As with all Nicklaus designed courses the environmental impact is a priority and at Hacienda Riquelme it’s 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, the 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 appearance with many bunkers found up to three metres 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 score well on the hole.

The 9^th has a lake on the right bordering the full length of the hole; the tee shot that has the slightest of cut 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; a tee shot that must miss the lake to the left and carry a distance over reed beds to the narrowest fairway on the course protected by strategically placed bunkers that will surely intimidate. If you’re lucky enough to find the middle of the fairway, you’re left with a short to mid iron to the long narrow green where you must find the correct elevation or you leave yourself with a very difficult regulation par. We think Jack was having a bad day when this course was drawn up!