

The partnership of RTJ2 and Landscapes won the selection competition to design the course – which has been made possible by a donation of 390 acres of land by the family of Laredo banker Mandel – in the face of more than 30 proposals received by the city.

Management company Foresight Golf was also part of the winning bid, and will operate the course, which has a budget of US$6.6 million. RTJ2 senior architect Mark Voss is leading the design team.

The golf course is being built on 270 acres of the donated land above the Rio Grande. The core layout incorporates two large arroyos (dry creek beds) that traverse the property.