And the mounds that are shaped into the fairways,
are they there purely for aesthetic purposes?
The mounding formed in the fairways fulfils many functions; aesthetics yes, but also emulating the mountainous backdrop, creating interest and playability and controlling the flow of surface water towards the drains. They will also help to bounce the balls back into the fairways and in some instances, if your drive is long enough and bold enough, they will give that extra kick to enable the player to gain a few extra yards so that perhaps approaching a par five in two is possible as in the instance of hole number 5.
Rather than working and trying to shape the soil into a natural formation, in some instances I find that better results are achieved if the soil is roughly placed and allowed to fall and settle naturally without working it. I did this at the rear of the practice range and the 18th hole, and I am delighted with the natural peaked features which blend beautifully with the surroundings.
We move on through an excellent variation of holes whilst Steve explains what needs to be taken into account when designing in such a rugged mountain landscape. It is not acceptable to have blind holes and I tried extremely hard to make sure that visibility from tee to landing area or to green is good. In the instance where visibility is not completely open I have had to use features like mounds and bunkers to create visual guides for the players. I have tried to make it as playable as possible for the many different standards of player at La Zagaleta. It is very difficult without filling the valleys to avoid holes that require a long carry, but I have tried to accommodate all levels of golfer, and especially ladies. I think it will be challenging for the better players who will on occasion be enticed into ‘going for it’. There are definite elements of ‘risk and reward’ on many of the holes. You can drive the green on hole number 3 (carry from tee to green) but be very, very careful, OR you can play down the fairway for a par, the choice is yours.
At first glance the course looks daunting to play, however after driving around the course with Steve, and his explanation of how it was designed to be played, it is a pity that more people will not get to experience what is an undeniable masterpiece of creative and engineering skill. So how would Steve Marnoch sum up the experience of a round on the second course at La Zagaleta? I have tried to build a lot of fun and drama into the holes, and make them playable for the majority. I think there is plenty of variety, and I hope it will be a highly enjoyable experience.
