San Miguel project kicks off with Nicklaus visit

Las Puertas will become the centerpiece of a luxury golf community located just outside one of Mexico's most picturesque colonial cities

NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. - Jack Nicklaus, whose name has become synonymous with quality golf throughout Mexico, made his first visit today to his latest project in Central Mexico when he toured the site at San Miguel de Allende and the private community of Las Puertas.  

Las Puertas will represent a unique marriage of sorts, where San Miguel's "Old World" charm meets the new wave of luxury golf communities under development throughout Mexico. Nicklaus Design has nine courses open for play throughout Mexico, and Las Puertas is one of 12 Nicklaus projects currently under design or construction in Mexico. Like San Miguel, most of these projects under development are located inland. This is one of the few, however, where Jack Nicklaus is also involved as a partner.

"We have been fortunate enough to design some wonderful golf courses in Mexico, but until recently, most of those have been coastal projects - be it Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta or Cancun," Jack Nicklaus said. "San Miguel presents a unique opportunity to bring golf to an area in need of it, and to a market that can support such a project. San Miguel has long established itself as a sought-after destination, because of its beauty and charm. The golf component only adds to that attraction. This is a tremendous opportunity, and we're excited to be involved."  

San Miguel de Allende, located about 140 miles outside Mexico City, is nestled in the mountainous central region of Mexico and in the state of Guanajuato. This "low" region in reality averages about 7,000 feet, but is so called for being a relatively flat area ringed by mountains.  

Declared a national monument in 1926, San Miguel de Allende is a picturesque city of arched colonial mansions, and terraced cobblestone streets. The early Spanish to semi-gothic architecture makes the city look very much today as it has for the past few hundred years. Large, ornate doors open from the street to reveal open-air courtyards and colorful gardens reminiscent of New Orleans.

San Miguel has a population of over 50,000, with close to a fifth of those residents being Americans who have chosen to become permanent residents. The charm of the town and surrounding area as well as the agreeable climate attract visitors from all over the world, and San Miguel has become a center for intellectual and artistic life, with galleries, schools and events that focus on painting, sculpture, music, literature, language and drama.  

Just ten minutes from the heart of San Miguel, Las Puertas is located on rolling hills, reminiscent of the high desert in Santa Fe, and offers stunning views of the town below. In addition to a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, Las Puertas will feature a world-class spa and equestrian center.

"The golf industry is changing so fast in Mexico, and in that regard, Jack has taught us how important it is to have a brand-name golf course," said Oscar Gutierrez, who, along with wife Norma, are developing the Las Puertas' project. "We think the charm of San Miguel guaranteed us a certain measure of success; however, Jack adds at least two times the value to the land or the development than any other designer in the business."

Nicklaus Design is the privately owned golf course design firm led by Jack Nicklaus and the Nicklaus family. Nicklaus Design is a division of the Nicklaus Companies. For over 30 years, the mission of theNicklaus Companies has been to enhance the golf experience, and to bring to the national and international consumer golf-related businesses and services that mirror the high standards established in the career and life of Jack Nicklaus. These services include golf-course design, the development of golf and real estate communities, and the marketing and licensing of golf products and services.   

Nicklaus Design, recognized as the world leader in golf course design, has been involved with over 260 courses open for play in 27 countries and 35 states. Of those, Jack Nicklaus has designed, co-designed or re-designed 219 courses around the globe, 35 of which have been ranked in various national or international Top-100 lists.