TRYON, North Carolina – Golf legend Arnold Palmer and the team at Palmer Course Design recently celebrated the groundbreaking of White Oak Plantation in Tryon, N.C., a new resort development featuring a championship golf course by Palmer and his world-renowned golf course architecture company.

“Mr. Palmer and Palmer Course Design were the perfect fit for designing the course at White Oak,” said Michael Savidge, managing partner, White Oak Developers. “The Palmer name is synonymous with beautiful, enjoyable golf courses that look challenging but are playable for every skill level. With the area’s stunning landscape and the team’s vision for creating memorable golf courses, we knew we wanted White Oak Plantation to have a Palmer-designed golf course as its centerpiece.”

The course at White Oak Plantation will be a semi-private par-72 core golf course situated in the foothills of western North Carolina. The 7,300-yard track will be designed as a stadium golf course with the field of play following the development’s namesakes, White Oak Creek, and the home sites situated atop surrounding hills, creating a natural amphitheater. White Oak Creek will be brought into play on nearly every hole with 15 of the 18 greens overlooking the creek and the creek’s waterfall showcased on the 16th as the course’s signature hole.

According to Palmer Course Design Project Coordinator David Couch, the landscaping at White Oak Plantation will resemble a lush garden with flowering trees and plants throughout the course.

“We have a gorgeous piece of land with stunning natural elements to work with for the golf course at White Oak,” said Couch. “The land is already set up for golf. We are simply adding the features to create a golf course.”

The new course is anticipated to be open for play in spring 2007.
Founded on the philosophy and standards of excellence set forth by the game’s ambassador, Arnold Palmer, Palmer Course Design has created some of golf’s most memorable and awe-inspiring courses throughout the world. With nearly 300 active projects and open golf courses in 38 states and 23 countries, Palmer Course Design applies fundamental design elements to any style of course and is committed to providing a great golf experience as the company continues to develop its exciting new designs.

For more information about Palmer Course Design, call (904) 285-3960 or visit www.palmerdesign.com.
Photo:
Palmer Course Design Project Coordinator David Couch