Developments
Sustainable Golf Renovation
27 bunkers (approx 35% of the total number of bunkers) removed from the golf course with annual audits to assess future numbers.
Total modernisation of irrigation system with a goal of reducing the volume of water used annually by 30%.
The Shoco is endemic to Aruba and over the years has become endangered and is also the regarded national animal of the island. Tierra del Sol will increase the number of artificial nests on site by over 80%.
All greens and tees returned to their origonal size and design in order to minimise pressure on turf health and in turn, reduce fertilser and pesticides.
Tierra del Sol Golf Course, Aruba’s only 18-hole course, is located at the island's northern tip, offering stunning Caribbean Sea views. Known as the “Beverly Hills” of Aruba, it is a popular spot for locals and tourists.
In 2024, the course underwent a major renovation. With a project team made up of club management, superintendants and Greenball Golf Construction the project was able to move smoothly and efficiently with targeted actions leading to significant results.
During a site visit, the course’s unique qualities and the commitment to sustainability was evident. With the goal of becoming a flagship for sustainable golf and a top 20 Caribbean golf destination, Tierra del Sol focused on four key renovation areas: tee and green regeneration, irrigation modernization, bunker redesign, and enhancing habitats for the rare and endemic Shoco Owl.
The whole team collaboration around sustainability helped short and long term mapping of the course's priority issues, as well as identify future major and minor projects to futureproof the course. Positive conversations with local NGOs, community stakeholders and the supply chain were crucial in this roadmapping process.
By placing this focus on sustainability, the club aims to improve playing conditions, celebrate local nature and conserve resources, setting a clear path for a greener future.
Working with GEO allowed us to take a structured and science-based approach to our renovation. Their expertise helped us identify key areas for environmental improvement, streamline our water and energy usage, and adopt best practices that align with international sustainability standards. The benefits go beyond just the course—our entire operation has become more efficient and environmentally responsible, which is a win for both our business and the natural beauty of Aruba.
Arnaud le Lanchon, General Manager Iberostar Aruba
Tierra del Sol previously had a large number of bunkers on a course where wind was a strong defence to the course. The designers looked to remove ~30-40% of the bunkers on the course, significantly altering its strategy and making it more accessible to high handicap and new golfers. The original large, sweeping bunkers were replaced with more natural, rugged designs that sat more comfortably with the surrounding landscape, enhancing the course's overall aesthetic.
This reduction not only improves playability but also cuts the volume of silica sand imported, saving both carbon emissions and costs. The design change, removing turfed edging in places, also makes bunker maintenance more efficient, reducing the time spent for diesel-powered mowers and softening the backsides of bunkers into the native landscapes.
The greens were restored to their original size after incremental shrinking over the years. Larger greens will mean more pin positions, closer to original design intent and reducing foot traffic pressure on the turf, which helps prevent disease and pest issues. The use of a newer turfgrass strain better suited to the climate will also decrease the water demand.
The tee boxes, previously raised and domed, were lowered to their original design level and widened to further reduce wear on the turf. This change, aligned with the course's original design, also makes maintenance faster and easier with more flexibility for the superintendent in the course’s setup. The widened tees will still remain as island tees to minimise the turfgrass footprint, with native habitat areas providing corridors for local fauna, promoting connectivity between habitat patches on the course.
Over the years as more of the island have become developed, Tierra del Sol has become a more important habitat for the endemic and rare Shoco Owl to nest, feed and mate. The club have built partnerships with the Aruba Bird Conservation (ABC) to create safe nesting areas around the site in a bid to return the population to a stable number.
With a look to the future, Tierra del Sol hopes to become a Nature Reserve for the Shoco Owl using the golf course and golf landscape as a way of enhancing the species number and giving golfers a unique experience of playing alongside the rare species. The owls desire to burrow its nest into open sandy areas did cause delays through the renovation construction while working alongside ABC to ensure that there was no negative impact on the birds.
For a number of years, the course had struggled with an outdated irrigation system, featuring parts from multiple suppliers, which led to inefficiencies and frequent repair issues. Recognizing this as a priority project, the club carried out a full re-design to completely overhaul the system. The upgrade involved replacing all sprinkler heads, pipes, lines, and pumps.
While the project involved significant upfront costs, long-term savings on water and energy will be realised as well as improved turf conditions. The new system will use less water, thanks to more efficient sprinkler heads with greater reach and more uniform distribution. The new vari-speed pump will reduce electricity usage, further lowering operational costs. Overall, the upgrade ensures better water management, improved irrigation efficiency, and long-term financial savings.
After spending time at the site, it struck me just how exceptional this location is and how the natural surroundings could complement the game of golf. The dedication of the Tierra del Sol team to sustainability stood out, as they strived to create a golf course that benefits not only their players but also the local flora and fauna. As a club, they are clearly on a promising path toward a sustainable and successful future and we are very happy to be on that path with them.
Tyler Annan, Project Manager GEO Developments
Below is a series of Sustainable Golf Highlights uploaded by the club, detailing some of the great work that is currently being carried on and around the course.
A selection of news features and pictures taken during the renovation can be seen here following the Tierra del Sol renovation and its continued sustainable golf journey.
When In Aruba
Tierra del Sol's 18-hole Championship Golf Course Renovation Update
Tierra del Sol Resort & Golf is Aruba’s largest master-planned, gated community featuring 600 acres of gorgeous landscapes fetchingly arranged around an 18-hole championship golf-course basking in the Caribbean sun.
Link: https://wheninaruba.com/blog/tierra-del-sols-18-hole-championship-golf-course-renovation-update/
Aruba Today
Tierra del Sol Golf Course by Iberostar Celebrates Its Grand Re-Opening with a Day of tournament and Celebration
A selection of summary reports produced as the renovation work has progressed.
