Jack sighting in metro Philly

[Dan Herrmann]

We've had a confirmed Jack sighting at Golf Zone driving range in Honeybrook, PA.  Apparently, Mr. Nicklaus was down the road working at his new course, Applecross.

I was pleasantly surprsied to see that Mr. Nicklaus was actively involved.  According to Nicklaus.com, Michael Nicklaus is the lead architect.  Any idea what other courses Michael has done?

Any idea what is in store for Applecross?

It's on US322 about 3 miles SE of its intersection with PA 82, about 9 miles from Stonewall as the crow flies.  It'll be interesting to see what their rates are, and how it affects the golf business out here in the far western burbs of Philly.

By the way, Applecross is the central feature of a housing development, as are most courses nowadays.  It's a Pulte Homes development.  Nice land too - some nice flowing countours that could make for a very fine course.

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PS  -  I hate the name, Chester County already has Hanse's Applebrook.  I'm sure there will be confusion in a few years.

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Dan

Did Jack buy a bucket of balls at the range?

What was he doing at the range?

Too many apples in Chester County. Will Applecross be public?

Steve

[Dan Herrmann]

Applecross' business model is similar to Rivercrest.  Private course that's the centerpoint of a housing development.

I wasn't at Golf Zone when Mr. Nicklaus visited, but another member of my club was (it was a Monday, and we were closed).  He said that the guy taking the money said he wouldn't believe who was out hitting range balls off mats.  My friend was amazed to come to find Mr. Jack.

My friend also knows how lucky he was to have a close encounter with greatness.

[Craig_Rokke]

I agree w/Dan. They could have put more thought into the name. I would think that they'll need very affordable memberships or one heckuva course, to have a shot.....
(I'm basing that on demographics and current locations of other clubs.)

[JWL]

Sorry, must have been an impersonater.
It wasn't Jack.

[Dan Moore]

Fifteen-twenty years I was at the range at Kemper Lakes when Arnold Palmer showed up for a corporate outing and started hitting balls a few stations down.  What an amazing swing.  Just perfect from waist high coming down to waist high on the follow through.  But the rest, all I can say is wow.  

Shiv.  Lee Trevino once said you are better off swinging a weighted club than hitting off mats.  Ok for the driver though if you make sure to get the right height tee.

[Craig_Rokke]

I visit said driving range on occasion. I know that Nicklaus Design has sort of a tiered fee schedule that entails different
levels of Mr Nicklaus' involvement. His firm has dozens of projects going on around the world, and I would not expect him to be particularly hands-on. Anyone know how often he personally may get out to a typical job?

[Jeff Goldman]

Guys, that is Jim Lipe telling us that it wasn't Mr. Nicklaus.  He might be in the know about this.  

[Dan Herrmann]

My info was second-hand. I'd assume that Mr. Lipe would know what he's talking about.

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