The phrase “Nicklaus Heritage’’ just seems to fit. After all, few golfers – if any – can claim the heritage and history of Jack Nicklaus. The Golden Bear’s influence on the course and off the course is nearly incalculable.
It’s only logical, therefore, that Nicklaus Brands develop the Nicklaus Heritage collection, which honors the seven decades of Nicklaus’ golf course designs, as well as those he has mentored in the world of golf course architecture.
Among them is Chad Goetz, a lead designer Nicklaus Design, who is creating the first course under the Nicklaus Heritage umbrella – Jack’s Bay Club on Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas.
Located on a stunning 1,200-acre piece of land on the southern end of Eleuthera, the course, which will open in 2025, features a variety of elevation changes – including the 18th hole that plays up the clubhouse overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The ninth hole, however, likely will be Jack’s Bay Club’s “signature’’ hole. It will be a sweeping par-5 that begins almost at sea-level and finishes on a cliffside green high above the Atlantic.
“It’s really a unique place,’’ Andy O’ Brien, President of Nicklaus Brands, told me. “It’s remarkable that we have been given this piece of property. It’s the flagship (of Nicklaus Heritage courses) with more to come.
“It’s remarkable that we have been given this piece of property. It’s the flagship (of Nicklaus Heritage courses) with more to come. Nicklaus Heritage is a great way to bring the entire history of the company together and tie it into golf course design.’’
Developed by Eleuthera Properties Ltd., Jack’s Bay will offer four miles of oceanfront property and a wide array of amenities, including the Atlantic Club, beach club, multiple restaurants, golf comfort stations, clubhouse, golf practice facilities, sports pavilion and spa. Exclusive real estate offerings at Jack’s Bay will soon be available through its Founder’s Program and will include a total of 24 beachfront and ocean view homesites ranging in price from $1 million to nearly $3 million.
Jack’s Bay already operates with “The Playground,’’ an outstanding 10-hole short course (71 yards to 163 yards) designed by Tiger Woods. The Playground, a walking only course, plays out (and downhill) the first six holes before back up the hill. The final three holes, particularly with the wind blowing in from the ocean, might be as challenging as any you’ll find on any short course in the world.
With ocean views on each hole, The Playground stands on its own as a “must play,’’ but combined the Nicklaus Design course, it gives Jack’s Bay Club as solid a one-two punch as any property in the Caribbean.
“Every once in a while you run across a property and say, ‘Imagine if you designed a golf course here.’ That’s Jack’s Bay,’’ O’ Brien said. “We were given a blank slate on a fantastic piece of land, and Mother Nature gives you more. It’s just amazing. We are lucky to have been invited to be a part of it.
“Jack’s Bay will set the standard for what Nicklaus Heritage courses are going to be.’’
For more information visit www.jacksbayclub.com
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Feature Photo: The ninth hole of the Nicklaus Design course will finish on the point in the background