Construction is underway in Benin, West Africa, to build Cotonou Golf Club, the country’s first 18-hole golf course. French construction firm Gregori International and golf course architect Jeremy Pern have meticulously chosen the turfgrass for the project. After comprehensive testing, Pure Dynasty Seeded Paspalum from Atlas Turf International and Pure Seed emerged as the optimal choice.
The site’s environmental challenges are considerable.
“The golf course site is situated several hundred meters from the ocean, on low-lying sand dunes surrounded by salt marshes and mangrove swamps with no access to fresh water,” explained Pern. “The salt content of the available (brackish) irrigation system water supply is variable between dry to wet seasons, but universally high.”
To ensure the selection of a resilient turfgrass, various types were rigorously tested.
“At the very start of the project, experimental plots were established to evaluate the differing levels of salt tolerance of several different grass varieties and irrigation regimes. Pure Dynasty stood out as, by far, the most salt tolerant of the grasses tested. The choice of wall-to-wall Pure Dynasty was a no brainer,” said Pern.
Pure Dynasty stood out as, by far, the most salt tolerant of the grasses tested. The choice of wall-to-wall Pure Dynasty was a no brainer.
Jeremy Pern, Golf Course Architect
“Grassing started late last year, following extensive earthmoving to ensure that the playing areas of the site were all well above the water table. The soil profile of the site consisted of free-draining silica sand with a variable organic matter content estimated overall around 15-25%. The final root zone layer on all the playing areas was not dissimilar to the USGA greens specifications.”
As the grassing process nears completion, Pure Dynasty has consistently exceeded expectations.
“The results so far have been impressive – the grass seems to thrive on salt! Rapid establishment, vigorous (aggressive!) growth, resulting in rapid infilling of the sward, which has allowed for the banks of the lakes and the steep bunker-surround slopes to achieve excellent grass cover faster than I have seen before,” noted Pern.
The grass (Pure Dynasty) seems to thrive on salt!
Jeremy Pern, Golf Course Architect
“To be honest, I was dubious that the claims of salt tolerance could be met in the extreme conditions that we were faced with, and frankly, I am surprised by the results, which have so far exceeded my original expectations. If things continue as they have begun, we will end up with remarkable, if not exceptional, playing surfaces on this course.”
For further insights from Architect Jeremy Pern and Gregori International CEO Xavier Gregori, check out Golf Course Architecture’s recent article on Contonou Golf Club.
Photos courtesy of Gregori International
