The Golden Bear begins design work on Seaside Mariana Spa & Golf Resort, on the Pacific Coast of this fast-growing emerging nation
Jack Nicklaus, first with his legendary career and now with his ground-breaking course design, has been credited with changing the face of golf around the world. Now he has the opportunity to help continue changing opinions about one country. Welcome to Nicaragua.
Twenty years ago it would have been nearly impossible to envision the greatest name in golf putting his mark on Nicaragua, but times have changed. Nicaragua has been peaceful and democratic for almost two decades, and is one of the fastest-growing countries in Central America. Hailed in the global press as "The Hot Spot to Visit" and "The Next Costa Rica," this once-overlooked country is now grabbing the spotlight that often eluded it in the past.
Currently lauded as the safest country in Central America, Nicaragua is now recognized as a country in the process of a top-to-bottom transformation. And Jack Nicklaus is a catalyst further speeding up the pace of change in the nation. Nicaragua took a big step forward when Nicklaus agreed to work in the country to design a Signature Golf Course—the most distinctive course available with the highest level of personal attention from the Golden Bear—as the centerpiece to Seaside Mariana Spa & Golf Resort, destined to be the most-sought-after and exclusive resort community in this burgeoning country.
Nicklaus made his first visit to Seaside Mariana on Nov. 20 to begin the hands-on process of adding his special design touch to the 923-acre oceanfront parcel on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. During his site visit, Nicklaus and his design team spent hours surveying the topography of Seaside Mariana to take advantage of the diverse terrain and direct oceanfront location.
"There are some fantastic opportunities with oceanfront holes and riverfront holes," Nicklaus said. "Our goal is to balance what we can create with what is natural, and put the two together to form a complete and spectacular package. What we found on this visit is that we have the opportunity to get the golf experience closer to the ocean than originally thought. But, in the end, the strength of this golf course could be the variety of the inland holes, with the gentle natural movement, the lush native vegetation, and the added feature of the river, which we will integrate into the design strategy."
Nicklaus Design is recognized as the world leader in golf course design, with more than 320 courses open for play in 32 different countries. Of those, Jack Nicklaus has designed, co-designed or re-designed 262 courses around the globe, 59 of which have been ranked in various national or international Top-100 lists. Nicklaus Design currently has courses under development in 45 different countries, including 28 where the firm has never before worked – Nicaragua included.
"I get a great deal of satisfaction in having the opportunity to go into a new country and emerging market, and design a golf course that will not only enhance the tourism in that country but also help introduce and grow the game," Nicklaus added. "I view this as a tremendous responsibility, but one I embrace. It is a way for me to give back to the game I love."
Many visitors have found that Nicaragua offers some of the most pristine beauty in Central America, much of it remaining in a natural state.
Recently, developers have discovered the beauty of the country and have begun to create oceanfront, lakefront and mountain developments to accommodate the large demographic of visitors from around the world seeking warmer climates and a lower cost of living.
Seaside Mariana Spa & Golf Resort will cater to the upper echelons of the demographic, those seeking complete exclusivity and an investment with a high rate of return.
For more information on Seaside Mariana Spa & Golf Resort, visit: www.NicaraguaDevelopments.com or www.SeasideMariana.com .
For additional information on Jack Nicklaus or Nicklaus Design, visit www.nicklaus.com.
Contact:
Nicaragua Developments S.A.
Kerry Ward
Executive Vice President
Residencial Las Colinas, Esquina Sur
Embajada de Espana 1C Este Casa #192
Managua, Nicaragua
1-888-484-4425
310-963-7808 Cell
011-505-276-0292 Nicaragua Office
011-505-276-1999 Nicaragua Fax
Kerry@nicaraguadevelopments.com
Nicklaus Design
Scott Tolley
Director of Communications
11780 U.S. Highway #1, Suite 500
North Palm Beach, FL. 33408
Tel: 561-227-0300
Fax: 561-227-0351
scott.tolley@nicklaus.com