RIQUELME - THE CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE
As with all Nicklaus designed courses the environmental impact is a priority and at Hacienda Riquelme its no exception, through the green areas Paspalum varieties of grasses are used which decreases the need for large amounts of fresh water.
With the resort being surrounded by olive groves these tress have been incorporated into the design along with wild flower meadows and large lakes. With wider than normal fairways to make you feel at ease don’t be fooled this is probably the most challenging course of the Nicklaus Trail. The bunkering has a rugged look not normally associated with a resort course manicured look, many bunkers can be found up to 3 mtrs deep.
The texture of the greens will sure be a talking point again unfound on any of the other trail courses, their bold but sometimes subtle contours and different tiers make it crucial for golfers to play to the correct areas of the greens to allow the easiest chance to successfully complete the hole.
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The 9th with the lake on the right bordering the full length of the hole, the tee shot that has the slightest of the golfers most dreaded cut shot will surely find the water. Whether then playing in regulation or under penalty you have the green protected by water and those rugged bunkers.
The 18th is even more difficult, try missing the lake to the left from you tee shot that has to carry a distant over reed beds to the narrowest fairway on the course and fairway bunkers that will surely intimidate. If you can find the middle of the fairway you may be lucky to gain some advantage from the slightly sloping fairway to leave a short to mid iron to the long narrow green but find the correct elevation or leave yourself with a very difficult regulation par.