Huge earthworks were required to flatten a rise directly south of the real estate development and give homeowners views out across the lakes and to the course. The fill was relocated to the southern portion of the property, where the land previously fell steeply towards the boundary highlights of this stretch are the snaking par-five fifth, where three thoughtful and accurate shots will be required to cover its gently climbing 580 yards, and the fifth and sixth; respectively a long and a short par four, both with water to the right of the green. The back nine is shaped and will be grassed in 2023. Holes fourteen to seventeen lie on the very western portion of the property, which was previously occupied by the nine-hole Somosaguas course. The mature umbrella pines in this area, and those that frame the tenth and thirteenth greens, will give the back nine a very different character to the front, at least until the 1,200 pine saplings that have been planted are much more established. The island par-three fifteenth pays tribute to the architects’ mentor Pete Dye and from the back tees plays at the same distance, 137 yards, as the seventeenth at TPC Sawgrass. “There was some concern that it could be too penal for the membership,” says Marco Martin. “But from our front tees it’s less than 70 yards, so every player will have a fair chance to hit it.” The island will be a highlight for many, but the sixteenth is also very memorable, with water again dominating the hole. The tee shot plays over the edge of the previous hole’s lake to a landing area protected on the left by more water. But that side of the fairway provides the best window of approach through the pines to a green that sits on the edge of a third lake. The picturesque yet long par-three seventeenth brings golfers to the final “ The island par-three fifteenth pays tribute to the architects’ mentor Pete Dye” 59 Image: Stirling & Martin
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