Jack Nicklaus’ interest in designing golf courses began in the mid-1960s when his career was just getting started. Jack already knew a lot about what worked on a course and what didn’t, what a fair challenge looked like compared to an unfair challenge, and how a course’s design could work with the natural climate or against it.
So when Pete Dye asked Jack for his opinion on a new course in Columbus, Ohio, Jack began what would eventually lead to hundreds of Nicklaus courses around the world. Today, Jack’s influence and consulting skills are brought to bear through Nicklaus Design. Here are a few of the courses that bear the Nicklaus touch.
Valhalla Golf Club
In 1981, Dwight Gahm of Louisville, Kentucky hired Jack Nicklaus to create a championship-level golf course to the east of town. Five years later, the Valhalla Golf Club opened its doors to let members experience the hills of the Ohio River Valley in a brand new way. Over the years, Valhalla has hosted several PGA Championships, PGA Senior Championships, and the Ryder Cup.
Sherwood Country Club
Sherwood Country Club sits just a few miles west of Westlake Golf Course, and it’s one of the most exclusive golf courses on the West Coast. The holes crawl all through the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, and the short membership list has included some of the biggest names in Hollywood and Los Angeles. At the same time, the quality is top-notch leading to its selection as host course for Tiger Woods’ World Challenge tournament for 14 years.
TPC Snoqualmie Ridge
Located halfway between Seattle and the Rocky Mountains, Snoqualmie Ridge is a private golf club that utilizes the sloping ground to challenge players who are used to flat terrain. Ever since 2005, Snoqualmie Ridge has hosted the Boeing Classic tournament, a regular part of the PGA Champions Tour for older golfers.
Today Nicklaus Design is run in part by Jack’s namesake son, Jack Nicklaus II. Together the Nicklaus Team is responsible for the design of more than 400 golf courses 298 of which 290 were actually designed by Jack Nicklaus.