The plan to build Terravista Golf course began in 1997 when Michael Rumpf-Gail, founding partner and president of the enterprise [Terravista Land Corp??], decided that a world class golf course would be the perfect way to differentiate his development from others. Michael’s dream was to build the best golf course in South America which would attract golfers from all over the world. Seven years later, his dream is now a reality.

The course design, which covers 175 acres of green grass fairways, lakes and native vegetation, was developed by Dan Blankenship of Gold Tee Golf International. Blankenship studied architecture at South Dakota State University and has designed and created more than 20 first class golf courses around the world. Blankenship began work on Terravista in November 2000 and broke ground in May 2002. Its grand opening was on May 27th 2004.

Interestingly, during course construction, as a result of a

request from The National Institute for Historical and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN), an archeological study of the area was made. During its two years, the study revealed important remains of the Aratu and Tupiguarani civilizations under the ground of the 14th and 15th holes. This archeological dig was the first excavation of a pre-historic site in southern Bahia (more information can be found at
http://www.terravistabrasil.com.br/historia_arqueologia.asp )


Some of the artifacts found at the Terravista archeological dig:

Work on the course was carefully monitored so that only actual playing areas were disturbed thus preserving the surrounding natural vegetation and topography and leaving natural obstacles on the course. The drainage system was also designed to protect the cliffs and restrict erosion caused by the deforestation of previous times.

The course spreads out over 175 of the 3,000 acres that make up the entire development. Throughout Terravista you will see green grass fairways, crystal blue lakes and native vegetation.

This unique project was expertly developed by Dan Blankenship to present players with two distinct environments. The front nine holes are surrounded by the Atlantic Rainforest with temperatures and humidity typical of this area. The back nine holes are played near the beach with 4 holes perched on the cliffs with spectacular views and where the wind often presents itself as an additional obstacle.

The Terravista Golf Course is part of a closed water system: waste water from the entire development is processed through the complex’s water treatment station and then used for irrigation for the course and other landscaped areas.

Terravista boasts one of the most modern irrigation systems in the country complete with a weather station and various sensors spread throughout the

course to capture data on temperature, wind, rainfall and water absorption. This information is then used to program the 1,200 sprinklers. The course uses more than 80 km of subterranean cables and ducts to guarantee excellent irrigation and drainage of the tees, fairways and greens.
In addition to the marvelous golf course and the pristine natural setting Terravista is also the home of cultural and historical treasures. This regions is known as the Discovery Coast, and is the spot where the first Portuguese settlers discovered this beautiful country when they landed here 500 years ago.