MONTEREY, Calif.—Jack Nicklaus, ASGCA Fellow, and Nicklaus Companies has announced the formation of Nicklaus-China. The partnership with a leading Chinese company will aid in the strategic, comprehensive and responsible growth of golf in China by assisting developers with a unique opportunity and “turnkey solution” to golf course and residential development. The venture will also explore business opportunities outside design and development that involve Jack Nicklaus and the Nicklaus brands.
The official signing of the Nicklaus-China venture took place at Pasadera Country Club. Participating in the signing was Nicklaus and Dr. Guang Yang, Chairman and CEO of Finergy Capital, a private equity firm based in Beijing and the new partner in Nicklaus-China.
Nicklaus Design has 84 courses open for play in the Asia Pacific region, including 19 in China. Nicklaus Design currently has 12 courses under development in China and another 10 projects signed and in the planning process. Nicklaus has also begun to brand real estate developments in China, including projects in Beijing and Shenzhen.
The Nicklaus-China venture will operate out of Beijing, and the office will be home to both Chinese and American executives with decades of international experience in the golf industry, ranging from golf course design, development, construction, sales and marketing, agronomy, and operations management.
“As a player and then designer, my goal has always been to grow the game around the world,” Nicklaus said. “At the same time, I think it is important to grow the way golf is developed. We have witnessed the passion and enthusiasm for golf in China, but we have also observed a need and desire for assistance in every aspect of the development process. A quality golf experience only begins with the design process, and developers in China are looking for leadership and expertise in the golf and real estate arenas.
“It is always a thrill for me to return to the courses I have designed, because they represent a special part of my career and life,” Nicklaus said. “Throughout my career, I have had a uniquely special attachment to the Monterey Peninsula, so Pasadera has allowed me the opportunity to leave a little piece of me in the legacy of a golf-rich area. We are proud of the respect and rightful place the club has earned here, and we are confident that under the umbrella of Nicklaus-China, Pasadera has a bright future.”