Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Tucson's First Nicklaus Golf Course Since 1984 Ready To Debut


Non-Member Play To Be Available Exclusively During 2009

(MARANA, Ariz.) - The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain, home of the Tucson area's first new Jack Nicklaus golf course in 25 years, is destined to set the standard for championship golf in a luxury high-desert setting when it is unveiled in 2009.

A reflection of the Sonoran Desert's lush, mountainside terrain, the original 27 holes of this Jack Nicklaus Signature Design present unique challenges and distinct character, blended naturally among noble saguaros that line the surrounding Tortolita Mountain Range.

The private courses strike a balance between fulfilling the desired resort experience and meeting club membership standards. Their concept also was influenced by Nicklaus tailoring the course for world-class competition - specifically a home for the World Golf Champion ships-Accenture Match Play Championship, which in 2009 makes its debut at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain, February 23 through March 1. The result is an elite venue intended to be shared by golfing friends and legends alike.

While the golf courses eventually will be accessible only by resident members and resort guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, open play is to be available January 18, 2009 on all three nines for a limited time during the inaugural year. Tee times must be arranged by a club professional on behalf of non-member golfers. Winter season registration fee is $225 per player, which includes golf, cart, access to the practice facilities and required forecaddie from the distinctive Ritz-Carlton Caddie Concierge program. Reservations will be accepted starting January 18, 2009. Club professionals may inquire at (520) 572-3500.

While unveiling his first golf course in the Tucson area since introducing La Paloma Country Club in 1984, Nicklaus has integrated solid strategy, variety and fair shot values that harmonize with the high desert elevation of 2,300 to 3,000 feet.

Large greens with significant undulation, wide fairways and carries over desert washes define each course. The bunkering varies from classic, pot-style obstacles to expansive areas that stretch close to 80 yards along the edges of the fairways. The golf courses feature Bentgrass greens, while the tees, fairways and rough are Bermuda (with perennial rye overseed), ideal for the desert climate. An additional nine holes are planned.

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain also features a 50,000 square-foot clubhouse with all of the services expected from a luxury private club (tennis center, state-of-the-art fitness center, steward-serviced private locker rooms, a double-ended practice facility). Several indoor and outdoor dining venues with spectacular views, including Cayton's, a casual but refined restaurant named for legendary Dove Mountain homesteader and cowboy poet Eugene "Cush" Cayton.

These golf facilities are the centerpiece of an 850 acre project on the northwest edge of Tucson. Included are a 250-room luxury resort hotel and spa, to open in fall 2009, as well as The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, an exclusive residential community.

For additional information access the web site at www.ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain or call (520) 572-3500.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

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