Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nickaus II Open Traditions;
Newest father/son co-design is located on the campus of Texas A&M.

By Jonathan Wall
Courtesy of The Battalion

On Wednesday, Nicklaus Design was in town to host a gala for the unofficial opening of Texas A&M's new golf course, Traditions Club. The golf team and members had the opportunity to play the course prior to yesterday's ceremonies, but it was the first time the course had a professional test run, courtesy of Nicklaus and his son.

On hand during the festivities were the designers of Traditions Club, Jack Nicklaus and his son Jack Nicklaus II. During his prime, the elder Nicklaus was considered to be the greatest golfer of the last century, holding nearly every major record in golf, including most major tournament wins (18) and most professional tournament wins (105).

At 64, Nicklaus is considered one of the top course designers in the world and has more than 230 golf courses with his name attached to them. Wednesday, Traditions was added to the illustrious list.

"I really enjoyed getting the chance to do a course with my son Jackie," Nicklaus said. "I think the members and golf team will be very impressed with the course that we designed for them."

Nicklaus and his son played an 18-hole exhibition match for the members and media in attendance. During the match, Nicklaus and his son talked about the design of the golf holes and took time to talk with the guests around him.

"It was the chance of a lifetime," said Rick Nance, a guest at the opening. "Having Nicklaus and his son out here was something that really made the day one I'll always remember."

Over the past few years, neither A&M golf team had the opportunity to call a course its own. Traditions now gives both teams a new golf facility to be proud of.

The Paul Wahlberg Learning Center is also another great addition, boasting luxury locker rooms, two player lounges and four covered bays for the men's and women's golf teams.

Nicklaus said he was proud of the golf course design and that he has high hopes for the course in the near future. Just next season, the course will host the NCAA Women's Golf Regional, making Traditions Club one of the youngest courses to host the event.

"I think people are going to be very surprised with how fast this course gains recognition," Nicklaus said. "I wouldn't be surprised if the course hosts the NCAA Golf Tournament here in the next few years."