Tiger Woods, the world's No. 1-ranked golfer, will design the 18-hole course at a new private club and residential community northwest of Houston — the first course designed by the golf icon to open in the United States.
Woods recently was selected to oversee the new course following numerous conversations and site visits with Beacon Land Development officials. Beacon is handling the project, called Bluejack National, which is to be constructed on the site of the former Blaketree National Golf Club in Montgomery.
At Blaketree, billionaire Thomas Blake hired Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore to build a replica of the famed Augusta National Golf Club, but the project was halted when the economy tanked in the mid-1980s. It was finally completed in 2000 and became a popular destination for golfers, although Thomas died before he was able to play the entire course.
Construction of the golf course is expected to begin during the summer with completion slated for the fall of 2015.
Bluejack National, according to the Tiger Woods Design website, "will present players with very wide fairways, but the course design and fast-playing conditions will put a premium on ball position and strategic angles to the greens. The green surrounds are designed to be mowed tight, promoting creativity and playability. A number of natural lakes and streams that dot the property will be utilized in the design, contributing to the memorable golf experience."
Bluejack National will also feature a short course for families and entertaining; a cutting-edge golf performance center; "The Porch," a hangout where golfers and non-golfers can relax with friends; and a “speak-easy” style bar. For overnight stays, The Porch will feature private Member Suites.
Bluejack National plans encompass more suites for short visits, cottages, “Sunday homes” and estate home sites for full-time residents. Membership at Bluejack will be separate from home sales and will be by application and invitation only.
Construction of the golf course is expected to begin during the summer with completion slated for the fall of 2015.
Woods is also behind a 18-hole golf course in Mexico at Diamante Cabo San Lucas, El Cardonal, where the course layout is styled like old-style California courses that he grew up playing. The course is planned to open this fall. His Jupiter Island Practice Facility in Jupiter, Fla., serves as his private course replicating tournament-level playing scenarios.
A hole at the former Blaketree National Golf Club in Montgomery.
