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.”
Pure Dynasty Seeded Paspalum growing in at Cotonou Golf Club in Benin
“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.”
With the challenges presented at Benin’s Cotonou Golf Club, Pure Dynasty proved to be the most sustainable turfgrass selection. Currently under construction.
“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.
