[Yonhap News] Jack Nicklaus visits Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Songdo

[Yonhap News] Jack Nicklaus visits Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Songdo
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus visited Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, which is located within Songdo
International City of the Incheon Free Economic Zone, on June 16 to look around the golf course with
the design team. The golf course is designed by the golden bear himself and will be opened in
October.
[Yonhap News] Jack Nicklaus explaining the course
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus visited Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, located within Songdo International
City of the Incheon Free Economic Zone, on June 16 to have a press day and explain features of the
course to the reporters. The golf course is designed by the golden bear himself and will be opened in
October.
[Yonhap News] Jack Nicklaus in conversation with the course design team
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus visited Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, which is located within Songdo
International City of the Incheon Free Economic Zone, on June 16 to look around the golf course and
have conversations with the design team. The golf course is designed by the golden bear himself and
will be opened in October.
[AsiaToday] Jack Nicklaus opens a premium golf club in the urban for the first time in
Korea
Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea (CEO Munpyo Lee), the only “in-the-urban” premium golf club in
Korea, showed the site to the press for the first time.
On this day, golf legend Jack Nicklaus who designed the entire golf course himself explained his
design philosophy and features of the course to the media.
With 7,413 yards from the tournament tees, this 18-hole, par 72 golf course built in a 946,852 m2 land
is designed in accordance with the PGA standard and has a rare 300-yard practice range covered with
natural turf grass and the biggest club house (19,800 m2) in Korea.
And thanks to the recently opened the 3rd Gyeongin Expressway, it only takes 40 minutes from
Gangnam (southern part of Seoul) and 20 minutes from the Incheon International Airport to the golf
club.
And Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea is the first and only club in Korea that joined the Jack Nicklaus
Golf Club, a global community of 25 courses that the gold legend personally chose among his
signature golf courses around the world.
Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, which will be opened in October this year, will be a premium golf
club located at the heart of the city with a limited number of members.
The golf club is close to the Incheon International Airport, and there are quality amenities such as an
international preparatory school, a premium retail mall, dining and cultural amenities, and exclusive
residential areas near the golf course. .
In particular, deluxe villas to be constructed along the fairways will set a new standard of living for
Koreans. There will be 179 fairway villas and moving-in by residents will be in 2012.
[AsiaToday] Jack Nicklaus says, “Golf should be fun”
“Golf should be fun, and a golf course should be designed for golfers”, Jack Nicklaus said on June 17
during his visit to Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, which is currently under construction in Songdo
International Business District of Incheon. He also said, “My job as a course designer will be
successful if golfers say, “It was really fun today. When can I play again tomorrow?””
The most important thing he kept in mind when designing the golf course was to ensure that every
golfer can have fun.
And he added, “I am very satisfied with the golf course. And with just a little bit of improvement,
Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea will be a perfect venue for the Champions Tour”
After his retirement in 2005, the golden bear became a well-known golf course designer.
[Financial News] Jack Nicklaus visits Korea for final review of his golf club he designed
Jack Nicklaus visited Korea via his private jet on June 16 to have a final review on Jack Nicklaus Golf
Club Korea (C.E.O Munpyo Lee). During the visit, he explained about the course and his design
philosophy to the media. The golf club is located in Songdo International Business District and is
currently under construction.
The Golden Bear visited Korea via his private jet on June 16.
The visit was to have a final review on Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea (C.E.O. Munpyo Lee) that the
golf legend designed himself. With 7,413 yards from the tournament tees, this 18-hole, par 72 golf
course built in a 946,852 m2 land in Songdo International Business District has a rare 300-yard practice
range covered with natural turf grass and the biggest club house (19,800 m2) in Korea. In addition, 179
fairway villas will be built as well. And the golf club boasts outstanding accessibility with the 3rd
Gyeongin Expressway which was recently opened. .
The golf legend is running a global community called Jack Nicklaus Golf Club with 25 signature
courses around the world he selected. And Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea will be the only golf club in
the country to be part of the community. In this regards, Jack Nicklaus has visited the site several
times since its ground breaking in 2008 to check the progress in detail.
On the day, meanwhile, the Golden Bear said, “With the unique course design, Jack Nicklaus Golf
Club Korea will support and enhance the vision of Songdo International Business District to become a
hub for the Northeast Asian economy. And since the golf club is at an outstanding location, it will
become a premium golf club harmonizing both business and golf.” And he added, “I focused on
satisfying golfers when designing the course. The golf club will stimulate passion and the spirit of
challenge of golfers while giving joy to them at the same time.”
He mentioned that he is most passionate about course designing work and said, “In terms of design
itself, I am very much satisfied. I had a lot of freedom in designing work since the land is very large. I
am confident that with only a slight amount of improvement, the golf club can successfully host the
Champions Tour to be held in 3 months.
[Financial News] Jack Nicklaus says “satisfying golfers was the design concept”
The Golden Bear visited Korea via his private jet on June 16.
The visit was to have a final review on Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea (C.E.O. Munpyo Lee) that the
golf legend designed himself. With 7,413 yards from the tournament tees, this 18-hole, par 72 golf
course built in a 946,852 m2 land in Songdo International Business District has a rare 300-yard practice
range covered with natural turf grass and the biggest club house (19,800 m2) in Korea. In addition, 179
fairway villas will be built as well. And the golf club boasts outstanding accessibility with the 3rd
Gyeongin Expressway which was recently opened. .
The golf legend is running a global community called Jack Nicklaus Golf Club with 25 signature
courses around the world he selected. And Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea will be the only golf club in
the country to be part of the community. In this regards, Jack Nicklaus has visited the site several
times since its ground breaking in 2008 to check the progress in detail.
On the day, meanwhile, the Golden Bear said, “With the unique course design, Jack Nicklaus Golf
Club Korea will support and enhance the vision of Songdo International Business District to become a
hub for the Northeast Asian economy. And since the golf club is at an outstanding location, it will
become a premium golf club harmonizing both business and golf.” And he added, “I focused on
satisfying golfers when designing the course. The golf club will stimulate passion and the spirit of
challenge of golfers while giving joy to them at the same time.”
He mentioned that he is most passionate about course designing work and said, “In terms of design
itself, I am very much satisfied. I had a lot of freedom in designing work since the land is very large. I
am confident that with only a slight amount of improvement, the golf club can successfully host the
Champions Tour to be held in 3 months.
[JoongAng Ilbo] [golf&] Design philosophy of golf legend Jack Nicklaus (full page)
Jack Nicklaus says current trend of increasing distance is destructing tradition of golf and repulsive
force of balls should be regulated. s
“I focused on designing a golf course that golfers want to come again.”
In his last round of golf legend Jack Nicklaus (US), he was about to walk to the green of the last hole.
Nicklaus waved his hand while receiving a standing ovation but could not see the gallery amid a
flood of tears. Receiving 10-minute applause, he went to the green, got a birdie and bid farewell to
championship golf. And after the last game, he disappeared before the eyes of golf fans.
And 5 years later, he appeared again. The Golden Bear landed on Incheon on June 16, taking his
private jet nicknamed “Air Bear.” Purpose of the visit was to check the progress of constructing Jack
Nicklaus Golf Club Korea located in Songdo and have a press day to explain about the golf course.
The golf course is on the reclaimed land along the sea, where General Douglas MacArthur landed
U.S. troops during the Korean War. I met with Jack Nicklaus at the golf club he designed on June 17
to hear about his philosophy in course design.
He said he focused on designing golf courses for five years after retirement. He was the best golfer,
and he is now the best course designer. His company Nicklaus Design designed 341 courses in 34
countries, and 12 of the courses he designed were included in the 100 good golf clubs in the United
States.
Jack Nicklaus says current trend of increasing distance is destructing tradition of golf and repulsive
force of balls should be regulated. [Sang-seon Kim, Reporter]
When I first saw his face, I got the impression that he was like a very kind grandfather and could not
find the penetrating eyes that used to make his competitors lose their nerves. But his competitive
spirit remained the same. When he was a golfer, he did not compete with other players. “I have not
participated in a game just to beat the competitors. I tried to overcome golf courses or myself. I think
championship is like a by-product of such efforts.” That is how he won trophies 18 times in majors.
And a similar idea is applied in working as a course designer. “My competition is with the ground,
with nature, not other designers.”
In the early days of golf, nature itself and professional golfers designed golf courses. So the best
golfers of the time such as Old Tom Morris, Willie Park Junior, and James Braid designed seaside
links courses in Scotland. And it was impossible to damage nature since there was no fork lift at that
time. But as course designers appear with both philosophies and knowhow, professional golfers
began to be excluded from course designing.
It was the Golden Bear who restored the tradition that the best golfer is the best course designer. He
started course design in his 20s with recommendation by Pete Dye. His early designs are a little bit
monotonous since there are too many doglegs to the right side and excessively long and difficult
approach shots are required. He mentioned at an interview with a course design magazine that such
designs have to do with his style of playing golf. He usually hit fade shots going right and was also
good at hitting long iron shots, which was reflected in his early design of courses. Nicklaus said,
“When I first started I had one way to do a golf course. As I get older, my ability to do design gets
better because of experience. Now I have probably 25 different ways to do golf courses. I think I can
design courses that everybody can enjoy.”
Following him, many professional golfers are becoming player-designers. For example, Gyeongju
Choi recently designed a golf course in Malaysia.
Nicklaus said, “The most important thing I bear in mind in course design is fun for golfers. After a
round, many people think about where to play next time. I want to design courses that make people
think when they can come again.”
I think he might frown if he sees some of Korea’s golf clubs where OB (out of bound) posts are lined
like a track to save time to finish a round. He said, “I’ve always felt out of bounds was the worst
penalty in the world, because it just means you didn’t have enough money or the guy next door
wouldn’t sell it to you!”
When he was a golfer, he was the best long-hitter. But he does not like the current trend of increasing
course distance. “If you build a course very long, you’ve taken the average pro and eliminated him
from the game.” When he was a golfer, he both had accuracy and long shot skill, which makes many
critics think he is better than Tiger Woods. Nicklaus said, “So on four or five holes I try to take the
driver out of the long player’s hands, so that somebody with a little less length but more accuracy can
compete.”
Longer course distance led to destruction of nature and longer time to finish a round. And he also
pointed out disappearance of tradition. “Royal Birkdale became a totally difference course as the
distance was increased again and again. And Augusta National is not like the way it was. As golf
courses became longer and longer, rather short courses became useless and the golf clubs with timehonored tradition are removed out of championship”, he said.
He thinks balls have the answer. He said, “Around year 2000, the repulsive force of balls was
drastically improved. This is why the golf course became longer. I think there should be a regulation
to reduce the repulsive force by 10~15%. The easiest solution is not to change the 30,000 golf courses
in the world, but to change the ball! It’s ridiculous that manufacturers can control the game of golf.”
And as for Tiger Woods currently suffering from slump, he mentioned, “Woods is still young and
talented. I think time will tell.”
[Korea Economic Daily] “My goal is to make memorable and fun courses”
Jack Nicklaus visits Korea for a final review on the construction of a golf club carrying his name.
“My focus in design was to give fun and memorable experience and encourage spirit of challenge to
golfers.”
Jack Nicklaus, the best golfer of the 20th century, visited Korea on June 16, to check the progress of
constructing Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea located in Songdo International Business District.
The golf club is the first one carrying the Golden Bear’s name in Korea. Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea
will be officially opened in October after hosting the PGA Champions Tour between September 10
and 12, and famous golf players such as Tom Watson, Tom Kite, and Ben Crenshaw will play in the
tournament.
Jack Nicklaus looked around the course to explain the concept of his course design. His design is
characterized by the followings: strong tee shot, detailed approach shot, multiple tees and strategy
options for all ability levels, a challenging but enjoyable course, a course that golfers want to visit
again.
On the teeing ground, you may see a very wide landing area. And you will find a fairway of 40-yard
width. But it takes accuracy in the approach shot, and you may be trapped in a difficult situation
without a carefully chosen strategy.
Nicklaus gives strategy options for golfers by making 3~4 short par-4 holes. Hole no.14 (Par 4) is a
good example. This 359 yard hole has two fairways. A normal fairway is on the right side, while the
other fairway that look like a peninsula is surrounded by water on three sides. Taking a risk at the
regular tee (about 330 yards) and hitting a 245-yard tee shot to the peninsula fairway leaves an easy
a
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p
r
o
a
c
h
s
h
o
t
.
But in case of hitting toward the right fairway for a safe beginning, the 2nd shot should be longer and
should be over the water.
Nicklaus has won the largest number of championship in majors (18 times), 4 wins more than Tiger
Woods’ record. After retirement 5 years ago at the British Open, the golf legend turned into a course
designer. He designed 269 courses around the world, among which around 60 are included in the
world’s 100 best courses.
And regarding tips to improve scores, the golden bear said, “Amateur golfers can be divided into 3
types such as low handicappers, bogie players, and players whose handicap is around 30. I would
like to say each player should choose the right strategy for his/her ability.”
[ Seoul Economic Daily] “You can expect an enjoyable and challenging course”
Golf emperor Jack Nicklaus visits Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea for final review
“Golf courses should give both joy and challenge at the same time.”
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus visited Songdo of Incheon on June 16 to have a final check on Jack Nicklaus
Golf Club Korea that he personally designed. The golf club, currently under construction in Songdo
International Business District, was chosen by the Golden Bear to carry his name along with 24 other
golf clubs around the world to become a global community. Jack Nicklaus has been involved in golf
course design for about 340 golf clubs around the world.
Showing great passion about business as well such as course design after retirement, Jack Nicklaus
explained his design philosophy that a good course should make golfers think at what time they
should make a reservation tomorrow again. “My design point is that a course should be enjoyable but
at the same time a little bit difficult, encouraging the spirit of challenge.”
When asked whether he is satisfied with Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, he answered, “There are a
few things to be improved, but I am very much satisfied with the design. And in September, the golf
club will be a perfect venue for the Champions Tour that will be held in Korea for the first time.”
He was pouring heart and soul into the work, knowing that the result will be evaluated by his
colleagues and other golfers. Despite tight schedule of arriving in the afternoon by his private jet and
going to China early the next day, he was very passionate to look around the course and bring
reporters to representative holes for explanation. Hole number 14 (Par 4) showed his style. 2 fairways
give two options. One is hitting the ball over water hazard and taking a short approach shot. The
other option is choose the right fairway-which is safer- and take a longer shot next.
He emphasizes on “contours of a course” such as curves of fairways and greens. He said, “Balls
should move in various directions but in a predictable manner, in order to make enjoyable and
challenging play. I placed many small greens within a larger one and level of difficulty can be
adjusted with the location of holes.” And the legendary player-designer gave a tip for the course.
“You have to admit your ability and choose the right strategy or a route. A 12 handicap golfer and a
30 handicap golfer have different shot ability. And designers consider such difference when
designing a course.”
[Seoul Shinmun] “Life is always full of competition. I focused on competition with
myself.”
Jack Nicklaus in Korea to check the golf course he designed
“I want to design a golf club where golfers want to come and play again the next day. Then I, as a
course designer, can be satisfied with my outcome.”
_ 25 golf courses carrying his name to be completed
Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, carrying the Golden Bear’s name in Songdo International Business
District of Incheon for the first time in Korea, is under construction for its opening in October this
year. Jack Nicklaus visited Korea on June 16 to fine tune the course and said, “I want to make golf
courses
that
are
both
fun
and
challenging
to
golfers.”
After his retirement in 2005 as a legendary golfer, the golf emperor is passionately working as a golf
course designer. Currently, 8 golf courses carrying his name (signature courses) are under
construction including the one in Korea. And there will be 25 of his signature golf courses around the
world.
When he was a golfer, he used to say “I never went into a tournament or round of golf thinking I had
to beat a certain player. I had to beat the golf course.” He also mentioned “Life is full of competition.
And I am the only one to control myself. I focused on competition with me when playing golf.” In this
regards, a golf course is his rival in competition and a challenge to be overcome. And JNCC (Jack
Nicklaus Golf Club) is carrying such a philosophy. The basic concept in the golf course is “strong tee
shot, accurate iron shot, and sophisticated putting.” But the golf legend always demands a choice in
every hole, just like our lives full of choices. You have to choose a stable par or adventurous birdie.
_“Woods can break my record of winning in major championships”
The golf club built on the mudflat reflects almost all of his various ideas. He said, “I am very satisfied
with the course design. And in 3 months when the construction is finished, it will be a wonderful golf
course.”
Regarding Tiger Woods’ challenge to break his record of winning in major championships, Jack
Nicklaus said, “Woods is a capable and young golfer, and I think he can break my record. Time will
tell.”
[Incheon Shinmun] Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, a masterpiece of the golf legend
A golf club built in a 947,000 m2 land according to the PGA international tour standard.
Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, an “in-the-urban’ style premium golf club under construction within
Songdo International Business District, was shown to the media for the first time on June 17.
On this day, golf legend Jack Nicklaus who designed the entire golf course himself explained his
design philosophy and features of the course to reporters.
With 7,413 yards from the tournament tees, this 18-hole, par 72 golf course built in a 946,852 m2 land
is designed according to the PGA international tour standard and has a rare 300-yard practice range
covered with natural turf grass and the biggest club house (19,800 m2) in Korea.
And thanks to the recently opened 3rd Gyeongin Expressway, it only takes 40 minutes from
Gangnam (Southern part of Seoul) and 20 minutes from the Incheon International Airport to the golf
club.
And Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea is the first and only club in Korea joining the Jack Nicklaus Golf
Club, a global community of 25 courses that Jack Nicklaus personally chose among his signature golf
courses around the world.
And the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea to be opened in October grabbed the attention of the industry
as it is a premium golf club located at the center of an urban area, unlike other golf clubs. The golf
club is the best place for global business and golf due to its proximity to the Incheon International
Airport and quality amenities in the areas such as an international preparatory school, a premium
retail mall, dining and cultural amenities, and exclusive residential areas.
And once the deluxe villas are built along the fairways, a new standard of living will be set. 179
fairway villas will be constructed, and moving-in by residents will be possible in 2012.
Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea is planning to become the best premium golf club in the country by
minimizing membership and strengthening benefits in terms of booking and tee time interval, etc. In
addition, the golf club will build a membership-only club community and provide various event
opportunities for networking among members.
In addition, head of Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea Munpyo Lee said, “Golf clubs around the world
carrying the name of Jack Nicklaus are maintaining very high asset values and are special interests to
those who want to experience the joy of golf. We will develop Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea into a
famous spot to enjoy club community life style in the international city, and we will provide very
special experiences to businessmen in and outside Korea.”
For further information, visit www.jacknicklausgolfclubkorea.com or call _1577-8071.
[Joongbu Ilbo] Jack Nicklaus opens a premium golf club in Korea
Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea (CEO Lee Munpyo), the only “in-the-urban’ premium golf club in
Korea, will be opened in October this year. It is currently under construction within Songdo
International Business District.
With 7,413 yards from the tournament tees, this 18-hole, par 72 golf course built in a 946,852 m2 land
is designed in accordance with the PGA international tour standard and has a rare 300-yard practice
range covered with natural turf grass and the biggest club house (19,800 m2) in Korea
Jack Nicklaus selected 25 golf courses among his signature courses to build a global community called
Jack Nicklaus Golf Club. And Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea is the only one in the country to be part
of it.
The premium golf club to be opened in October has grabbed the attention of the industry since it is a
premium membership golf club located at the heart of a city.
In particular, 179 deluxe villas will be built along the ways and moving-in by residents will be in
2012.
Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea will have minimum number of members and provide them with
enhanced benefits in terms of booking and tee time interval, etc., with an aim of becoming the best
premium golf club in Korea.
In addition, head of Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea Munpyo Lee said, “Golf clubs around the world
carrying the name of the golden bear are maintaining very high asset values and are special interests
to those who want to experience the joy of golf. We will develop Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea into a
famous spot to enjoy club community life style in the international city, and we will provide very
special experiences to businessmen in and outside Korea.”
The golf club is showing 96% of progress in construction as of June 17 (99% for the course and 90% for
the clubhouse), and it successfully finished its 1st round of membership application recently.
[iTV iFM] Jack Nicklaus Golf Club to be opened in October
Jack Nicklaus Golf Club which is under construction within Songdo International Business District will be
opened in coming October.
Designed according to the PGA international tour standard, the 18-hole premium golf club is built in a land of
approximately 946,000 m2 and has natural turf grass.
Jack Nicklaus Golf Club has a plan to maintain minimum number of members to offer greater benefits in booking
and tee time intervals, etc, in order to become the best-in-the-country premium golf club.
Jack Nicklaus is working on a global community Jack Nicklaus Golf Club with 25 golf courses around
the world.
[eDaily] Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Songdo to be opened in October this year
Jack Nicklaus Golf Club built in Songdo of Incheon Free Economic Zone will be opened in October.
The golf club has been a hot issue as it is a premium membership golf club located in the center of
Songdo, unlike other golf clubs.
And the golf club is being evaluated as the best place to do global business and enjoy golf together,
with its proximity to the Incheon International Airport, the international business district, and deluxe
residential area.
The golf course was designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Golden Bear. He has designed several courses in
Korea, but Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea is the first and only one in Korea carrying his name with his
personal design for the entire course.
Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea is part of a global community Jack Nicklaus Golf Club. As of now he is
developing signature courses in 25 places around the world.
The course is 7413 yards (6773m) with 18 holes (par 72). And the golf club can host international
tournaments as it was designed in accordance with the PGA international tour standard. In addition,
it has a rare 300-yard practice range covered with natural turf grass and the biggest club house (19,800
m2) in Korea. And there will be 179 deluxe villas along the fairways, and moving-in by residents is
planned in 2012.
As of June 17, Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea is showing 96% of progress in construction (99% for the
course and 90% for the clubhouse). Posco E&C is the construction partner, and the golf club’s first
round of membership application is finished with great success. Currently, the 2nd round of
application is underway. The price is 1 billion won.
Before its official opening in October, the golf club will host the Champions Tour in September. The
PGA Champions Tour (a senior tour) is for golf stars over 50, and it is the first time that an Asian
country hosts the tournament.
[JGolf] “J Golf Briefing” in <Inside Tour>
Anchor:
The golf emperor Jack Nicklaus visited Korea on June 16, in order to have final review on the golf
course he designed. Located within Songdo International Business District, Jack Nicklaus Golf Club
Korea is about to be opened in October this year. And apart from visiting the course, the golf legend
had a press day with the local media in order to explain his design philosophy and features of the
course.
Interview- Jack Nicklaus
“The Songdo city is a great project. The buildings are spectacular. The golf course is in the middle of
Incheon Harbor. The scope of the project is huge, and this is the recreational focal point. The golf
course probably has a little bit more excitement than most golf courses, and maybe a little bit more
difficult around the greens. “That was fun…that was challenging but fun. And I want to come back
and play it.” That’s what I want them to do.”
Caption: Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea to be opened in October (18 hole, par 72/ 7,413 yards)
Anchor:
Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea is planning to become a premium golf club located in the urban area.
And it is already attracting a lot of attention even before its opening, as it has 7 par 4 holes of more
than 400 yard.
[SBS Golf] “Weekly Hot News” in Golf Today
Producer:
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus’ visit to Korea on June 16 became a hot issue. After retirement, the golf
emperor became a renowned golf course designer now. The golden bear visited the country to have a
final review on Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea that he designed for the entire course for the first time
in Korea. And it is also the first time to be opened to the media. I met with the PGA tour legend in
Korea.
Producer:
This is Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea which is under construction within Songdo International
District. Many reporters are waiting for the golden bear to come. Now the golf legend Jack Nicklaus
arrived. Right after the arrival he went to the golf course. Carefully reviewing the golf club layout, he
gave the reporters a detailed explanation on the course.
Interview – Jack Nicklaus, head designer for Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea
“If you send the ball to the right fairway, you can secure a wide fairway area. And pitch the ball over
the water to the narrow part of the green”
Producer:
He kindly answered to even tough questions. And he also gave me a tip on the green
Interview – Jack Nicklaus, head designer for Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea
“Some players will prefer to take the gamble with the first shot, some players will prefer to take the
gamble with the second shot. Myself… it would depend on the conditions. If I were playing this tee, I
would probably try to hit the gamble fairway. If I am playing the back tee, I will probably play the
right fairway.
Producer:
Lastly, I asked how he thinks about world-renowned Korean golfers.
Interview – Jack Nicklaus, head designer for Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea
”Fantastic… And the men are getting better all the time. Obvious KJ…and Yang is also a good player.
They are the two playing in the US tour. And they are very good players.
Producer:
Although Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea was still under construction, I am sure the golf club will be
beyond your expectation. And the passion and affection that the golf legend showed was enough for
me to have such confidence.
Interview – Jack Nicklaus, head designer for Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea
The golf course has a little bit more excitement than most golf courses, and maybe a little more
difficult around the greens…. But I like……when people come out to play at a golf course, we want
them to feel like “Gee.. That was fun. It was challenging but fun. And I want to come back and play
it.”
Anchor:
It became an issue that Jack Nicklaus designed the course himself, but another issue is that the
Champions Tour, a senior PGA tour, will be held in Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea until 2012 for the
first time in Asia. Is there any concrete schedule for the event?
Producer:
Yes, it is on the Champions Tour schedule. The 20th tour of this season will be Songdo Championship.
It will be a 54-hole stroke play event for 3 days from September 10 to 12.
Anchor:
SBS Golf has televised the Champions Tour every year, and you can see the old champions again on
the green along with a variety of events in every tournament.
Producer:
Yes, I summarized an overview of the Champions Tour. Please take a look.
Producer:
Just like Korea’s Senior Tour, the Champions Tour hosts a series of events annually for golfers 50
years of age and older. You can find old champions such as Loren Roberts, Fred Couples, and Nick
Price etc. And the Champions Tour is as much popular as the PGA Tour in the U.S. since you can see
the greatest older golfers of the time. And the series is also popular among golfers, because about 26
tournaments are held every year and the prize money is almost $49.7 million.
Producer:
I think the hosting of the Champions Tour by Korea shows the status of Korea in golf.
Anchor:
And the prize money for the Songdo Championship is huge. I guess many famous players will come.
Producer:
Yes, Songdo Championship offers the biggest amount of prize money at $3 million among the
Champions Tours held this year.
Anchor:
It is only 3 months away. And you will be able to see the star players and their legendary shots at one
place, here in Korea. And Golf Today will bring you live scenes from the site.