Hotel Online  Special Report
.


advertisement
.


Jack Nicklaus' First Dominican Republic Golf Course Opens; Punta Espada
One of Three Nicklause Courses Planned for Cap Cana,
a 1.5 billion Destination Resort
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Nov 9, 2006 - Surrounded by the majestic turquoise waters of Cap Cana, Jack Nicklaus officially inaugurated the Punta Espada golf course in the tourism and real-estate development complex in the Dominican Republic, which he describes as an impressive creation and internationally unique.
    
Among Cap Cana's main executives gracing the ceremony were Dr. Ricardo Hazoury, President of Cap Cana's Board of Directors, Abraham Hazoury, President of the Abrisa Group and Fernando Hazoury, Executive President of Cap Cana.
    
Dr. Ricardo Hazoury displayed his delight and elation at the sight of a completed golf course, and the presence of golf legend Jack Nicklaus formally inaugurating Punta Espada.
    
"Cap Cana offers one of the best golfing experiences in the Caribbean and the world," expressed the Golden Bear, who extols Punta Espada as his pride and satisfaction.
    
"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," added Nickalus, who toured the course with Dr. Ricardo Hazoury.
    
For Sam Logan, Manager of Operations assigned to Punta Espada by Troon Golf, the company responsible for administrating, operating and maintaining the course, the opening entails the "next most exclusive golfing destination in the world."
    
"This experience is really golfing in paradise, one that unites the philosophies of Troon Golf and Cap Cana to provide aficionados with the best golf creation," added Logan.
    
More than 1,000 national and international guests, including prominent members of the tourism sector, artists, golfers, investors, business partners, and members of the press from prestigious golf publications attended the various events held for the inauguration ceremony that commenced the evening of November 7th.
    
Journalist of 3 prominent golfing publications (Golf Digest, West Golf Living and Travel & Leisure Golf) interviewed Jack Nicklaus, during a "fire side chat." Among those in attendance were Ricardo Hazoury, President of Cap Cana's Board of Directors, members of international media, and other guests.
    
A special dinner reception for members of Punta Espada initiated the inauguration during an enchanting evening at Club de Playa Caleton. As part of ceremony, Spanish artist Greg Pappas, painted 5 portraits of Jack Nicklaus, two of which were presented as gifts to Nicklaus and Ricardo Hazoury. The remaining 3 portraits were auctioned off among the guests with proceeds benefiting the Ninos de Cristo Orphanage. A video featuring the history of Punta Espada from it's beginnings to its inauguration was also presented. As a closing to the evening, guests enjoyed the special performance of renowned flautist Nestor Torres.
    
In the presence of Jack Nicklaus, the inaugural agenda continued with the ribbon cutting, and the blessing of the Punta Espada Golf Club, named in memory of Jack Corrie, founding partner of Cap Cana and considered the best Dominican golfer of all time. A special plaque was presented by Ricardo Hazoury to Mrs. Carmen Corrie, wife of the late golfer.
    
Punta Espada, constructed at an estimated cost of $18 million, represents the first of three Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses designed exclusively for Cap Cana.
    
Cap Cana is a luxury destination and real estate development that entailed an initial investment of about $1.5 billion for the completion of its first phase. The project covers 120 million square meters (30,000 acres) of exquisite beaches, rocky coastline and unrivaled views of the Caribbean Sea, of which currently only 35 million square meters is being developed under the master plan spanning a period of 12 to 15 years.
    
This paradise, located in the Heart of the Caribbean, is a perfect showcase of how luxury combines with Mother Nature to form a mix of exotic and exquisite enchantments for its guests.
    
Punta Espada, the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, incorporates the stunning natural beauty of Cap Cana, stretching along a coastline where golfers on each hole look out into the blue expanse of the Caribbean Sea in search of inspiration for the perfect shot.
    
What many are considering the course's "signature hole" is No. 13, a spectacular 250-yard par 3 that is sure to become one of the world's most photographed holes and soon to be featured on the cover of Nicklaus' 2007 calendar. It requires golfers to execute a challenging tee shot over the ocean into a picturesque green surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
    
Punta Espada is the first golf course in the Dominican Republic featuring 100 percent Seashore Paspalum, the preferred grass in tropical climates because of its resistance to salt water and its vibrant green color.
    
The Dominican Republic holds the distinction of having more golf courses than any other country in the Caribbean. However, its stature as a premier golf destination has been raised considerably by becoming the only place in the region to have three Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses within a single development: Cap Cana.
    
About Cap Cana
    
Cap Cana is the most important tourism and real-estate project of the Caribbean. With a master plan investment projected at 1.5 billion dollars, the first stage of the project will be developed in a span of 12-15 years and comprises an area of 35 million square meters (8,680 acres) of a total of over 120 million square meters (30,000 acres); 5.5 kilometers (3.5 miles) of virgin beaches and privy to a privileged climate. In its initial phase, the project will have three 5-star hotels, 3 golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, one of the most complete and modern marinas "in land" in the Caribbean and a total of 5,000 residential units and 500 hotel rooms. 
..
.
Contact:

Cap Cana
http://www.capcana.com

.
Also See: French Resort Builder Pierre Schnebelen, Jack Nicklaus and Ritz Carlton Among Players in $3 billion Resort Project in the Dominican Republic / Dec 2001
Grupo del Caribe Planning a Multi-Billion-Dollar Resort Destination in the Dominican Republic; three Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses, Several Hotels / Nov 2001


To search Hotel Online data base of News and Trends Go to Hotel.Online Search

Home | Welcome! | Hospitality News | Classifieds | Catalogs & Pricing | Viewpoint Forum | Ideas/Trends
Please contact Hotel.Online with your comments and suggestions.