Anfi Tauro is the brainchild of Norwegian industrialist Bjorn Lyng (who recently passed away). Like so many clients, Sr. Lyng was intellegent, creative and intuitive. The opportunity to work with him was truly an honor.
Javier Suarez (left) Anfi Tauro project manager and Sr. Lyng (center) founder of Anfi.
This is the second "Anfi" resort in Gran Canaria, Anfi Del Mar being the first resort. Anfi Tauro will eventually have 7,000 "beds" - which will be a combination of individual bungalows, apartments and hotels. There is also a new marina and commercial center planned.
Construction of the golf course has been a daunting experience, including moving more than 3,000,000 cubic meters of rock and sand. As an example: Hole #6 (shown above) is built on a plateau that was once a mountain (30 meters of rock was removed to provide views from within the resort - to the sea).
The construction process started with a Norwegian contractor (Jan Syltern). We have had several different superintendent and shaper changes over the years. It has been a real mix of talent, experience and personalities. Today, most of the construction crew is "in-house", with the exception of Dennis Tocquigny, who has previously worked several of our projects around the world. Dennis is a master golf course builder and superintendent. He brings dedication and expert talent to each project, critical to the construction process.
PHOTO: Dennis demonstrating how to properly operate a "sacho" - a uniquely Canarian "digging" tool or shovel. At first, we couldn't understand why we couldn't find a sacho with a longer handle, that would be more comfortable for the workers. The answer was: the short handle keeps the workers eyes pointed down - fewer distractions = more work. (Okay, but what about the workers backs?)
We deal with all the normal "island" issues related to sources supplies and equipment. On top of this, we are working with desalinated water for irrigation. Anfi started out as our first course with Paspalum (Salam and SeaIsle 2000) . We are still learning with this grass but I am optimistic about the possiblities/potential, especially under difficult (water) conditions such as Anfi. It is a "thatchy" grass and the stiff and upright growing habit provides good lie every time. The ball likely sits up too much for a purist and it may produce some "fliers". But, the average and beginning golfers will probably love this characteristic. The "thatchy" tendancy of this grass tends to recieve shots softly, not providing for much roll. This is a consideration, when changing grasses near the green. The ball tends to stop quickly in the Paspalum, where it will roll-out in the bentgrass. The "reaction differentiation" can be awkward and inequitable.
The putting surfaces are Bentgrass, which works well in this locale, since the evenings are fairly cool. The stress period is from June to the first of September, when temperatures are high in the afternoon. But, there is normally good air movement to counteract the heat, and humidity is relatively low most of the time.
Paspalum sprigging on hole #2
Meanwhile, construction continues on the 2nd - 9 holes, which is slated for completion next year. Above is a picture of the Paspalum sprigging process.
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