Moon Course at Lion Lake Resort recognized by China Golf magazine
LIBERTYVILLE, Illinois (March 25, 2010) – Rick Jacobson’s Moon Course at Lion Lake Resort in China has been named the country’s “Best Golf Course Design” for 2009 by China Golf magazine.
Located northwest of Guangzhou (a/k/a Canton), the Moon Course at Lion Lake is Jacobson’s first original 18-hole design in China. Jacobson currently is involved in several other projects throughout the country, including a second 18-hole layout at Lion Lake.
“With the many fine golf course architects working in China today, it’s very gratifying to have the Moon Course at Lion Lake recognized as the top design,” Jacobson said. “Our firm looks forward to continuing to work on our current projects as well as expanding our market presence in China.”
Lion Lake is a mixed-use hotel, resort, residential, and office development located in the nation’s largest golf market. Internationally acclaimed golf course management firm Troon Golf operates the golf facilities at Lion Lake.
The Moon Course was well received when it recently hosted the inaugural Ambassadors Cup Invitational in which ambassadors from 49 nations participated in a friendly international competition.
The Moon Course is an unrefined quasi- inland links course that features native grasses, pine and juniper plantings, and classic bunkers with native grass eyebrows. Red rock outcroppings define the course’s dramatic visual character and are utilized as a design element throughout all 18 holes.
The Moon Course has five sets of tees to accommodate golfers of varying skill levels, measuring 7,115 yards from the championship tees and 5,084 yards from the forward tees, with three sets of tees in between.
The second Jacobson course at Lion Lake will be known as the “Moonlight” Course. In contrast to the Moon Course, the Moonlight Course will have a highly manicured look with a lush tropical landscape and bunkers with long flowing lines.
Lion Lake features a two-level practice facility, VIP practice suites, two large putting greens, and a short game practice area. All 36 holes will operate out of a full-service clubhouse.
“We are very pleased that the Moon Course and the Moonlight Course will make Lion Lake of one of China’s premier golf resorts,” Jacobson said. “Golfers will find both courses to be visually dynamic and uniquely challenging to their golfing skills.”
Jacobson has been active in international golf course design since he opened his own firm in 1991 following years of experience as a designer with Jack Nicklaus Golf Services. Jacobson’s first original 18-hole design was the World Country Club in Osaka, Japan.
In recent years, Jacobson reunited with Nicklaus when the two collaborated on Bayside Resort and Golf Club in Fenwick Island, Del., which was named among the top new courses for 2006 by both Golf Digest and Golfweek magazines.
“The international market – particularly China – continues to be the strongest area for new golf course development while the U.S. market currently is limited primarily to existing course renovations,” Jacobson said. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with our international and domestic partners, as we have since founding our company in 1991.”
Contact:
Barry Cronin
Cronin Communications, Inc.
847-698-1801
