Jupiter, Fla. - Medallist Developments, a joint venture between Greg Norman’s Great White Shark Enterprises and Macquarie Bank of Australia partnered with Thunder Enterprises, to develop a golf course on 1,450 acres just outside of Knoxville, Tenn.
“In less than four short years our dreams, and a lot of hard work, will become reality," said John Thornton, owner of Thunder Enterprises. “We are very excited that Tennessee National will be home to Greg’s first course in the States.”
Norman’s design staff began studying the proposed site plans and visiting the property in the summer of 2003. Greg Norman Golf Course Design contributed many hours and tremendous effort into finding the most desirable natural features of the site. Norman visited the site in late 2003 to begin formulating his design concepts for the course. During his second visit in early 2004 the routing plan was finalized.
“After reviewing many different routing scenarios, including 36-hole options, it became very apparent that the best use of golf to amenitize the project was an 18-hole course in the gently rolling part of the site with access and views to the lake,” said Greg Norman. “The views of Watts Bar Lake in addition to the two holes along the water will provide the course with character and distinction.”
The design process has entered the second stage of development as GNGCD prepares the construction plans and specifications for the course.
“Plans will be completed this summer with the anticipation of a fall construction start,” added Jason McCoy, President of GNGCD. “The course will take advantage of existing wetlands and the native vegetation of the property, with an added feature of a connected network of lakes and streams.”
Like all projects, Tennessee National presents challenges to the development team.
“We take pride in working with the natural features of each site, as a part of our least-disturbance approach,” Norman said. “We will respect the environmentally sensitive areas and incorporate them into the design and strategy of the course, ensuring their protection and preservation.”
Amenities at Tennessee National will include a country club, a community marina and wellness center.
“A variety of residential offerings include large waterfront home sites, golf course lots and golf villas within the marina village,” said Frank Weed, c.o.o. of Medallist Developments. “The strength of a Medallist community is the unique opportunity to involve Greg Norman as a project developer as well as the golf course designer. Combining this strength with the beautiful property at Tennessee National and the vision of John Thornton will create a superior community for our residents.”
First established in 1987 in Sydney, Australia, Greg Norman Golf Course Design is today recognized as one of the premier signature golf course design firms. Now headquartered in Jupiter, Florida, with sister facilities and personnel in Sydney, GNGCD has opened 45 courses for play worldwide, with an additional 26 projects in various stages of development. To date 20 courses are open for play in the United States, 12 of which have received top rankings on a national or state level. GNGCD also has projects under development in Mexico, Canada, Korea, China, Australia and Spain.