Bill Newton, a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) for six years, recently took on his first role as lead superintendent at Coronado Country Club in El Paso. He arrived in March during a significant renovation of the greens and bunkers designed by architect Bill Bergin. Transitioning from Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona, where the air is much drier, he has had to adapt to the unexpected humidity levels in El Paso, sometimes reaching 60%.
Shortly after his arrival, Heritage Links began seeding new putting surfaces with a 777 bentgrass blend. Though he feels comfortable in his new position, Newton noted that the greens became “puffy” after a series of storms in July due to the nitrogen released by lightning. He explained that the nitrogen becomes more available to plants after lightning strikes, which requires adjustments in fertilization practices.
While Newton was managing operations at Desert Mountain four months ago, his predecessor at Coronado was addressing damaged greens after an agronomic issue. Club President Mark Cossentino revealed that the club’s previous push-up greens struggled with salt flush due to the effluent used for irrigation and featured various strains of poa annua. Recognizing the need for new putting surfaces, the board had already decided to rebuild them prior to the mishap.
In January 2024, the club hired Bergin to oversee the renovation, with construction led by Heritage Links. The project proceeded rapidly, with the last green planted by June 3 and all bunkers, cart paths, and tees completed in the interim.
Newton impressed club officials with his agronomic knowledge and high energy. Cossentino praised the renovation, expressing excitement for the upcoming Capers Tournament in late September, highlighting the professionalism of Heritage Links and Bergin’s innovative designs.
Improving the putting surfaces has been a priority for the club. Past experiences with course renovations, including those managed by Bergin at other locations, informed Cossentino’s understanding of the design challenges faced at Coronado, which was built in the late 1950s on a mountainous terrain. The previous green complexes led to issues with playability, prompting the need for a redesign that would add flexibility and improved conditions for golfers.
Bergin emphasized the new design, which accommodates less-than-perfect shots and enhances the stunning scenery surrounding the course. He noted that the original greens created difficulties that were not conducive to an enjoyable golfing experience. The new design includes more pin placements and improved slopes, aligning with the modern capabilities of bentgrass.
As Newton navigated his new role, he faced the pressure of a transformation on a challenging course. He was tasked with caring for the newly planted greens, surrounding areas, and ensuring their successful growth. The project introduced several challenges, including high temperatures and strong winds during the summer months, but Newton remained focused.
Despite having never served as the head superintendent at a full-length course before, Newton leveraged his past experiences with greens maintenance and bunker renovations to adapt quickly. He successfully managed the seeding of the greens, ensuring healthy growth despite setbacks caused by a pump station failure.
Newton expressed pride in the dedication of his team, who promptly identified and treated plant health issues like pythium and brown patch, demonstrating commitment and expertise. By August, as the timeline for the tournament approached, the daily routines for maintaining the course began to stabilize, allowing Newton to reflect on the wild ride he has experienced thus far.
He expressed gratitude for the collaborative support he received from both the club and the renovation team, acknowledging that their commitment has been integral to the project’s progress.