Bill Newton, a six-year member of the GCSAA, has embraced his role as the new superintendent at Coronado Country Club in El Paso, Texas. Newton arrived in March and joined the ongoing renovation of the greens and bunkers led by architect Bill Bergin. Having previously worked at Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona, he was surprised by the humidity levels in El Paso, which can reach up to 60%.
“I’m a bit surprised by the humidity: 60% some days. I had no idea it got that moist,” Newton remarked. He was on-site for just six weeks when the new putting surfaces were seeded with a 777 bentgrass blend. While he feels comfortable in his position, the humidity after July storms affected the greens, prompting him to adjust his fertilization strategy due to the availability of nitrogen released by lightning.
In August 2023, while Newton was busy with maintenance at Coronado, his predecessor was handling damaged greens due to an agronomic issue. Club President Mark Cossentino noted that the previous greens struggled with salt buildup from the effluent used for irrigation, which consisted of multiple strains of poa annua. Fortunately, the Board of Directors had already decided to rebuild the putting surfaces before the greens were damaged, turning misfortune into opportunity.
Houston-based Heritage Links was selected to carry out the construction, which began on January 15, 2024, under project manager Sergio Cadengo. Cossentino described the construction process as impressive, with a dedicated team quickly transforming the course.
“Bill knows his agronomy. Very focused and he brought tremendous energy to this project,” stated General Manager George Shook. He added that the club aims to have the course ready for their Capers Tournament in late September, crediting both the hardworking team and the membership for their support during the renovation.
Shook, who has experience with course renovations, highlighted the challenges that the old greens presented, such as limited pin placements and difficult putting conditions. Oscar Rodriguez from Heritage Links praised the club’s decision to hire Bergin for the redesign, emphasizing his ability to address all design issues effectively.
Coronado Country Club is nestled on a steep, mountainous area and faced unique challenges in its renovation since it was originally built in the late 1950s. Bergin highlighted that while the greens were the central design feature, they weren’t functional enough for modern play. His redesign improves flexibility and playing conditions while taking advantage of the course’s stunning surroundings.
Despite the daunting task of managing a course renovation, Newton confidently tackled his responsibilities. He has expressed gratitude for the support he’s received from his team and the Heritage Links professionals, especially during challenges like high winds affecting growing conditions.
As the course heads towards the tournament opening on September 17, Newton celebrates the progress made on the greens and reflects on the invaluable experience of his first superintendent role. He is optimistic about the improvements and proud of his team’s dedication in facing the challenges that arose.