Jack Nicklaus Signature Design the First 18-Hole Layout in Texas with Pure Distinction Greens
(BOERNE, Texas) – Cordillera Ranch – the acclaimed and top-rated luxury golf club and community in the Texas Hill Country – re-opens its Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course following a greens conversion to Pure Distinction bentgrass.
The project, which began in September, included re-sodding each putting surface with the innovative Pure Distinction bentgrass. Developed 15 years ago, Pure Distinction is fast becoming the premier strain, offering the exceptional roll unique to bentgrass, enhanced traits that tolerate heat, humidity and disease more effectively, and a density so tight it mitigates encroachment from other aggressive and unwanted grasses such as poa annua.
Through the re-surfacing, Cordillera Ranch becomes the only Lone Star State layout with Pure Distinction on all its greens. Other elite private clubs with Pure Distinction putting surfaces include major championship venue Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa and Essex Golf and Country Club in Canada, often considered one of the top-100 courses in the world.
“We first witnessed the superb conditions of Pure Distinction on a putting green at Vaquero Country Club in Southlake where they have been testing the turf’s qualities,” says Charlie Hill, President and CEO of DH Investments, the developer of Cordillera Ranch. “The turf looked and rolled so exceptional it almost didn’t appear to be real.
“We then tested it by installing Pure Distinction on two holes on the course that have some of the tougher microclimates this past August, which, given the extended summer last year, put the grass’s tolerance to a tough early test. The turf passed with flying colors – it looked incredibly healthy even after two months of above-average heat and humidity. It’s a super-aggressive growing grass, hardy, has strong roots and tolerates the summer heat better than other bentgrass.”
During the course’s closure, Cordillera Ranch tackled other projects such as drainage improvements, tree trimming and clearing. These projects will help improve the grass-growing environment and playability of the course for many years.
“With a project like this, we wanted to be sure we encompassed everything – from the soil below to the grass on top – and that we did it right,” Hill adds. “The new greens will enhance the golf experience for our members and their guests, and enhance our standing as one of the best courses in Texas.”
Stretching to over 7,400 yards for those wanting the ultimate test or 6,800 yards for the member looking to enjoy a challenge while soaking in the Texas Hill Country views, Cordillera Ranch’s golf course meanders along ridges and through valleys and oak-covered terrain. Many holes offer long views of the Guadalupe River Valley and feature strategic bunkering, craggy limestone outcroppings and canyons, winding creeks and thought-provoking risk-reward shots. The Dallas Morning News consistently ranks the Cordillera Ranch golf course in the top-10 of its Texas Golf ranking of the state’s best layouts, and lists the par-3 16th hole among the state’s “Best” and “Most Beautiful” golf holes.
Re-sodding its greens with Pure Distinction is another example of Cordillera Ranch setting the standard for upscale private golf clubs and communities. Cordillera Ranch pioneered the on-site, resort-style clubs and amenities that is now prevalent among the newer clubs, and was one of the first in Texas to feature the drought-tolerant Zeon Zoysia on the golf course’s fairways and tees.
“Traditionally, clubs that resurface the greens elect to go the more cost-efficient route of seeding them; however, we evaluated the options and determined that we wanted to get the course re-opened as fast as possible,” says Marc DeWall, General Manager of the Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. “We felt we could open in 2-3 months, if we re-sodded while seeding it would have probably taken 5 to 7 months. Despite the significant additional investment, it was worth it to get the course back in play quickly for members and their guests.”
In 2019, the community unveiled several new or updated amenities for its members. Situated on the third hole of the golf course and a short golf cart ride from its award-winning clubhouse, The Lodges at Cordillera Ranch opened this past August and provide upscale accommodations for members and their guests.
The newly opened Golf Performance Center at Cordillera Ranch offers two hitting bays, one featuring a Flightscope Launch Monitor and a three-camera system. The Golf Performance Center at Cordillera Ranch also is one of the few facilities in Texas to feature the Swing Catalyst 3D Motion Plate.
The club’s fitness center was recently renovated, complete with a reconfiguration of the facility, new program offerings and updated exercise equipment. The Vista Office and Visitor Center, housing the offices of Cordillera Ranch Realty, DH Investment Company, Pasadera Builders and the Cordillera Ranch Property Owners Association, also recently opened.
Cordillera Ranch has earned a reputation as one of the country’s finest upscale communities. Nearly 800 homes are completed (and more than 1,300 lot sales) in the community. At final build-out, Cordillera Ranch will total approximately 2,500 homes and preserve 80% of the land in its natural state.
For more information: www.cordilleraranch.com, 888.66.RANCH.
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