Gary Player recently signed an agreement with Havaday Developments, Inc. to design two golf courses in Cranbrook, British Columbia, making it the first spot on the map for Gary Player Design in Canada. Planning and design work has already begun on the first course with Havaday, which will be marketed under the Black Knight brand and closely followed by a Gary Player Signature design – both of which are 18 holes.
The site is situated in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies lending stunning views of Ponderosa pine tree forests and snowcapped mountains. The masterplan includes some three thousand residential components – ranging from single family homes to golf villas and condos – as well as a village center and hotel. A wide offering of amenities including a spa, fitness center, pool, boutique shopping and community recreation center are planned for both permanent and seasonal residents.
Following the contract signing in Palm Beach, Gary Player stated, "In all my years in the golf course design business, I’ve always searched for the right opportunity to work in Canada, and finally, the Havaday Development team has presented us with an immaculate piece of land.
"Any golfer will tell you that dramatic scenery truly enhances the golf experience, and you seldom find more spectacular views than we have of the Canadian Rockies at this site in Cranbrook."
Havaday Developments, Inc. builds communities that seamlessly merge lifestyle with nature and world-class amenities. Their business philosophy runs parallel with Gary Player’s ideals of preserving the natural environment and incorporating native features into a golf course development, wherever possible. This particular project, located in a truly pristine area of British Columbia, will lend itself to an abundance of natural elements being integrated into the design of the golf course. As a whole, the development brings all that a city has to offer in a rural setting that captures the beauty and tranquility of the Canadian Rockies.
"The Havaday team is thrilled to be associated with one of the true living legends of the golf world – Mr. Gary Player," said Joel Savage, President of Havaday Developments. "After several meetings with select groups of golf course designers, we unanimously felt that Mr. Player’s approach to business, as well as golf, was an excellent fit with our philosophy as a development company.
"The formal signing of the design contract between Gary Player Design and Havaday Developments has helped to position the development and this part of Canada as a serious destination contender, and we’re extremely proud of the fact that we’ll be the first to bring Mr. Player’s integrity and experience as a golf designer north of the 49th parallel," Savage added.
Gary Player has plans to make his first trip to the site this September where he will review the site and participate in a groundbreaking media launch. With the recent announcement that Gary Player will captain the International Team at the 2007 Presidents Cup in Montreal, it will be an active year ahead for golf in Canada.
Construction of the Black Knight design is expected to begin in late 2006, with the Gary Player Signature course following in 2007.
About Gary Player Design
Established in the early 1980s and universally recognized, Gary Player Design has branded over 200 layouts with the mark of a champion. The firm specializes in golf course design services, which revolve around building mutually-rewarding long-term relationships with its clients by displaying integrity and credibility in a business setting. Player is actively involved in each Gary Player Signature project. His vast experience in golf course design coupled with over 50 years of experience as a professional golfer have afforded him a unique understanding of the needs of the average golfer, the objectives of the developer and the concerns of the environment. An experienced technical staff works closely with Gary Player to implement his design philosophies into the highly detailed golf course drawings, which ultimately, bring Player’s conceptual ideas to life through the finished project. Gary Player Design is currently involved in developments in Africa, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. For additional information and a listing of awards, visit www.garyplayerdesign.com.
About Havaday Developments, Inc.
Havaday Developments Inc. was formed in February 2005 with the goal of crafting a premier recreation community with world-class amenities in the four-season haven of the Columbia Valley, British Columbia. Led by Joel Savage, Havaday became the proud owner of 900 stunning acres of pristine Kootenay/Columbia Valley real estate – the perfect parcel of land for this community to call home. With naturally "stepped" terrain, the property promises a theatre-style setting for each home and spectacular vistas of the majestic Canadian Rockies. When Gary Player Design and Havaday Developments signed an agreement to build two Gary Player golf courses on the property, the remaining pieces of the Havaday dream were in place. Mr. Player’s accomplishments and experience speak for themselves, and his character epitomizes the standard to which this community will be developed and maintained. In the late 1800s, pioneers headed to the Kootenays in search of a dream. Now, over a century later, in the heart of the fastest growing region in the province, an exciting new community is being forged with that same pioneering spirit and vision. Visit www.havaday.ca for development updates and information.
Contact:
Gida Campbell
Black Knight International
+1 561 624 0300
gida@garyplayer.com
Joel Savage-President
Havaday Developments, Inc.
+1.250.489.2888
joel.savage@havaday.ca
