Robert Trent Jones II to Open New Course in Denmark


Golf course architect Robert Trent Jones II will be on hand this week to unveil Lübker Golf Resort, the first real estate golf course development project in Denmark, at grand ceremonies in Djurs, near Aarhus.

"Our work will help set new standards for golf courses in Denmark," said Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Chairman of RTJ II. "We are delighted to participate as pioneers of this concept." Grand opening ceremonies will be held over four days beginning September 25.

Based on the community and the RTJ II design, developer Poul Anker Lübker pre-sold 90 percent of the available real estate in an initial offering prior to the groundbreaking of the course. In addition, shares in the project were sold on the Danish Stock Exchange. Developers were able to secure 100 percent self-financing and guarantee membership for 1,800 golfers, making this an investment for owners of homes and golf shares. In addition to the layout, the resort will feature residences, a hotel and conference facilities.

The RTJ II design team created three nine-hole loops (Sky, Forest and Sand) in a clover-shaped formation. In addition, the nine-hole Academy Course will serve as the centerpiece of the Lübker Golf Academy.

Bruce Charlton, RTJ II's president and chief design officer, who worked closely with owner Lübker in shaping his dream, said of the project: "The property itself has tremendous variety and character, complete with woodland areas, existing lakes and streams, and wonderfully folding and rolling topography with the added benefit of sandy soils."

It's been a busy season for the RTJ II design team as another course, Brightwater, is close to a full debut. Located in Brightwater's private, gated residential community in Colorado's Vail Valley, the course offers much natural beauty. The front nine opened over Labor Day weekend, while the back nine will open at the end of September.

At 8,005 yards from the professional tees, Brightwater's 72-par course is the fifth-longest in the country. But the layout has six total tees, with other choices including 5,690-yard forward blocks and even 2,700-yard family tees.

The fairways weave around an original 19th century homestead barn, eight lakes, six natural springs, three streams and a one-mile stretch of Gypsum Creek. While the front nine has open, prairie-like terrain and involves Temptation Lake, the back side climbs 320 feet in elevation to reach 7,060 feet at its peak. These holes boast sage-lined fairways and greens tucked up against sharply rising formations, with the final holes offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.