Nicklaus Course Opened in Dominican Republic

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. October 14, 2008

OCTOBER 20, 2006. Just as his playing legacy shaped the game in which we play, Jack Nicklaus' legacy as the world's preeminent golf course designer continues to shape how and where the game is played. That unparalleled dedication to excellence and quality is now on display at Punta Espada, the first of three Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses at Cap Cana.

Nicklaus unveiled the most recent of his creations Nov. 8, at the grand opening of the Punta Espada golf course which is widely considered to be a jewel within the Cap Cana tourism complex in the Dominican Republic, home to more golf courses than any other country in the Caribbean.

"Cap Cana's topography represented a challenge in design, but one we embraced," Nicklaus said. "At the same time, the terrain also created an ideal scenario for a golf course that is unique and should appeal to anyone who has a passion for the game. With the relationship Punta Espada enjoys with its natural surroundings -- almost half the holes play to or along the coastline, and views of the Caribbean on all but a few holes -- this is a stunning backdrop for golf."

Jack Nicklaus' resume is an impressive one with 250 course designs spread around the globe, but Punta Espada stands as the Golden Bear's first in the Dominican Republic. It stands as the perfect representation of what golf in paradise should be -- a course that combines golf with the beautiful existing natural environment under the intense blue hues of the Caribbean sky.

"We wanted to give Jack the perfect location to create a masterpiece. This is why we didn't think twice when we handed him over 7,000 yards of land to let his imagination and creativity run free," stated Ricardo Hazoury, president of the Cap Cana Council. Our greatest wish is to extend the best course in the world to all golf lovers -- designed by the best in the world."

With amazing views of the Caribbean, Cap Cana covers over 6,000 acres of land and boosts an incredible stretch of virgin beaches and coral reef. Punta Espada mixes the paradise of Cap Cana with an 18-hole Signature Golf Course that is strategically located along the spectacular Dominican coastline.

With the opening of Punta Espada, located just minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, Cap Cana has the distinction of being the only place outside the United States to have three Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses within a single development. Punta Espada is also the first golf course in the Dominican Republic that is entirely grassed with Seashore Paspalum, the preferred grass in tropical climates because of its tolerance to salt water and its vibrant green color.

With 306 golf courses open for play worldwide, Nicklaus Design is considered the industry leader. Nicklaus Design is represented in 29 countries and 38 states and has nearly 60 courses under construction.

More than 60 percent of projects under development at Nicklaus Design are outside of the United States, and in total, the firm has projects under development in 36 different countries. At least 48 Nicklaus Design courses have been ranked in various national and international Top-100 lists, and 79 Nicklaus courses have hosted more than 500 professional tournaments worldwide or significant United States national amateur championships.