Radisson Cable Beach Resort faces renovation challenges

Golf Course News, Jan 2002 by Joyner, Joel

NEWS

NASSAU, Bahamas - After a $15 million renovation, the Radisson Cable Beach resort is sporting a fresh, modern newlook. The project includes a new 25,000-- square-foot pool with bar, plantings on the grounds, six renovated and re-themed restaurants, a new hotel lobby and guest rooms, and a complete redesign of Nassau's first and oldest course.

The original 18-hole layout was designed and built by Emmet Devereaux in 1928. The layout is being redesigned by architect and course operator Fred Settle, Jr., president of International Golf Design in Clermont, Fla.

"The owners wanted a good resort course that could be enjoyed by all who play the game," said Settle. "The newly designed course will feature spacious fairways guarded by a beautiful network of lakes. The greens will be protected by a series of multiple mounds to create containment.This will actually assist a golfer who occasionally strikes a stray shot.

"The course will have a minimum of sand bunkers but will have a number of grass depressions to create undulation and to properly drain the course from the occasional tropical showers," he continued.

Renovation work on the front nine was complete until Hurricane Michelle struck The Bahamas in early November. Play on the course was scheduled to switch to the front nine while the back nine was closed for renovation.

"We were going to open the new front nine on Christmas Day, and planned on starting the work on the second nine in January," said Settle. "After the storm, it's probably going to be February or March before the new nine opens. We should have the entire course renovated and open by September or October of this year."

One of the major costs for the project included eight-foot concrete cart paths around the tees and greens, according to Bill Endebrock, president of Endebrock-White Co. in West Palm Beach, Fla. "Concrete is expensive in The Bahamas, $117 per cubic yard," he said. "In Florida, it's $48 per cubic yard. It's one of the biggest items on the golf course project."

The par-72 golf course will measure approximately 6,500yards from the back tees and 5,600 yards from the resort tees. The greens will be large and receptive with a minimum of undulation The turfgrass will be Salam Paspalum which can withstand the salty sea breezes and tropical climate year round.