COLLIERVILLE, TN--Jack Nicklaus, whose name is as synonymous with greatness in golf course design as it is with championship play, returned to Spring Creek Ranch on Monday to entertain several hundred guests and VIPs with a clinic and 18-hole exhibition round. He also participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Golf House, which is scheduled to open by the end of 2005.

Photo by Jim Mandeville

Spring Creek Ranch, the only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in the Memphis area, opened in December 1999, and over the last four years has compiled numerous accolades, including runner-up for Golf Digest's Best New Private Course in America for 2001.

This is the first time the Golden Bear has played or even seen the golf course since its completion.

In addition to playing the 18-hole round, christened by a tee shot played with a handmade persimmon driver Nicklaus signed and presented to club founder Dr. David Meyer, the Golden Bear opened the day with a lively clinic, where he took guests through his pre-round warm-up routine and provided them helpful golf tips along the way. The day concluded with the groundbreaking ceremony, a press conference and an invitation-only reception.

"When I return to a golf course for the first time after its completed, whether it is opening day or four years after it has opened, it is special for me," Nicklaus said. "A lot of people put their heart and soul into a project, and it's exciting when you see it all come to fruition. The Meyer family was very involved in the entire process, and I have found that any time an owner gets involved in the design process, the end result is that much better. You can see the passion and dedication of the Meyer family in Spring Creek Ranch."

Photo by Jim Mandeville

The Golf House is being designed by world-renowned architect James Cutler of Bainbridge Island, Wash. The full-service golf house will focus on the warmth, intimacy and traditions embraced by the Meyer family. The 20,000-square-foot facility will include expansive men's and women's locker rooms, a fitness center, dining room, private dining area, a great room, and an area for swing analysis and club-fitting.

"Our course has received rave reviews, not only for design and amenities, but also for its natural setting and beauty,," Dr. Meyer said. "Now, as we move to construct an equally exceptional Golf House for our members, we are delighted that Mr. Nicklaus joined us for this truly special day."

Spring Creek Ranch's storied past transcends golf. The ranch was originally used to develop and maintain one of the premier purebred Brangus herds, utilizing the only National Institute of Health financial grant given to a cattle farm. The facility was a catalyst in the advancement of bovine embryo transfer methods, and pioneered cryo-protection methods.

The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Spring Creek Ranch plays to 7,341 yards from the back tees, appropriately named the Bravo tees for a prize-winning bull. The other tees are nicknamed Black Duke, Carson, Rocky Joe, and Georgie Boy--all names of prize bulls.