November 19, 1999
DALLAS, TX -- ClubCorp and Golden Bear International announced yesterday the development of two new properties
under the signature name "Bear's Best." The first Bear's Best courses will be located northeast of Atlanta
and in the western Las Vegas valley.
The new public access courses will feature replications of PGA legend and golf course designer Jack Nicklaus' favorite
hole designs, such as Elk River No. 6, Castle Pines No. 18, and Muirfield Village Nos. 11 and 12. Fondly known
as the Golden Bear, Nicklaus was named the world's leading active designer by Golf Digest. Some 24 of his courses
have been listed among the Top-100 rankings prepared by various national and international publications.
"Over the past 30 years, I have had the opportunity to design nearly 200 courses and in just about every corner
of the world," said Nicklaus, chairman of Golden Bear International. "There are certain holes that I
have enjoyed designing and ones we hope have given golfers a lasting memory."
The Bear's Best courses will be designed for group play, in contrast to most of America's golf courses, which are
geared toward individual play.
"This is a very exciting new product for ClubCorp and Golden Bear International," said Jim Hinckley,
chief operating officer of ClubCorp responsible for growing all aspects of the company's domestic and international
operations. "These courses will meet a significant need for corporate entertainment and events. Being able
to play on Jack's best holes is a real bonus."
Sections of the practice facilities will be reserved for each group. Electronic signage will direct individuals
to their group's location. A large catering staff will attend to the players' food and beverage needs immediately
before and after play. Multiple bag drop-off points and parking will facilitate larger groups. Each location will
feature a golf learning center for clinics.
ClubCorp and Golden Bear International announced the joint venture partnership in July 1998 to develop new properties
together and initially envisioned the creation of several dozen projects over the next decade. The first properties
that have resulted from this union are The Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate in Overland Park, Kansas, near Kansas
City, and The Nicklaus Golf Club at BirchRiver in Dahlonega, Ga., near Atlanta. The Bear's Best concept was part
of the joint venture announcement.
Both Bear's Best golf courses will be constructed in highly desirable residential developments and will serve as
an amenity for residents.
In Atlanta, the Bear's Best course will thread its path among the luxury homes in the new community of Edinburgh,
now under development in Gwinnett County by Pulte Homes. With construction to begin next spring, Edinburgh is designed
as a 574-acre master-planned environment featuring tennis and swim complexes and a fully equipped clubhouse for
residents. In addition, the Bear's Best clubhouse at Edinburgh will house the golf course pro shop, locker rooms
and extensive dining facilities.
Pulte Home Corporation, a subsidiary of Pulte Corporation, has its headquarters in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. It is
the nation's largest homebuilder with operations in 27 states and 41 markets. Pulte Homes has constructed more
than 222,000 homes in its history, including more than 20,000 residential closings this year.
In Las Vegas, The Ridges, a village of the master-planned community of Summerlin, is a new luxury, golf course
village that will feature the Bear's Best golf course as its centerpiece. Summerlin, a 22,500-acre, mixed-use community,
is located along the western rim of the Las Vegas Valley, about 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Developed
by The Howard Hughes Corporation, Summerlin has been ranked as America's best-selling master- planned community
for six of the past seven years.
The Howard Hughes Corporation, an affiliate of The Rouse Company of Columbia, Maryland, is involved in the quality
development of more than 20,000 acres of real estate assets in the Southwestern United States. Today, The Howard
Hughes Corporation is engaged exclusively in developing Hughes' real estate holdings in Southern Nevada.
Golden Bear International, with headquarters in North Palm Beach, Florida, is the privately owned company of the
Nicklaus family. The company offers a wide range of golf services and products, including golf course design, and
golf course and real estate development.
ClubCorp, with headquarters in Dallas and founded in 1957, has $1.5 billion in assets and is the world leader in
delivering golf, private club and resort experiences. Internationally, the company owns or operates more than 230
golf courses, country clubs, private business clubs and sports clubs and golf resorts, with more than 23,000 employees.
Among its premier golf resorts is Pinehurst, site of the 1999 U.S. Open Championship.
For more information on Golden Bear International, go to www.nicklaus.com.
For information on ClubCorp, go to www.clubcorp.com.
SOURCE ClubCorp and Golden Bear International