ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Golf's greatest champion is about to put his stamp on a St. Louis classic.
Jack Nicklaus and his renowned Nicklaus Design firm have agreed to renovate Normandie Golf Course, built in 1901 and one of the oldest public golf courses west of the Mississippi. Announced Thursday, it's a philanthropic effort between Normandie, the Metropolitan Golf Foundation and partner Beyond Housing, the famed community development organization.
Nicklaus will donate his services, not only leading the design effort, but supporting the group’s fundraising efforts to purchase the property from the University of Missouri-St. Louis as well as facility construction of the project. Upon completion, Normandie will become a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.
“The appeal of this project to me was to be involved in an effort that could serve as a catalyst to change needed in our country today, beginning with parts of St. Louis County,” Nicklaus said. “Restoring Normandie for a community in need will have a long-lasting positive impact on the lives of youth in St. Louis.”
Nicklaus was introduced to the Normandie project in late 2020 by St. Louisan Tom O’Toole, Jr., past USGA President and founder of the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association.
“To have Jack agree to be involved in this project immeasurably changes its viability,” O’Toole said. “Now, this is an effort that a metropolitan area, and the businesses who thrive here can get behind to forever change the lives of youth in our region.”
The project is seen as more than the renovation of a historic public golf course. The partnership believes it is about retaining a community asset for the benefit of a region.
“Once a community loses an asset of this magnitude, seldom is it regained,” said Chris Krehmeyer, CEO of Beyond Housing. “This project expands and complements the successful projects BH has developed in this region.”
Construction could begin by year’s end, or as soon as funds are secured. In the meantime, the golf course remains open and continues to be operated by Walters Golf Management through the 2021 golf season.
In the near term, Nicklaus is also involved with the Ascension Charity Classic presented by Emerson, to be held September 6-12, 2021 at Norwood Hills Country Club. The PGA Tour Champions event also supports north St. Louis communities.
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