Golf Course architect John Sanford collaborated with Nicklaus Design to create one of Egypt's new premier golf facilities – Palm Hills, located just outside of Cairo in Sixth of October City, Egypt.
The course is currently under construction and is scheduled to open summer 2010.
Palm Hills represents the first project in Egypt for Nicklaus Design. John Sanford, who is the lead architect on the project, brought in Nicklaus Design to create a unique combination of his design experience in Egypt and Nicklaus Design's world-wide reputation and experience in golf course design.
Sanford has created several courses in Egypt, making him one of the leading experts on course architecture in the region, which made for a perfect partnership with Nicklaus Design.
"Collaborating with Nicklaus Design has been a great opportunity and experience for Sanford Golf Design," said Sanford. "They have provided us with access to their vast resources and insight into their unique design details, as well as bringing the Nicklaus brand name to this growing golf destination.
"I believe when the course is complete, it will be one of the most unique golf courses in the world, with its ideal location that provides views of the great Pyramids."
Palm Hills, a 27-hole layout that spreads over 275 acres near Cairo, will be the largest golf course in the country. In addition, the course might have some of the best views in the world, as 13 of the 27 holes overlook the magnificent Great Pyramids of Giza.
The course, which rests on 100 percent limestone, required heavy earth moving in designing the course to maximize the routing and strategy. The site offers 150 feet of vertical relief, resulting in several holes that play uphill and downhill, with dramatic views to the Pyramids. The course design also includes six man-made lakes and a series of creeks that create strategic shot opportunities on a number of holes.
Complementing the spectacular golf course, Sanford has also designed a beautiful practice facility complete with a 9-hole short course. This facility has been designed for golf academies and junior clinics.