| Location: |
Cancun, Mexico |
| Description: |
This 7,165-yard, par-72 Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is a true championship course. Its dynamic layout requires golfers to navigate through native Mayan vegetation as well as numerous wetlands and strategically placed bunkers. |
| Architect: |
Jack Nicklaus |
| Contractor: |
National Golf Construction S.A. de C.V. |
| Scope: |
— |
| Project Duration: |
8 Months (February 2002 – September 2002) |
| Grand Opening: |
December 2002 |
| Challenge: |
Selection of a Cultivar, which would tolerate a wide range of salinity levels, from 300 ppm, to 30,000 ppm. |
| Turfgrass: |
Sea Isle 1 (all areas – save greens surfaces) |
| Grassing Method: |
Sea Isle 1 Fairway Nursery Program |
| Installation: |
Manderley’s NTS™ – Natural Turf Systems™ |
| Project Synopsis: |
Initial specifications called for TifWay 419 for all areas, save for the putting surfaces, and TifEagle as the variety for the putting surfaces. The decision to plant a Paspalum variety was made by the designer, Jack Nicklaus, just prior to the importation of the bermuda varieties. This decision was made during a site visit and was a result of a discussion regarding water quality. While the actual water quality was in question at that point, Mr. Nicklaus saw an opportunity to ensure that the turf species selected would accept a wide range of salinity levels, from 300 ppm to 30,000 ppm. This decision, while appearing radical at the time, resulted in a tremendous success story.
Regardless of the species, the proper root zone profile needed to be determined. The Yucatan peninsula is primarily made up of limestone. The native material sets up like concrete when left to the natural elements. Several blends were explored, until a combination of native fine material and a courser material were blended for a root zone cap. The golf course was plated with a 60/40 mix, 40% being of a gravelly sized material in the 1/8” range, at a depth of 11.7”. This blend allowed for an initial infiltration rate of 50” per hour. Excessive by standards, but perfect for future degradation of the mix.
Sea Isle 1 was planted on a 13-acre practice facility on the golf course site to initiate the nursery. After 6 weeks of maturation, the nursery was able to begin harvesting sprigs for the course’s fairways and roughs. After 8 weeks, the thick, white root mass measure 8” and 12” or more was observed in the rough areas. |
| Client Testimonial: |
“In the 25 years I have spent in this industry, I have never been partner to a healthier plant” — Jeffrey V. Wallace, CGCS – Project Director of Golf, Cancun, Mexico |
| Additional Details: |
Not only was the Moon Palace Golf Course the first course in Mexico to use Sea Isle 1 (wall to wall, except for putting surfaces), it was the first to adopt the Fairway Nursery Program. |
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