Nicklaus course back on track

New 18-hole championship course at Ury Estate edging ever closer to getting underway

Jack Nicklaus’ on-off golf course development at the Ury Estate near Stonehaven is firmly back on.

Plans for the championship course at the site near Stonehaven have been submitted, with a decision expected from Aberdeenshire Council later this year. Developers reckon that the £80m project will generate £55.5m for the economy over 15 years and create around 200 jobs.

The Nicklaus-designed parkland course has been in the offing for years and was originally scheduled to open in 2009 before running into difficulties. However, it is now firmly back on the agenda.

BEAUTIFUL

“Aberdeenshire is a beautiful area and this site is particularly special,” said 18-time major winner Nicklaus. “I have visited on a number of occasions and I think Ury Estate provides us all the components to create a memorable golf experience.

“I think this golf course can only enhance the storied golf heritage long associated with this beautiful country and the passionate Scottish golf fans. We hope it can be a source of pride for the people in and around Stonehaven and the Aberdeen region.”

Around 90 homes could be built as part of the project, which will incorporate the renovation of Ury Mansion House into a luxury hotel and clubhouse.

 “There has been universal agreement that the redevelopment of Ury Estate with the golf course and hotel will be a major coup for Stonehaven,” said FM Group director Jonathon Milne.

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