Jack’s Bay, the highly-anticipated 1,200-acre private club community on four miles of pink sand beaches along Eleuthera, Bahamas’ Atlantic coastline, has started construction for the world’s first Jack Nicklaus Heritage Championship Golf Course in collaboration with Nicklaus Design.
With the upcoming debut of the Jack Nicklaus Heritage Golf Course alongside the existing 10-hole Tiger Woods and TGR Design “Playground” Course, Jack’s Bay Club will cement its status as a premier lifestyle destination offering unparalleled golfing diversity. The course is slated to open for play in 2025.
Woods’ “Playground’’ course has ocean views on each of its 10 holes. The course plays downhill and primarily downwind the first few holes before turning back uphill and ruggedly into the wind on the final three holes.
“We’re embarking on something truly spectacular at Jack’s Bay,” said Doug Maslo, Jack’s Bay director of development and construction. “The unparalleled standard associated with the Nicklaus Design philosophy is centered on blending natural elements with strategic challenges for players of all skill levels to enjoy in a Nicklaus experience. Together with the Nicklaus Design Team, we look to both preserve and enhance the incredible natural beauty of the land.
“Several holes will hug the ocean, while the inland terrain offers remarkable features like rolling elevations, lakes, and even ‘blue holes’ leading to the ocean. When I first took the Nicklaus Design team on a tour of the property a few years back, they suggested that our property is one of the best, properties they had ever seen for a golf course.”
The Playground
The 18-hole layout will showcase the distinct characteristics of southern Eleuthera, while upholding the highest standards of design and playability. Upon its opening, Jack’s Bay will become the only destination in the world with Jack Nicklaus Heritage and Woods golf courses It’s also the first Nicklaus-branded real estate community in the Caribbean.
The construction process will be led by spearheaded by Maslo and Chad Goetz, senior design associate at Nicklaus Design.
“This may be the most spectacular piece of land that I have been blessed to work with in my career – this is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Goetz, who has designed golf courses around the world working for Nicklaus Design over the past 25 years. “We want to create a course at Jack’s Bay that harmonizes with the environment and features strategic shot-making opportunities. Most of all, we want to create a course that is fun for all types of players and immerses them in the natural splendor of this remarkable piece of land.”
Andy O’Brien, President of Nicklaus Brands who is overseeing the Nicklaus real estate branding added, “Jack’s Bay is going to be a very special place for both golfers and homeowners alike. When I was given the opportunity to experience Jack’s Bay for the first time, we toured homesites with incredible golf and ocean views and then meandered our way along the coastline to holes 7, 8, 9 and 10. The setting reminded me of several oceanside golf courses I’ve seen, but in particular, Pebble Beach.”
Jack’s Bay Club sold out of its initial Founder’s Offering of beachfront and ocean view homesites and has officially launched its 2024 Residential Collection, featuring 12 Atlantic Club Cottages and Phase 1 of the branded Nicklaus Village residences both designed by internationally recognized RAD Architecture.
The Atlantic Club
“The start of construction of the Jack Nicklaus Heritage Golf Course is a monumental moment for the future of Jack’s Bay,” said Tommy Turnquest, chief executive officer of Jack’s Bay. “The combination of a multi-generational membership offering and highly amenitized family lifestyle community is a true legacy project that will become an oasis for our members, homeowners, and guests, and we’re excited to deliver the result of our partnership with Nicklaus Design. To also be selected by the Nicklaus Companies to brand the real estate development is an honor.”
Complementing the golf and homeowner experience are planned luxury amenities, such as the Beach Club; a Wellness Center at the private meditation lake known as “Mystery Lake;” a Sports Pavilion with tennis and pickleball courts; a member-only day dock, restaurant and dry boat storage; Spa Village, and more. From four miles of pristine beaches to the club marina, tennis, and upscale dining venues, Jack’s Bay will offer a comprehensive array of “barefoot luxury” amenities to enrich the lives of its residents and guests.
Photo Courtesy of Jack’s Bay