Tony Jacklin
Profile
Another celebrated golfer turned so-called 'course designer', Tony Jacklin helped Jack Nicklaus design The Concession Club in Florida and apparently had a hand in the Old Course at San Roque in Spain as well. The Concession is quite good, but it’s believed that Nicklaus had a greater role as Jacklin was really learning the business of design.
Jacklin apparently learned plenty about business as well from Nicklaus, having now chosen to follow a similar corporate path to Nicklaus Design and offer clients three-tiers of service. The base level is Jacklin Design, where Tony makes an initial site visit but then basically leaves the design work to an ‘associate architect’. The middle options is Tony Jacklin Design and the top tier service is Tony Jacklin Signature Design, where clients get Tony's personal involvement in design and construction, as well as marketing assistance and his willingness to accept an honorary role at the club.
Unlike genuine golf architects, Jacklin's involvement and commitment to each project is apparently dependent upon the size of the fee paid by the client, rather than the quality of the client or the suitability of the ground for golf. This is not a model for design that we can, in any way, support or endorse. Regardless, it's hard to imagine many clients choosing an ageing former star like Jacklin over IMG and today's younger talent. In each instance, golf course design does appear to be a business rather than a passion.
It will be interesting to see whether the Jacklin Design Group gets much work and to review the standard of any future courses they may design.
Those considering the services of a famous Singature Designer should contact the Global Golf Group for advice on the best options available, and further information about co-design pairings.
