Legendary CBS broadcaster and golf fanatic Jim Nantz has signed on as design consultant for the short course at Minnesota’s Tepetonka Club.On May 23, Tepetonka Club, a new, 228-acre private golf destination located in New London, two hours west of the Twin Cities, announced that Nantz will collaborate with Tepetonka’s design firm, OCM Golf, on the creation of The Prox, the club’s short course.
"I’ve had the pleasure of knowing [Tepetonka Club chairman] Mark Haugejorde for over 40 years and Tepetonka is his life’s calling," said Nantz, who has broadcast sporting events for CBS since the 1980s. "After visiting with Mark and the OCM Golf team nearly a year ago, it became apparent that they were on the brink of building something that will be legendary. I’m proud to be a founding member and honored to join [OCM partners]
Geoff [Ogilvy],
Mike [Cocking] and
Ashley [Mead] as a consultant on The Prox. I have deep admiration for OCM and the forward-thinking creativity they are bringing to the game."
Tepetonka is Minnesota’s first entry into the highly popular private golf destination category, this despite the state being renowned for hosting events at historic venues. Led OCM Golf and the architecture firm of Douglas Fredrickson Architects, the goal for each member's or guest’s day is summed up in the phrase: "Can’t wait to get there — hate to leave!" The Prox is the club’s short course and practice facility, to which Nantz and OCM will bring their considerable combined golf experience.
"After meeting with my old friend a few times, Jim said he wanted to become a member and I asked if he might be interested in a deeper involvement," said Haugejorde, a former teammate of Nantz’ on the University of Houston golf team. "Jim personifies the three guiding principles of Tepetonka: camaraderie, community and charity. And given the decades he’s spent calling tournaments at courses that include some of the world’s best par 3s, and the level of attention to detail he brings in all things he does, we know he’ll add his experience onsite with OCM in August. We can’t wait."
In August, Nantz, OCM and Doug Fredrikson will present the entire master plan for golf, lodging and supper club to Tepetonka members in Minneapolis. Founding memberships have been completed, with invitation-only memberships open. Given the interest, members are clearly embracing the club’s innovative, fractional ownership model, where the course is never crowded and the fun is always paramount.
"Having had the opportunity to spend some time with Jim recently, it became apparent that he has a keen interest in golf course design and specifically in short courses," OCM’s Cocking said. "The Prox will be integrated into Tepetonka’s practice facility, and we’re looking forward to working with Jim on the design. His input and experience will be invaluable in what we’re creating."
OCM Golf will also create a 6,765-yard, par-70 championship course. Construction is scheduled to begin in October, with an expected opening in summer 2025.Routing Map here:
https://www.firstcallgolf.com/design-notes/feature/2023-05-31/jim-nantz-to-assist-ocm-on-the-design-of-tepetonka-clubs-short-course