St. Kitts, West Indies (October XX, 2013) – Winding among the organic farmland of St. Kitts’ luxurious new sustainable development, Kittitian Hill, sits the world’s most edible golf course, Irie Fields. Designed by legendary pro-golfer and course designer Ian Woosnam in collaboration with European Golf Design, this challenging 18-hole course blends seamlessly into a tropical organic fruit farm, setting a new standard for sustainable golf while positioning St. Kitts & Nevis as a premier golf destination. The first nine-holes are set to debut spring 2014.
Woosnam describes Irie Fields as a “tropical, mountainside course with traditional styled bunkering, gently undulating fairways and rolling greens’’. Indeed, Irie Fields offers a true Caribbean golf experience, with breathtaking sea views, lush landscape and a laid back vibe that lives up to its namesake “Irie” - meaning at peace. Elevated on the northern slope of Mount Liamuiga, the course offers wide-ranging views across the sea on one side and tropical forest on the other.
The ingenious design of this challenging 72-par course blurs the boundaries between the greens and the farm, using natural obstacles for play. As Woosnam explains, “unlike other courses in the region, Irie Fields will have no water hazards, but instead will utilize the hilly terrain and multiple ghauts (ravines), which cross the site to provide interest and excitement”.
In addition, areas between and around the holes, which would normally be landscaped, are being used to grow produce for use at the resort making Irie Fields one of the world’s very first farmable courses. The farm staff at Kittitian Hill spent several years collecting and growing a wide variety of fruit trees, including approximately 100 varieties of mangos and 25 varieties of avocados from all around the Caribbean that have been planted among the land’s abundance of existing mango, breadfruit and banana trees.
Irie Fields will also feature an academy and training facility where golfers can improve their game. The facility includes numerous putting and chipping greens and a full length driving range that plays towards the Caribbean Sea and the islands of St. Barths and St. Maarten, which can be seen on the horizon.
With a strong commitment to sustainability the course will be 100 percent organically maintained with special measures put in place to reduce the amount of additional irrigation water required. Community being one of the four pillars of sustainability, the course will also provide employment opportunities for those in the region including caddying, maintenance of the golf course as well as farming and harvesting of the edible landscape. Local caddies and guides from the golf academy and training facility will be available to share their tips for play as well as point out where the ripest, juiciest fruit is ready to pick and enjoy. “Pick-Me” signs throughout the course will offer a delectable detour after a day of play.
Irie Fields green fees from USD125 for Kittitian Hill hotel and villa guests; USD140 for non-Kittitian Hill guests and all fees are exclusive of carts and subject to change.
About Kittitian Hill:
Kittitian Hill is a $600 million hospitality and real estate destination anchored in the holistic philosophy of sustainability, authenticity and a shared belief that status is not signaled by possessions but rather by a commitment to one’s community and its culture. The destination is founded on the four cornerstones of sustainability – cultural, economic, social and ecological.
Kittitian Hill is an organic community built by Kittitians with a visionary leader paving the way and inviting individuals to join his journey, discover the natural beauty of the West Indies and participate in a long term project for years to come. www.kittitianhill.com
About St. Kitts:
St. Kitts is currently ranked at #2 in a list of the 16 Best Caribbean Vacations and #4 in a list of the 12 Best Islands in the World by US News & World Report. St. Kitts is one of the most fascinating spots in the Caribbean and is part of the twin-federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, with populations of 31,800 and 10,000 respectively. Also, characterized by its abundant vegetation, more than a quarter of the 69 square mile island is listed as a National park. http://www.stkittstourism.kn/
About Ian Woosnam:
Ian Woosnam (Woosie) OBE, professional golfer and golf course designer, was born in Oswestry, Shropshire, England on March 2, 1958. Ian is famous for his powerful hitting, competitiveness and his natural ability to control the ball both ways. Since his maiden Tour victory at the Swiss Open in 1982, Ian Woosnam has had a glittering career, resulting in 47 worldwide tournament victories, including the US Masters at Augusta in 1991 and the 2006 Ryder Cup where he led Team Europe to victory as captain. http://www.woosie.com/
European Golf Design:
European Golf Design was established in 1992 as a Joint Venture between the European Tour and IMG. The company has earned a reputation for producing successful resort, members and tournament golf courses, on schedule and within budget. Three of their courses have been voted best new course in Europe and two are named in the top 100 courses in the World. They have won design commissions throughout Europe and beyond to Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia.
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