Two Great Southern Courses Coming Onstream
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- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2024-12-17
By Gord Montgomery, Senior Writer, Inside Golf
Jack Nicklaus may not have played any competitive golf recently, but that certainly doesn’t mean the Golden Bear is in hibernation. The team at Nicklaus Design has been busy constructing golf courses so others can play and enjoy the skills Mr. Nicklaus possesses. Cohort David McLay Kidd isn’t sitting idly by either.
The most recent effort by Nicklaus Design is opening soon in the warm-weather destination of the Bahamas in a development known as Jack’s Bay. As for McLay Kidd, he’s moved a bit further north to Texas and his new course will debut within a private community, Loraloma, located outside of Austin.
Each course promises a unique blend of world-class design, stunning landscapes, and an elevated experience that will position them as the world’s newest, premier golf destinations.
Jack Nicklaus Heritage Course at Jack’s Bay
Nestled on a 1,200-acre resort club and residential community on the southern end of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, Jack’s Bay is a true oasis for the soul for golfers and non-golfers alike featuring the world’s first Nicklaus Heritage Course with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Think of the “Pebble Beach” of The Bahamas with the 9th hole green providing golfers one of the most picturesque views in the world. Also, there is a 9-hole, Tiger Woods and TGR Design short course on the property dubbed, “The Playground,” which blends a mix of dramatic ocean-side holes and strategic shot-making challenges.
In addition, the Atlantic Clubhouse is opening this winter with a signature restaurant, pool, etc. Offering a rare combination of Bahamian natural beauty and cutting-edge course and residential architecture, Jack’s Bay provides its residents the perfect place to escape, explore, and experience island living at its finest. The Jack Nicklaus Heritage Course will open in late 2025 and the Playground Course will reopen earlier in the year.
Loraloma (Photo Courtesy Areté Collective)
Loraloma Course at Loraloma
Just outside of Austin, Loraloma will introduce an entirely new golf destination to the area and is crafted to celebrate the Texas Hill Country’s rugged terrain. This will be David McLay Kidd’s first course in Texas and the esteemed architect is emphasizing the land’s natural contours and native vegetation, making each hole a distinct experience rooted in the region’s character. As part of an exclusive, private community, Loraloma will offer a haven for members seeking seclusion, world-class amenities, and championship golf set against a backdrop of rolling hills and live oak trees.