ANGUILLA--Famous golfer Jack Nicklaus was in Anguilla for one day in connection with a proposed golf course and project at the eastern end of the island.
Nicklaus is well-known for designing his signature golf courses around the world and the course would be of top quality. Kennedy Hodge, representing the Hodge family and other landowners, introduced the project to members of the press.
The project will be developed at the eastern end of the island in the Junks Hole, Savannah area and, according to developer Robert Petrallia, will include a 100 unit Rosewood Resort and some 60 homes scattered on the site. The whole project is estimated to cost US $350 million.
Nicklaus told members of the press that environmental aspects of the golf course would have to be completed. He said the rules for the building of golf courses in the US were stringent and the same rules would be used in Anguilla.
Paspaleum grass that can be watered with fresh or salt water, or a mixture of the two, will be used for the course. Desalinated water will also be used for maintenance of the course. The golf course will take on average 150 acres, but because of water restrictions Nicklaus said only 80 or 90 acres would be actual grass. A practice facility will be included in the project as well.
Developer Petrallia has already made five trips to Anguilla to view the development and on this trip partner Howard Gintell was also present, as well as Petrallia's son Matthew, who will be designing the villas.
Gintell sees the project as one that will enhance Anguilla and the existing hotels, as the golf course will be one of the world's best and will most likely host international tournaments. He stressed that one of the attractions of Anguilla is the friendliness of the people.
The project is estimated to take four years and Hodge explained that it was in the early stages of approval and planning at the moment. The golf course will be the first thing to be completed. It should result in considerable employment potential for Anguilla and is seen as a good development for the eastern end of the island, where there is little development at present.
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