http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2008/11/09/jack-nicklaus-in-feud-with-gleneagles-over-changes-to-course-he-designed-78057-20880896/Jack Nicklaus in feud with Gleneagles over changes to course he designed
Nov 9 2008 By Charles LaveryGOLFING great Jack Nicklaus is feuding with Gleneagles after they changed the design of one of his courses.
The Golden Bear is so upset at alterations to the PGA Centenary Course - which will host the 2014 RyderCup - he has taken it off his own website.
And he has demanded the club alter the description of the course on their site.
Bosses at the five-star hotel complex in Perthshire have been forced to change the description of the course on the net and alter their advertising as a result of the fallout with the sporting legend.
Gleneagles previously described the course as being "designed by Jack Nicklaus" but now refer to it as having been "created by" the 18-time major winner.
Nicklaus, recognised as one of the greatest ever golfers and course architects, designed the Centenary Course for its opening in 1993.
The American called the course "the finest parcel of land in the world I have ever been given to work with".
A source close to the star said: "Jack designed the course but a lot of the holes have been changed since, sometimes more than once.
"It's not the one he designed originally and that's why he has removed it from his website."
A spokeswoman for Gleneagles - home to another two championship-standard courses - said: "Jack Nicklaus designed the course for us in the early 90s.
"In the last few years and in the build up to being the hosts for the Ryder Cup, we have had another designer tweak a few holes.
"We do say he created the course and we have an ongoing relationship with the Jack Nicklaus organisation."
It is understood the Centenary Course will be altered again in time for the Ryder Cup.
Nicklaus Design executive vicepresident Tim Kenny said: "We continue to communicate with representatives at Gleneagles to reach a mutually agreed resolution and the conversations have been and continue to be very amicable.
"Jack does not have any specific design issue with any part of the current golf course.
"What is at issue is that modifications have been made over the years without our knowledge or input.
"Because this is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course - one that he has great sentimental attachment to, as well as being a course that represents historical significance in his design legacy - it is important that the integrity of the original design strategy be respected.
"If it has been modified in a way that differs from Jack's original design, then it would not be fair to the consumer to continue to position the design as a Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. That is the matter under discussion."
The 18th hole needs to be altered because the Ryder Cup will take place in September and players could be playing directly into a low sun as they approach the clubhouse.
It is also understood that the hole may not even be the 18th by the time of the tournament, as the order of holes could be shuffled.
The website Nicklaus.com refers to "Jack's legendary achievements", including 18 major championships and course designs. It details more than 300 Nicklaus designed courses around the world.
But its listing for Gleneagles' PGA Centenary Course offers a link to the hotel website but "no additional information".
Nicklaus is widely regarded as the greatest professional golfer of all time.
Together with fellow American Arnold Palmer and South African Gary Player, known as the "Big Three", he is credited with turning golf into the major spectator sport it has become.
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