Jack Nicklaus, II / Co-Course Designer
 "My design ability is a direct reflection of what my dad has taught
me about problem-solving, highlighting an unusual land feature and
transforming something mundane into something truly spectacular."Like father like son. Jack Nicklaus II has followed in his father's footsteps in more than just his name. Since designing his first course in 1991, Jack II has become a leading force in Nicklaus Design, working both solo and as a collaborator with Jack. Jack II was named in February 2000 to Golfweek's "40 Under 40, a list of 40 individuals under the age of 40 from the golf industry that the magazine felt would "most likely shape the game - and the business of the game - for the next 10 to 20 or 30 years." The individuals were chosen from all walks of golf: course design and development; the equipment end; science and technology; and associations involved with the game or its players. In 2000, Jack II was accepted into the prestigious American Society of Golf Course Architects, of which his father is also a member. Naturally, many of Jack II's design philosophies mirror his father's. "I learned from my dad that a designer must use what Mother Nature makes available," he says. "It's also essential to understand the client's objectives, map out a sound strategy for the course, and always factor in some excitement." Over the years, Jack II has developed and refined his own design philosophy. Most notable is his belief in offering golfers exceptional variety, which has applied to courses in Italy, England, Japan, the Philippines, China and throughout the U.S. "Variety exposes the player to different natural experiences on the golf course," he adds. "The end result is a design that encourages players to learn more about the game and, most important, makes the experience enjoyable." Jack II has received numerous accolades for his design work. His co-design at Aspen Glen in Carbondale, Colorado, was among the "Best New Courses in 1998" by Golf Digest. Arzaga Golf Club, a Jack II solo project, was named "Best New Course in Italy" for 1998. Estrella Mountain Ranch as among Golfweek's Tope 40 Daily-Fees in America. Numerous Jack II designs or co-designs have hosted tour or professional events. The Club at TwinEagles in Naples, Florida is the host venue for the Senior PGA Tour's ACE Group Classic. Jack II's Heritage Course at Ibis Golf and Country Club in West Palm Beach, Florida was one of two Nicklaus Design courses used for the LPGA's 1999 season-opening event, The Office Depot. Legacy Golf Links in Aberdeen, N.C., hosted the 2000 U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Internationally, Hanbury Manor, London, has hosted the English Open. In 2003, Jack II was named General Chairman of the Memorial Tournament and Chairman of its host venue Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. Jack Nicklaus founded the Memorial, one of the world's most respected tournaments, in 1976, just two years after the opening of Muirfield, which the Golden Bear designed with the late Desmond Muirhead. < back |