Jack Nicklaus To Develop Signature Course in Tropical Pearl Islands, Panama.

Published: December 16, 2008 / LuxuryTravelMagazine.com

Grupo Viveros, the parent company of the Viveros Resorts and residential developments, announced Tuesday that Jack Nicklaus will create a par-72 Signature Golf Course as the centerpiece of the island's many 5-star attractions. Isla Viveros, located in the Pacific Ocean just 45 miles from the Panamanian coast, is a $300 million development featuring as many as two hotel properties, private runway, luxurious spa, shopping and fine dinning facilities, and a 300-slip yacht club and marina, along with 250 beachfront residential villas.

Mr. Nicklaus arrived Monday in Panama—his first visit to the country in a playing and design career that has taken him to all corners of the globe—and then Tuesday morning spent close to four hours on site at Viveros with his design team. Following the visit to the island, Mr. Nicklaus returned to the mainland for a press conference and reception.

"Viveros is honored to have Jack Nicklaus, a distinguished golf legend and the world's preeminent course designer, on board to create and offer our residents and visitors a premier course that matches the uniqueness of the island," said Maxime Navarre, CEO of Grupo Viveros.

“We’re excited about our first design visit to Viveros," Nicklaus said. “The site has a lot of wonderful natural features. There are elevation changes up to 65 meters, lush vegetation, and with 35 kilometers of coastline, we have the opportunity for some spectacular oceanfront golf.

"We have been fortunate to have had a great deal of success designing throughout the Caribbean, and I hope we are able to create a golf experience that will only enhance what Viveros is trying to accomplish, and serve as a welcome addition to Panama's fast-growing reputation as a global tourist destination."

Nicklaus Design recently had eight courses—more than any other design firm—named to Golfweek's 2009 list of the "Best Courses of the Caribbean and Mexico." Nicklaus took two of the top four and four of the top 10, including No. 1 Punta Espada Golf Club, the Top-100 design by Jack Nicklaus that serves as the centerpiece to Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic.

An exclusive hideaway, the Viveros Resort and properties are located on an island surrounded by miles of pristine white and golden sand beaches, is set to become the World’s premier 5-star resort development. Every last detail for this unprecedented development has been carefully weighed to provide both guest and resident alike with the finest standards of living; all while maintaining absolute respect and care for Island’s natural environment and ecosystem. The island will feature a private runway, 300 slip marina, and luxurious dining, shopping and spa facilities.

At Viveros Resorts, discerning travelers will witness a commitment to excellence, featuring an array of luxurious amenities and two 5-star hotels. The Resort will consists of a 140-room boutique hotel on the island’s Northern beach (opening 2009) and a 250-room hotel on the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. All resort residents will be afforded stunning ocean views from their rooms and suites.

Nicklaus Design, the global design firm founded by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and privately owned by the Nicklaus family, is widely regarded as the world's leading golf course design firm.
With a philosophy of working closely with golf course design clients, enhancing the natural environment, and creating courses that are both challenging and enjoyable for players of all levels, the company has 337 courses open for play in 33 countries and 39 states. Of those 337 golf courses, Jack Nicklaus has been involved in the design of 271 courses.
At least 60 Nicklaus Design courses have been ranked by major industry publications like Golf Digest, Golfweek, GOLF Magazine and Travel & Leisure Golf, in their respective national or international Top-100 lists. No fewer than 87 Nicklaus Design courses have hosted a combined total of over 600 professional golf tournaments worldwide, including events on the PGA Tour, the Champions Tour, the LPGA Tour and the Nationwide Tour, among others.