October 22, 2015 – Greg Norman Golf Course Design (GNGCD) – the premier signature golf course design firm in the world|–|celebrates a landmark occasion with the opening of its 100th golf course at Eastern Golf Club in Australia.
Greg Norman hosted the official grand opening in Yering, located within Melbourne’s famous Yarra Valley, last week. As part of the day’s events, Norman conducted a coaching clinic for returned servicemen and women from the Greg Norman Foundation’s charity partner for the opening, Soldier On.
Since its inception in 1987, Greg Norman Golf Course Design has been one of Norman’s true passions in both business and life. His experience playing many of the world’s great golf courses over a 25-year career served as a catalyst to develop this interest and turn it into a thriving company. Today, GNGCD courses span the globe, covering six continents and 34 countries. Among its roster of internationally acclaimed courses are Medalist, Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth & Fire Courses, El Camaleon at Mayakoba Resort, Ellerston, TPC Sugarloaf, and TPC San Antonio.
“Because each design bears my name, I personally make it my mission to get involved with every step of the design process, from walking the virgin site, to planning and construction, to opening day,” says Greg Norman. “Through my globetrotting background, we have been fortunate enough to make inroads in non-traditional golf areas. We look forward to expanding the GNGCD footprint and continuing to grow the game in ways never thought possible.”
In addition to Greg Norman Golf Course Design’s 100 open courses, the firm currently has 42 more under contract and another 22 actively under development.
GNGCD’s design philosophy is grounded in a “least disturbance approach” that blends golf courses with their surrounding environment to enhance the properties’ natural features. The firm is highly-regarded as an industry leader in promoting sustainability and the compatibility of golf courses with the environment, with many projects having been awarded the coveted Audubon Society Award for environmental stewardship.
“I take seriously the legacy we create in designing and developing each golf course. This milestone gives me particular satisfaction, knowing we have made a global impact in creating courses that withstand the test of time.”
Greg Norman Golf Course Design and its projects have been recognized around the globe and have garnered numerous prestigious recognitions for design including:
- Ellerston “Top 100 Courses in the World 2015” GOLF Magazine
- The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip “Best New Courses 2014” GOLF Magazine
- Red Sky Golf Club “Top Ten Courses in Colorado 2013” Golfweek
- The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes “Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America 2011” Conde’ Nast Traveler
- Tiburón Golf Club At The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort “No. 1 Golf Resort in Florida 2009” Golf Digest
- El Camaleón “Best New International Course 2007” GOLF Magazine
- Vellano Country Club “Development of the Year 2007” GOLF Inc.
- Mission Hills Golf Club “Ten Best International Courses 2004” Travel & Leisure
For more information, www.GNGCD.com.
