Scots golf course designed by legendary golfer that’s been two decades in the making finally unveils opening date

ONE of golf’s most iconic figures has finally been able to unveil an opening date for his new course in Scotland – after two decades in the making.

Jack Nicklaus, the sport‘s leading major winner, has been keen to add a Scottish location to his design portfolio since 2007.

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Golf legend Jack Nicklaus at Ury Castle near StonehavenCredit: Supplied by Orbit Communications

A leading course designer, Nicklaus says the development at Ury will be worth the waitCredit: FM GROUP

The American legend decided on using the Ury Estate in Aberdeenshire, just outside of Stonehaven, for his multi-million pound development – with estimates back then of a total cost of £80million.

But the banking crisis in 2008 and several other factors led to several delays and only in recent years has the project gathered pace again.

That’s despite Aberdeenshire Council approving resurrected plans as long ago as 2014.

Nicklaus, 85, has laid out a course across the 1,600-acre countryside estate and there are plans for luxury homes and a retail development to go alongside it.

The estate also contains Ury Castle, which is likely to feature prominently in the end product of the course itself (much like Castle Stuart in the Highlands).

Now after almost 20 years, Nicklaus has been back to visit the site and revealed it will be worth the wait.

A £17m loan from digital bank OakNorth has allowed Nicklaus and co to press ahead with the next stage of the process and finally give the green light to an opening date.

It’s now been confirmed that the course is slated to partially open next year, before a full opening in 2027.

The cash injection will go directly towards 18 luxury homes and another 71 family residences, as well as maintenance of the golf course and retail attachment.

Nicklaus has put his architectural touch to many of the world’s leading golf courses since retiring, including Harbour Town Golf Links, Muirfield Village and Valhalla.

He said: “It always takes a while to create a great golf course, but I believe the Ury Estate course will be worth the wait and also worthy of Scotland and its global reputation for exceptional golf.

“I am enormously pleased with the design of the course and believe it will be enjoyed by golfers for many generations.”

Fraser McPhail, senior director of debt finance at OakNorth, added: “Ury Estate is an iconic project that embodies the spirit of Scottish heritage and ambition.

“Our funding will help accelerate its transformation into a premier resort and residential community, underpinned by the world-class Jack Nicklaus golf course and the Silver Boar emblem. We’re proud to play a part in this milestone development.”

Luxury homes will be built on site alongside the golf courseCredit: ORBIT COMMUNICATIONS

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