Greg Norman will unveil his newest golf course in the U.S. this summer. The highly-anticipated 18-hole championship golf course at Cornerstone Colorado, a 6,000–acre residential community near Telluride, Colo., is scheduled to open in June 2008.
The 7,978, par-72 course provides views of the San Juan and West Elk mountains. Cornerstone Colorado is a private residential community where membership is limited to land owners.
Norman is well known for his “least disturbance” design philosophy, which curtails massive earth movement, reduces large-scale clearing and takes full advantage of the natural facets of the landscape. The course, which covers more than 300-acres, features mature aspen groves, dramatic rock outcroppings and unending mountain views. This area is also home to wildlife such as elk, mule deer and wild turkey, as well as plentiful wildflowers and diverse vegetation. Designed to both challenge and reward players of every level, the course provides all golfers the opportunity to enjoy and excel at their games.
Norman’s first look at the property was in January 2004, when he toured it on snowmobile. He was surprised to find that the snow-covered earth profoundly revealed the potential for the course.
“Cornerstone will be a truly natural golf experience,” Norman says. “The course brings aspens, sage and ephemeral streams into play and allows the natural landscape to dictate the flow of play.”
Members at Cornerstone will have access to the finest golf professionals and staff. Mark Wood, who has consistently been ranked as one of the top 50 instructors in the country for the past 10 years, is Cornerstone’s Director of Golf. Kathy Hart-Wood, former LPGA touring pro and also a celebrated top 50 instructor as named by Golf for Women, is Director of Women’s Golf. Tom Huesgen, who spent eight years at Pebble Beach – the last 4 ½ as the Golf Course Superintendent at the prestigious Pebble Beach Golf Links before becoming Cornerstone’s superintendent—has been overseeing construction of the course and implementing a meticulous course maintenance regimen.
In addition to the Norman-designed course, Members will are offered the use of Cornerstone’s 20+-acre practice facility, designed to allow golfers to practice under conditions that simulate the course. The extensive facility offers a short game area, tree-lined driving corridors with multiple variations, an uneven lie practice area and greenside and fairway bunkers.