MARANA, Ariz. – March 28, 2009 – Jack Nicklaus today formally
dedicated the Tucson area’s first Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in 25 years,
celebrating the centerpiece of the high Sonoran Desert’s new luxury resort
golf community.
“We are excited and honored to have Jack Nicklaus with us,” said
David Mehl of Cottonwood Properties, which owns The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club,
Dove Mountain. “Our goal is to provide our members and guests with the
best desert golf experience in the world. That is why we selected the best
golf course designer in the world to create that golf experience. The legendary
Nicklaus focus and determination to create excellence is once again evident
in this project.”
The original 27 holes, along with a majestic clubhouse
and tour-quality practice area of The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain
were initially unveiled in January. Only six weeks after opening, it debuted
on the international stage as host of the 2009 World Golf Championships–Accenture
World Match Play Championship, where Tiger Woods made his much-anticipated
return to competition.
“When most golf courses might try to have a weekend
scramble, we hosted the 64 top-ranked players in the world,” said Michael
McMahon, general manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. “Our golf
staff did a fantastic job to have the course ready. It was nice to hear the
players say how much they appreciated the superb conditioning. The tournament
was a huge success and now we are looking forward to hosting the matches for
many years to come.”
At The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain, Nicklaus
has integrated solid strategy, variety and fair shot values that harmonize
with the high desert elevation of 2,300 to 3,000 feet. Large greens with significant
undulation, wide fairways and carries over desert washes define each course.
The bunkering varies from classic, pot-style obstacles to expansive areas that
stretch close to 80 yards along the edges of the fairways. The golf courses
feature Bentgrass greens, while the tees, fairways and rough are Bermuda (with
perennial rye overseed), ideal for the desert climate. An additional nine holes
are planned.
“I think it turned out to be a terrific golf course,” said Nicklaus, who, along with his son Jack II, led a group of about 150 invited guests on a playing tour of the Tortolita Course. “This is a combination of tournament, resort and residential golf. People are going to be able to come here and have a nice golf course, an enjoyable playing experience. I’m very pleased with it.”
The
Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain also features a 50,000-square-foot clubhouse
with all of the services expected from a luxury private club including tennis
courts, fitness center, steward-serviced private locker rooms, and a double-ended
practice facility. The clubhouse includes indoor and outdoor dining venues
with spectacular views, including Cayton’s, a casual but refined restaurant
named for legendary Dove Mountain homesteader and cowboy poet Eugene “Cush” Cayton,
serving American comfort cuisine with a Southwestern flair.
When the resort
hotel and spa open this fall, the property will be an indulgent retreat that
features a 17,000-square-foot spa, the finest cuisine prepared by world-class
chefs, and The Ritz-Carlton’s unparalleled sophistication and personalized
service throughout its 850 acres. Included are a 250-room hotel and adjacent
cluster of secluded, multi-bedroom casitas-ideally suited for golfing families
and friends.
“We are looking forward to welcoming guests this October,” McMahon
said. “Much of the heavy work has been done, as we stay on track toward
completion. It’s an exciting time, as we get closer to having every piece in
place for our grand opening.”
The resort’s invigorating playground reaches
out through a majestic Saguaro forest, where the adventurous can engage the
lush desert along the Tortolita Mountains. Activities range from a casual nature
walk to mounting up for an authentic, Old West cattle drive, as guests at Dove
Mountain will have 20 miles of hiking trails (clearly mapped by National Geographic),
along with marked mountain biking routes and guided jeep tours. Three swimming
pools and a 235-foot water slide will gently flow throughout the water complex.
While
the golf courses eventually will be accessible only by resident members and
resort guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, open play is available for
a limited time in 2009. The fee is $225 per player through May, which includes
golf, cart, access to the practice facilities and required forecaddie from
the distinctive Ritz-Carlton Caddie Concierge program.
Reservations are accepted
30 days in advance through the golf shop, (520) 572-3500. Also visit www.ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain.
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