Jhomer Darlito Patalot Jr. is the new director of agronomy at Laguna Golf Phuket, situated in Asia’s premier integrated resort destination, Laguna Phuket. With extensive agronomic experience, he outlines his vision to adapt the tropical conditions of Phuket to meet the precision and playability that European golfers expect. His approach focuses on blending sustainability, innovation and local expertise to create a world-class playing experience.

With your extensive experience across Asia, what specific agronomic practices will you bring to Laguna Golf Phuket to ensure the course meets the standards that European golfers expect?

Drawing upon my extensive experience across Asia, I am excited to introduce various agronomic practices at Laguna Golf Phuket, tailored to meet the expectations of discerning European golfers. One of the cornerstone strategies will be implementing a light but frequent approach to maintenance. This methodology emphasises regular agronomic procedures executed with a gentle touch. For instance, instead of the conventional practice of topdressing, we will adopt a technique known as dusting. This process involves applying a thin layer of sand onto the greens, ensuring it does not interfere with the ball’s roll while the sand is visible. This subtle application smooths the surface, providing players with a more accurate putt and enhancing their overall playing experience. Another example of our approach involves the verticutting of playing surfaces. We will utilise a method of light and frequent grooming. This technique mirrors the benefits of verticutting but achieves a finer finish for a pristine playing surface.

Many golfers from Europe are used to different grass and playing conditions. How are you tailoring the course surfaces here to make sure they feel both familiar and uniquely challenging?

At Laguna Golf Phuket, we prioritise key aspects of course management to create an exceptional golfing experience for players from Europe and worldwide. We carefully manage our irrigation and maintenance practices to ensure that the greens and fairways are consistently fast and smooth. Adjusting the cutting height and scheduling aeration creates a smooth putting surface that rolls perfectly while introducing challenges through varying slopes and undulations. We aim to provide a comfortable course that tests golfers’ skills and enhances their overall experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for our course among international players.

What are your immediate priorities for the next 12 months to elevate the fairways, greens, and overall playing experience at Laguna Golf Phuket?

My priorities for the next 12 months are to enhance the fairways, greens and overall playing experience. This will include the following initiatives:

1. Implementing and optimising an efficient irrigation system. This involves monitoring water usage and adjusting schedules based on weather patterns to ensure the course remains lush and playable while conserving resources.

2. Focusing on selecting and maintaining the appropriate grass types for fairways and greens. Regular aeration and pest management will be critical for maintaining a healthy playing surface.

3. Renovating bunkers by evaluating and redesigning them to improve playability and aesthetic appeal. Ensuring optimal sand conditions and proper drainage will also be a priority.

4. Incorporating sustainable practices using more environmentally friendly approaches, such as integrated pest management and organic fertilisers. This not only enhances the quality of the course but also aligns with our sustainability goals.

Weather and climate in south-east Asia are very different from Europe. What are the key challenges in presenting consistently world-class playing surfaces here, and how do you plan to overcome them?

Maintaining high-quality playing surfaces in south-east Asia is challenging due to the region’s unique weather and climate conditions. The high humidity and substantial rainfall can lead to waterlogged soils, which promote turf diseases such as mould and fungus. To tackle these issues, we install proper drainage systems and implement regular monitoring to manage soil moisture levels effectively. We also choose heat-resistant grass varieties that are well-suited to the environment and climate. Our maintenance plan also includes appropriate fertilisation and irrigation schedules to ensure the grass thrives under these conditions.

A big part of success in agronomy is the team on the ground. How do you plan to recruit, train and develop local greenkeepers so they can deliver to the standards you’re aiming for?

One important lesson I’ve learned in this business is that your strength ultimately relies on your team, regardless of how skilled you may be. Prioritising the team’s well-being and valuing their opinions is essential for effective collaboration. At Laguna Golf Phuket, we are encouraged to empower our supervisors and team leaders, allowing them to make decisions independently. This approach fosters decisiveness and instils a sense of accountability among the team.

Beyond conditioning, how do you see agronomy contributing to Laguna Golf Phuket’s ambition to be recognised as one of the region’s top destinations for international golfers?

Agronomy is central to our mission of establishing Laguna Golf Phuket as a premier destination for international golfers. Our primary focus in agronomy is maintaining turf health and improving the overall quality of the golf course. At Laguna Golf Phuket, we implement advanced agronomic practices to ensure our fairways, greens and roughs remain pristine.

Sustainability is a fundamental value that drives our initiatives. Laguna Phuket was built on the principles of sustainable development, and we are excited to partner with SUGi, experts in rewilding, to take the lead. Our new project, which begins with creating ‘pocket forests’, aims to reintroduce native plants and wildlife to our beautiful landscape. This is just the start; we plan to expand these efforts throughout Laguna Golf Phuket, continuing our transformation from a former tin mine into a vibrant, thriving destination.

We also explore innovative technologies, such as autonomous and hybrid machinery, for our course maintenance. Although we are in the early stages of this exploration, we are closely monitoring advancements that can help reduce emissions and enhance efficiency in our operations.