NEWS FEATURE

Nicklaus to build new course in Ft. Lauderdale

By Tim McDonald,
National Golf Editor

(June 26, 2004) - Jack Nicklaus has agreed to build a new course in Ft. Lauderdale, at the new St. Regis Golf Club & Lodge.

Nicklaus will re-do the old Oak Tree Country Club course, designed by Dick Wilson in 1959.

With little more than 120 acres to work with, Nicklaus told PGA.com he expects to build a 6,600-yard course, which will be the centerpiece of the St. Regis Resort, Spa and Residence.

Nicklaus, who started designing courses when he was in his 20s, lives about 60 miles north in North Palm Beach.

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The course is scheduled to open in July, 2005, with groundbreaking scheduled for early October of this year.

Nicklaus said he plans to demolish the course and start over, including taking out most of the trees. The $10 million renovation will also include a new clubhouse, new routing for the course, as well as a new clubhouse and new entrance.

The Nicklaus Design Company has more than 270 courses world-wide to its credit, with 42 underway today. It is the former great's first in Broward County, and the first new destination/course in Ft. Lauderdale since 1999.

The course will be about a 20-minute drive from the St. Regis resort, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. It will be open only to members and guests.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.