Pure Dynasty Serves as a Key Component in Project Recognized for Environmental Excellence
As the golf industry is experiencing a significant growth phase, attention to environmental impact has never been more critical. Whether new construction or renovation, decision-makers prioritize sustainability, and in many cases, those measures involve the reduction of water usage. More and more often, the turfgrass selected to achieve this purpose and deliver quality playing conditions is seashore paspalum. This was the case at the Four Seasons Resort in Costa Rica as they embarked on a large-scale renovation and chose Pure Dynasty Seeded Paspalum.
Arnold Palmer Design created the Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo nearly twenty years ago. Since then, Golf Digest has ranked it among the “Top 100 Courses Outside the United States.” While the stunning ocean views, elevation changes, and lush forests of the 18-hole, par-72 Peninsula Papagayo provide timeless appeal, plans to modernize the course included strategic changes to enhance play and improve sustainability.
The Audubon-certified course is located in the Guanacaste Conservation Area of Costa Rica, a UNESCO World Heritage site spanning the ocean and rainforest.
Senior Golf Architect Thad Layton took on the project as his last with Arnold Palmer Design before opening his own golf course design firm. Layton employed several tactics to meet the project’s challenges, including installing a new irrigation system, replacing considerable amounts of bermudagrass rough with native grasses, and planting Pure Dynasty seeded paspalum on the greens and fairways.
“Part of the Four Seasons brand and identity focuses on preserving the integrity of the site,” said Layton. “The goal was to reduce irrigation by 20 to 25 percent. Pure Dynasty helped us do that.”
The goal was to reduce irrigation by 20 to 25 percent. Pure Dynasty helped us do that.
Thad Layton, Principal at Thad Layton Design and former Senior Golf Architect of Arnold Palmer Design
The success of the project resulted in recognition for Layton and Peninsula Papagayo as an ASGCA Environmental Excellence Award winner for 2023. The awards spotlight innovative work being done at golf facilities to address environmental needs.
The selection of Pure Dynasty as the turfgrass for greens and fairways came as a joint decision between Layton and the Four Seasons Resort golf course superintendent Jose Ballestero.
“Jose was insistent on using Pure Dynasty, and I was completely on board based on experience and exposure to the product,” said Layton. “It is true to the ethos of less water required and tolerates irrigation with some degree of salinity after establishment.”
The renovation project included two phases to minimize disruption of play. Having a turf nursery of Pure Dynasty facilitated this plan.
“For phase one, the nursery was prepared and seeded in February. We were happy because germination began a week later. By the second week, there was 100 percent coverage, and by the fourth week, we were already mowing,” said Ballestero. “The renovation project started in June, and by August, we planted the 18th green with seed and sprigs from the nursery. The experience was very positive. In less than three months, the green was ready for opening.”
For phase one, the nursery was prepared and seeded in February. We were happy because germination began a week later. By the second week, there was 100 percent coverage, and by the fourth week, we were already mowing.
Jose Ballestero, Four Seasons Resort Golf Course Superintendent
While phase two was not as quick as the first, due in part to record rainfall events, the renovation concluded in late 2023 with the project’s goals met. In addition to the sustainability benefits of Pure Dynasty, the turfgrass also collected praise for its appearance and performance. The playability, dark green color, and striping are favorite features of both Layton and Ballestero.
“The owners and members liked the final result,” said Ballestero. “I understand they are satisfied with what has been achieved in such a short time.”
“Pure Dynasty is a good performer,” said Layton. “The color and striping provide an accent to contour. It really makes things pop more. As for the water savings, it was great to meet our goals. We’re very proud of that. What gets measured gets managed.”
Pure Dynasty Seeded Paspalum is from the breeding program of Pure-Seed Testing, Inc. and is marketed by Atlas Turf International and Pure Seed.
