11 minute read
jAck NicklAuS SigNAture courSeS
GOLDEN (BEAR) OPPORTUNITIES
TEN NICKLAUS SIGNATURE COURSES TO PLAY ON YOUR NEXT GOLF TRIP
Advertisement
By Robert Rodriguez
Jack Nicklaus turned 75 years young earlier this year. While most of us hope to be on this side of the grass at 75, the “Golden Bear” continues to display a tireless work ethic that would shame many half his age and has made him a highly successful businessman.
This is clearly evident in one of his ventures, course architecture. Nicklaus Design has created more than 380 golf courses globally, the majority of which are in the U.S. More than 45 Nicklaus layouts are under construction in 24 different countries; alas, there’s no let up with this bear.
His design philosophy is simple: Build courses enhancing the natural environment that are challenging and enjoyable for players of all levels. When it involves luxury golf properties – let the course strengthen and elevate the relationship between the game and the community.
That’s especially true of his Signature designs. Of the hundreds of golf courses Nicklaus has created, only a select few are bestowed his “Signature” stamp, which involves more personal attention from the Golden Bear, site visits and yes, a higher fee- one that is definitely worth it. However, these offerings, which include our very own Cordillera Ranch, mean a lot more than just extra site visits and a ceremonial first tee shot though. Signature represents prestige and a spot in the upper echelon of course architecture.
It also enhances the overall golf experience, and we see that firsthand – the challenges, beauty, conditioning, service and so much more. We are indeed honored to have a Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at the club, and if you’re looking for similar touches in your golf travels around the world, here are few other Nicklaus Signature courses you should put on your bucket list.
The Bear Trap at PGA National
For golf trip ideas or any help setting up a round on a Nicklaus designed golf course, contact Director of Golf Marc DeWall at 830-336-4653.
Photo Courtesy of PGA National, The Champion Course
Desert Mountain - Cochise Course
Photo Courtesy of Jim Mandeville / Nicklaus Design
Castle Pines Golf Club Photo Courtesy of Jim Mandeville / Nicklaus Design Photo Courtesy of Kauai Lagoons Golf Club
MUIRFIELD VILLAGE GOLF CLUB
Jack’s answer to Augusta National Golf Club. This ultra-private club in his home state of Ohio pays homage to the home of the Masters in many aspects. Site of the PGA TOUR’s Memorial Tournament, Muirfield Village is tops in the Nicklaus portfolio and consistently ranks among the top 30 courses in the world.
www.mvgc.org
CASTLE PINES GOLF CLUB
Amazing views and incredible scenery are the hallmarks of this Denver-area course. The yardages on the scorecard can be intimidating (the tips stretch to almost 7,700 yards), but the club sits at almost 7,000 feet above sea level, so the ball will fly. After the round, be sure to nab a Castle Pines milkshake, a signature item at the club. www.ccatcastlepines.com
CABO DEL SOL (OCEAN COURSE)
What’s in a name? It’s quite clear in this instance – golf by the ocean at one of the most gorgeous locales in Mexico. Nicklaus created plenty of Kodak moments here, especially at the par 3s. The fifth and 17th were ranked as two of the 500 best holes in golf, while the par-4 18th is a resounding finisher.
www.cabodelsol.com PGA NATIONAL RESORT AND SPA (CHAMPION COURSE)
This might not be a Nicklaus original, but the 18-time major winner morphed it into a signature design that is one of best in Florida and the toughest course on the PGA TOUR. Site of the Honda Classic, the Champion Course is home of the “Bear Trap,” a demanding three-hole stretch (Nos. 15-17) that humbles any and all comers. An intimidating bear statue at the 15th portends of the challenge ahead.
www.pgaresort.com KAUAI LAGOONS GOLF CLUB
Kauai is an incredibly golf-rich island. A must-play on this small atoll is Kauai Lagoons, which recently underwent an extensive renovation. This stern but scenic course bobs-and-weaves through the jungle on the front nine before opening up to oceanfront beauty on the back.
www.kauailagoonsgolf.com
Cabo del Sol, Ocean Course
Photo Courtesy of Jim Mandeville / Nicklaus Design Photo Courtesy of Pronghorn, Nicklaus Course
REYNOLDS PLANTATION (GREAT WATERS COURSE)
Georgia offers a fantastic setting for golf, and Nicklaus designed one of the Peach State’s best between Atlanta and Augusta on Lake Oconee – The Great Waters Course at Reynolds Plantation. The lake views make the layout one of the most stunning in the Southeast, while the towering battalions of pines place an emphasis on accuracy, especially off the tee. www.reynoldsplantation.com
DESERT MOUNTAIN (COCHISE COURSE)
Nicklaus helped pioneer desert target golf. A classic example of the genre is the Cochise Course at Desert Mountain. Tantalizing views of the mountains and lush conditions make it a spectacular golf oasis. Desert Mountain will be site of the season-ending 2016 Charles Schwab Cup Championship on the Champions Tour, and the players consider Cochise one of the best conditioned layouts on the circuit.
desertmountain.com/nicklaus-golf/cochise
THE CHALLENGE AT MANELE
High above the crashing waves Hulopoe Bay, The Challenge at Manele is one of the top courses in Hawaii. Panoramic ocean views greet players on nearly every hole. The par-3 12th demands a 200-yard carry over the Pacific Ocean to reach a tricky green.
www.fourseasons.com/manelebay
PRONGHORN (NICKLAUS COURSE)
This Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in Central Oregon winds through ancient lava rock ridges and outcroppings, and boasts jaw-dropping views of the Cascade Mountain range. The Nicklaus Course, along with a neighboring Tom Fazio design, give Pronghorn a powerful one-two golf punch.
www.pronghorn.aubergeresorts.com
COYOTE SPRINGS GOLF CLUB
Headed to Las Vegas? Coyote Springs is less than an hour from the Strip and is considered a Sin City must-play. The course opened for play in 2008 and sits in “Nature’s Cradle,” as it is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Like all upscale Vegas layouts, nary a blade of grass is out of place; unlike several upscale Vegas layouts, Coyote Springs boasts a grand practice facility to prep golfers for their rounds.
www.coyotesprings.com
At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2015, Cordillera Ranch Shindig will host a “Denim and Derby” celebration as the culmination of a year-long fundraising. It will be a fabulous evening celebrating 10 years of Shindig’s service to the community, while raising funds to ensure a vibrant future for the Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department and the residents of the 51 square miles of eastern Kendall County that the department serves. This year’s Shindig will benefit more people in Kendall County than all other Shindigs combined! “This year’s Shindig is different than others in the past in that we have a sole beneficiary of all the money that will be raised. The Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department is a very worthy recipient because of all the good they do in Cordillera and the surrounding communities,” says Sara Hill, Co-Chairman of the 2015 Shindig.
“I was driving my son, Walker, to my mother and father’s house in Cordillera a couple weeks ago. He was going to spend the night with them, and he would be sleeping alone, upstairs. I asked him if he knew how to open a window in case the house was to catch on fire (I’m a worrywart by the way)? He said, ‘no, but we can practice that later.’ He thought for a minute, and then he said, ‘you know mom, we’re really safe though because those fire fighters are right across the street’. I thought to myself what a sweet statement that was, and how true it was as well! We ARE much safer because of what sits right across the highway from our great neighborhood. The BVFD is like a Superman for Kendall County! The conversation that I had with Walker that evening came full circle about 1:00 a.m. that same morning when a ‘medical alert’ was sent to the alarm company
from my mom’s house. The alarm company called me and I rushed to check on things. I was met at their home by the BVFD! Again, it was a false alarm, but it drove home the fact that we have men and women waiting at all hours to protect our families and our homes every hour of every day.”
Shindig SponSorS diane and phil pfeiffer
SAVE THE DATE MAY 2, 2015
Shindig SponSorS freddi and chuck dawSon
“Thank goodness we didn’t need emergency workers that night, but I have been in a situation before when I needed trained professionals to step in and care for me and my children after we were involved in a car accident. I wasn’t hurt, but I was in shock. It became incredibly apparent why we need these people to stand in the gap when something goes wrong. It’s hard to react and it’s hard to think. These men and women become your brain. They think for you and they know what to do to stabilize an unstable situation. No matter how many times you may think through an emergency and say, ‘I would do this or I would do that,’ in the moment it’s incredibly hard to keep your wits about you. “
“I feel so strongly about raising money for the BVFD, because I know that sooner or later they are going to be waiting in that gap to help, rescue or save someone I know. The probability is high that they will do the same for someone you know as well. Let’s do it NOW! Let’s not wait until after we’ve needed them. Let’s give and help now, so that when they arrive at any emergency scene, we know that they are equipped in the best possible way, with the best possible supplies and equipment. Our goal is to raise enough money to help purchase a new pumper/tanker truck for the department. We already have many giving individuals in the community rallying behind our cause. I hope everyone can see what a difference their support will make and give to Shindig in some way,” says Hill.
We expect 700 guests to attend the event, with the theme based on the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby, America’s greatest race. Shindig will be an unforgettable opportunity to don your fanciest Derby hat or fascinator! Upon entering the party, guests can pose for pictures to show off their stylish Denim and Derby attire. Partygoers will then proceed into the event to savor cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres while mingling with friends. We’re bringing the ever-popular casino back this year so high rollers can enjoy casino games, silent and live auctions! Items for bid include everything from vacation getaways to Colorado and Belize, to private dinner parties, to hand painted and sculpted artwork. We are even raffling a 2015 Mercedes! Featured entertainment will be provided by the band Radio Live, and the evening culminates with a scrumptious breakfast. Are you ready to dance the night away?
The event is being sponsored by many local businesses and individuals, including Cordillera Ranch, Frost Bank, Harland and Clark Holdings Corp, Valero, Diane and Phil Pheiffer, H-E-B, Cutek, Cavender Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz of Boerne, Joy and Michael Othites, Bettie Burton and Ed Sypniewski, Bunch Safety LLC, Kelley and Shawn Gosdin, Denalyn and Max Lucado, Linda and Jim Parmigiano, Roni and Jack Kelly, Andra and Tim McConnell, and Kathy and Robby Shelton. Thank you so very much to our generous donors.
This is going to be the best Shindig yet, and with only months to get ready, do you have your ticket? The event is almost sold out, so please select your table at www.cordilleraranchshindig.org and send your check to Stephanie Fox 109 Riverwalk, Boerne, TX 78006. We hope to see you at the 2015 Cordillera Ranch Shindig!
