Rick Jacobson on design fast track

MIDDLETOWN, Md. - Chicago-based golf course architect Rick Jacobson has been on a fast track to meet the demand in Jacobson Golf Course Design's three key markets: the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and the Midwest regions.

Having won the bid to provide an affordable, upscale 18-hole golf course for the Lower Makefield Township in Bucks County, Penn., just north of Philadelphia, the design firm is busy putting together a master plan. The course, yet to be named, is Jacobson's first in the Philadelphia area.

The par-72 layout will have multiple sets of tees ranging in length from 4,900 to 7,000 yards. "We're currently putting together a budget and doing a lot of diligence work relative to water availability and the underlying geology of the site," Jacobson said. "There is rock in the area, and we're busy massaging the budget to make sure the project is viable from a financial standpoint."

As far as demographics, the course is well positioned, according to Jacobson. "Within a block of Interstate 95, on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River, you're at the site," he said. "Philadelphia is listed as number three in a recent ratings where the supply of golf facilities does not meet demand."

The 166-acre site is a gently rolling, partially wooded tract of former agricultural property that features elevation changes of up to 100 feet and a small stream that flows along the northern boundary. An existing stone farmhouse will be preserved and transformed into the golf clubhouse, Jacobson said.

Construction of the new course is expected to begin in spring 2002 with an anticipated opening in fall 2003.

HOLLOW CREEK GOLF CLUB

Hollow Creek Golf Course broke ground in June and will hold a grand opening next summer. Located some 40 miles outside Washington D.C. and surrounded by the Catoctin Mountains, the 18-hole public layout offers views of greens framed by distant mountains, stone wall features from rock excavated onsite, and rolling hills bisected by Hollow Creek.

"We worked with several agencies to establish a rather detailed protection system as far as erosion and sediment control for the creek," said Jacobson. "Buffer zones, diversion swales, silt fencing, detention basins and bio-retention basins are all part of the design to protect that corridor."

Natelli Communities is developing a real estate project around the course. The community will consist of 210 single family homes and 140 townhouses, according to company owner Tony Natelli.

Klein Golf Associates will manage course operations. "We are following Rick's design to the T,' said Stephen Klein, course owner. Klein said he is planning to charge a greens fee of $35 for a "country-club-for-a-day" golf experience targeting a younger clientele that cannot afford a steady diet of high-priced golf.

There are four separate tee boxes at the par-71 layout that plays 6,610 yards from the championship tees down to about 5,080 yards from the forward positions.

STONY POINT IN NY

The Stony Point Golf Course, about 35 miles outside NewYork City up the Hudson River in the town of Stony Point, is due to open in 2003. "It's a spectacular site overlooking Bear Mountain State Park," said Jacobson. "It's a new 18-hole construction we're planning to finish next fall. We've got about three or four holes roughed in now."

INDIAN LAKES

In addition to new courses, Jacobson is also busy with restoration and renovation work. The two 18-hole courses at Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, Ill., just west of Chicago, will be undergoing a $5 million renovation.

Renovation of the Eastand West courses that were originally designed by Robert Bruce Harris in 1965, will occur nine holes at a time over the next four years. An island green on the par-4 17th hole on the East Course --- currently the 8th hole - is will be the new signature hole.

The existing 380-yard par-4 8th plays as a dogleg right with a lake along the left side of the fairway. In the middle of the lake is an island where a new 6,500-square-- foot green will be constructed. A new foot bridge, spanning 70 feet, will connect the fairway to the green. "It will create a high level of excitement for golfers," said Jacobson. "It will be a topic of conversation long after they complete their rounds."

Copyright United Publications, Inc. Nov 2001
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