Earlier this month Nick Faldo was in The Dominican Republic visiting Faldo Design’s first golf course project in the Caribbean – the spectacular Roco Ki resort. The company is designing an 18-hole ‘championship standard’ golf course, one which the six-time major winner is confident will become recognised as one of the most visually stunning courses in the region.
The site is situated on a 540-acre stretch of the Dominican Republic’s eastern shore. Nestling adjacent to one of the island’s most beautiful pristine white sand beaches, the course also borders the area’s extensive tropical mangrove forest and rides along an extraordinary headland that juts out into the crystal waters of the Caribbean Sea.
The Faldo course will be the centrepiece of phase one of the Roco Ki complex, a resort development which will be managed by Westin Hotels & Resorts and will feature luxurious accommodation for residents plus an additional 315 guest rooms. “I’m extremely excited about the design opportunities offered by the site at Roco Ki,” enthused Nick Faldo following his visit. “Aesthetically speaking, this will be a highly memorable golfing experience as it’s a truly stunning piece of land and the cliff top holes in particular offer some breathtaking views. I think the layout will also stand out for its strategic qualities. Utilising the wonderful topography, we have designed a real ‘thinking man’s golf course’. Our layout at Roco Ki will be well balanced and full of shot-making options, allowing players of every ability to enjoy a round of golf. I believe it will inspire, challenge and delight in equal measure.”
Faldo Design www.nickfaldo.com