Aldie, Virginia – October 1, 2009 – Golf legend Jack Nicklaus was hard at work during a return appearance yesterday at Creighton Farms, an exclusive residential golf community located in Virginia’s prestigious Loudoun County. Situated just 30 miles west of Washington, D.C., the centerpiece of this spectacular gated community is the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, recently named one of the ‘Best New Courses in 2008’ by Golf Digest, Golfweek and Travel + Leisure Golf—one of only two private courses in the world to be recognized by all three publications in 2008.
Nicklaus began the visit with a 2-hour tour of the Creighton Farms course, during which he assessed every aspect of its design, setup, and condition. With the same intense concentration and attention to detail that made him an 18-time major champion and the world’s preeminent course designer, Nicklaus offered suggestions on everything from mowing patterns to fairway widths—and even used a special iPhone application to determine that the slope on one of the greens might benefit from a one-inch adjustment. The golf legend went over every shot on every hole and outlined several new tee locations, with an eye toward making the course more playable and enjoyable for the average player—a theme that Nicklaus spoke to again and again during his visit.
A press conference was held with Jack Nicklaus and Creighton Farms owners David Southworth and Joseph Deitch, Partners of Southworth Development of Newton, Massachusetts. Mr. Nicklaus took the time to answer questions about how the golf course eventually finished out after the years he spent designing it, remarking: “this is a remarkably strong golf course. It’s a golfer’s golf course for the individual who enjoys playing the game not only because it will be fair and fun, but that it will test your mettle.”
Jack Nicklaus also commented on the recent purchase of Creighton Farms by Newton, Massachusetts-based Southworth Development, saying: “David Southworth and Joe Deitch have come along and brought new life into this project and we’re delighted. Southworth is an accomplished company in their own right and a well-respected one in the golf development industry.”
Creighton Farms owners David Southworth and Joseph Deitch thanked Mr. Nicklaus for his involvement and support of Creighton Farms by making a $10,000 donation to The First Tee of Prince William County. “In honor of your tireless commitment to The First Tee Program and your unwavering dedication to the growth of the game of golf,” said David Southworth.
Nicklaus went on to speak to many topical subjects, including the state of the game in America and the role that the USGA’s recent groove restriction rules may play in the future of golf course design.
Following the press conference, Mr. Nicklaus hosted a golf clinic for the Creighton Farms Members and their guests. It was no surprise to anyone when Mr. Nicklaus invited students of The First Tee of Prince William County to participate in the clinic, where the Golden Bear himself offered priceless golf advice on how to improve their technique and skill. Mr. Nicklaus encouraged The First Tee students to “watch the greats, like how Gary Player plays bunker shots or how Ben Crenshaw putts and you learn what they do,” said Nicklaus. “Young players need access to play and that’s exactly what The First Tee Program is all about—giving young golfers the opportunity to play to not only learn the game, but learn the lessons of life.”
About Nicklaus Design
Nicklaus Design is the global firm founded by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and privately owned by the Nicklaus family. Nicklaus Design is widely regarded as the world’s leading design firm, with 343 courses open for play in 34 countries and 39 states. At least 63 Nicklaus Design courses have been ranked in various national or international Top-100 lists, and close to 90 Nicklaus courses have hosted a combined total of more than 600 professional tournaments worldwide, as well as many significant national amateur championships. Nicklaus Design currently has more than 40 courses under construction and projects under development in 45 different countries.
About Creighton Farms
Creighton Farms is an exclusive residential golf community located in Virginia’s prestigious Loudoun County. Situated just 30 miles west of Washington, D.C, Creighton Farms occupies 964 acres of gently rolling topography that typifies Virginia’s historic hunt country. This luxurious single-family residential community combines the area’s rich history with the elegance of world-class amenities and custom-crafted estate and villa residences. Eighteen stunning golf holes designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus form the centerpiece of this spectacular 181-estate home gated community.
About Southworth
Founded by David Southworth, Southworth Development has grown to become one of the industry’s great success stories. The company has become a leader in the international resort and golf development industry, having served as investor, operations manager or construction manager for numerous high-profile resort communities throughout the United States, The Caribbean, The Bahamas and Europe. During his career, David Southworth has developed over $1 billion in golf and hospitality related projects.
In 2006, Southworth Development took a quantum leap forward when Joe Deitch, a longtime close friend of David Southworth, joined the company as a co-owner and visionary partner. Along with David, Joe has helped position the company to succeed in the dramatically changing world of real estate and resort development. Joe’s passion for the business and his many talents have helped create an organization that’s unique in the real estate development world—a veritable “dream team” of professionals from many different disciplines. As the Founder and Chairman of Commonwealth Financial Network, the nation’s largest privately owned, independent broker/dealer firm with over $50 billion in management, Joe’s financial acumen is well known. His expertise has strengthened the Southworth company on many levels. But Joe is much more than just a numbers guy. He’s a true visionary with an innate ability to spot and capitalize on the trends that shape our industry. His marketing savvy helps steer the company on a regular basis. And his personal commitment to the ideals of quality, community and integrity reinforces all that Southworth stands for.
Today, Southworth Development is recognized worldwide as a leader in the field of resort and golf development, known for its dedication to quality and consistency. Current Southworth projects include Machrihanish Dunes, a celebrated historic project on the west coast of Scotland, consisting of a new 18-hole David McLay Kidd seaside links course, along with the restoration of two beautiful old Scottish hotels, the creation of single-family residential home sites and fractional ownership golf cottage; Meredith Bay, a 600+/- unit luxury residential gated community and marina located on New Hampshire’s famed Lake Winnipesaukee; Renaissance Golf Club, a private 18-hole championship golf course located on Boston’s North Shore, and the soon to be developed PGA Village® The Bahamas, a 1,906-acre oceanfront resort community, which will feature over 1,500 residential units, a five-star boutique hotel, 36 holes of Rees Jones-designed championship golf, a casino and PGA Village®.
For more information contact Nancy Powers at or call 508.548.4969.
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