Greg Norman to build Ritz-Carlton course on Grand Cayman Island

GRAND CAYMAN - The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has signed an agreement with Greg Norman Golf Course Design (GNGCD) for the construction of a nine-hole signature golf course to open in the fall of 2004. Norman, a former No. 1-ranked player on the PGA Tour, is spearheading every aspect of the project from concept and design to creation and launch.

The partnership is a reflection of the Ritz-Carlton development team's determination to create the highest quality resort in the Caribbean and Norman's reputation for challenging, beautiful and environmentally sensitive courses.

"In designing the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, we knew that we had to have Greg Norman," says Michael Ryan, developer of the resort. "His courses are magnificent and rewarding to play, and there is no designer who has a greater appreciation and skill for working with the local natural environment. The fact that he is building our course puts us in very rare and important company."

With 120 acres available, The Ritz-Carlton course could have been designed for 18 holes. After viewing the property, Norman recommended building a world-class nine-hole course instead. To ensure that it lived up to his expectations, he agreed to construct the course as well.

With course designs on four continents, GNGCD has become of the world's leaders in designing golf facilities, but the company typically leaves construction to the developers. Of the 17 Norman designs currently in development, GNGCD is building only two, including The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.

"We are excited about the Ritz-Carlton project," says Jason McCoy, vice-president of design for Greg Norman Golf Course Design. "It is a wonderful opportunity to work with The Ritz-Carlton and the local community to create a course that is not only exciting to play but an enduring tribute to the unique natural beauty of the Cayman Islands."

Greg Norman Golf Course Design was formed in 1987 in Sydney, Australia, and is recognized by PGA pros and amateurs alike. Three courses that have hosted televised events are: TPC at Sugarloaf in Duluth, Georgia, home of the PGA Tour's BellSouth Classic; Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida; and The Grand Golf Club in Queensland, Australia.

In recognition of his commitment to environmental sensitivity, Norman was recently asked to become a founding member of the board of trustees of the Environmental Institute of Golf. Norman is known for his insistence on working with local organizations as well as developers to integrate local communities and golf courses with the environment.

"It is not only our desire to create a great golf course, but also to find a perfect balance between maximizing the value of the resort or residential component and creating a plan that is proactive in protecting its the environment," says Norman.

One environmental feature of the Ritz-Carlton course is a water retention system which ensures that no service water from the course flows into surrounding natural waterways or wetlands.

Beginning in early 2004, a team of designers and shapers under the supervision of design associate and project manager Scott Henshaw will take up residence on Grand Cayman to begin creating the Ritz-Carlton course. Before opening in the fall, Norman will oversee the final design installation.

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, is situated on 144 acres stretching sea-to-sea - from the famous Seven Mile Beach to the North Sound. The Ritz-Carlton and the Residences at The Ritz-Carlton blend a lush Caribbean backdrop with classic British-Colonial architecture. The resort features 365 guest rooms and suites, the first La Prairie Spa in the Caribbean, five dining venues offering a full range of experiences from fine dining to casual poolside refreshments, several bars and lounges, an exclusive shopping arcade featuring premium brand boutiques, the island's largest ballroom, a tennis center with professional instruction and the Ritz KidsR program.

The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, 69 private ownership condominiums, are available with two-, three- and four-bedroom plans ranging from 2,400 to 8,000 square feet. Residents enjoy all the facilities, services and amenities of the oceanfront resort, including two lifetime golf memberships, as well as dedicated Residential Concierge service, a Dial-a-Chef program for private dining, and access to a unique Endless Service program featuring customized home interior furnishings and design, use of a top-of-the-line Mercedes Benz and a crewed power boat, and continual maintenance and refurbishment of owners' residences.

December 15, 2003