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Posts Tagged ‘Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea’
Chemulpo to Songdo IBD: Korea’s International Gateway
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
Songdo IBD’s Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea to host PGA Champions Tour Event
Thursday, June 11th, 2009
Incheon Mayor Ahn Sang-soo (center left), Jack Nicklaus (center), Gale International CEO John Hynes (center right)
Gale International’s master plan for Sondgo IBD included providing outstanding amenities. A world class golf course was part of this vision. Partnering with Jack Nichlaus to design the course has added to the excitement. News this weeks adds to what will be a major attraction for Songdo IBD.
The Golden Bear rolled into Korea to help announce the first-ever PGA Champions Tour event in the country, and in all of Asia for that matter.
Incheon will host a seniors competition in the latter half of next year and annually through 2012, golf legend Jack Nicklaus revealed yesterday during a press conference at the Grand Hyatt in central Seoul.
The event will be held at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, which is currently being built in Incheon’s Songdo International Business District.
The 72-par golf course measures 7,257 yards and is approximately 60 percent complete. It’s expected to open in time for the event.
Nicklaus – who designed the golf club bearing his name – said plans to bring a Champions Tour event to Korea have been in the works for years.
“The golf course awaiting the Champions Tour players is totally created [from the ground up], but one we believe will be world class,’’ Nicklaus said. “The project is right off Incheon Bay, so the golf course provides bay and harbor views.’’
PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said in an Associated Press story that the Korean market is important to the organization.
“We welcome this addition to the Champions Tour schedule and the opportunity to further elevate golf in South Korea with an event of this magnitude,” Finchem said.
The 54-hole stroke play event has a $3 million purse and is offering a prize of $450,000 to the winner. Event sponsor IMG is working with PGA Tour officials to include Korean and Asian players in the event.
Songdo IBD March 2009: An Update
Friday, March 13th, 2009
1st World Towers, Songdo IBD
By Don Southerton, Songdo IBD CityTalk Editor and Chief Blogger
After a week in Korea, I’m back in La Jolla, California. I’d like to share some insights on the visit. First, flying into Incheon International Airport, the new bridge looked awesome. Th Songdo IBD skyline is also beginning to standout–buildings sprouting up.
I cannot wait for the bridge to link the project with the airport. In fact, the new bridge will open up much of the region south of Incheon and spur growth. At two occasions over the week, Korean friends commented on the bridge making travel more convenient and that local businesses would benefit. All were also impressed with the scope and scale of Songdo IBD.
I also had the opportunity to chat with the construction management team for the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea. They shared that the golf course was one of the most eco-friendly in the world. What I found interesting was not only the technology involved in the project, but Jack Nicklaus’ ongoing interest in the Songdo IBD golf course.
To conclude, over the week despite many in Korea feeling the impact of the global recession (and scarce Foreign Direct Investment in Korea)…Songdo IBD, the Gale International team, and their partners are moving forward with the project.
Full Throttle and Full Speed Ahead
Sunday, December 14th, 2008
By Don Southerton, Songdo IBD CityTalk Editor and Chief Blogger
A key aspect of Songdo IBD CityTalk will be commentary, breaking news, and first-hand accounts of the Songdo IBD project. We will try to minimize re-cycling news on Songdo IBD, except when we feel it will promote dialogue. I begin with some commentary.
Full Throttle
Reflecting on my trip to Korea last week, I did see concerns on the economy. For one, firms and businesses are more reserved this year with their holiday decorations. My contacts in many of Korea’s top Groups feel there will be some downsizing and layoffs—the first in ten years. Despite the global economic downturn, some leaders see opportunity. Hyundai-Kia Motors Chairman Chung Mong Koo last week noted the need for the company to “go full throttle” at a time when some in the industry are in turmoil. Chung noted Hyundai-Kia would focus on small cars and Green technology. Hyundai vowed to provide decent jobs and help the national economy.
Songdo IBD Full Speed Ahead
What did stand out last week was the huge concern that foreign investors are pulling out of Korea. Interestingly, this is not so with Songdo IBD. In contrast, the project is moving forward as planned. For example, 2009 will see the completion of the 7.4 mile Incheon Bridge along with the 1st phase of the Songdo IBD, including the 100 acre Central Park and Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea. To me, borrowing from the words of Chairman Stan Gale it looks like “ Full Speed Ahead,” for Gale International and Songdo IBD.
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