Idaho Club swings as course unveiled

SANDPOINT — He envisioned it, designed it, helped sculpt it, tweaked it, and finally on Wednesday, the Golden Bear got to give it his stamp of approval by playing it.

When the 68 year-old sports legend laced a surprisingly long drive off of the first tee box it marked the official christening of the Idaho Club — the first Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course ever built in Idaho. Arguably the greatest golfer of all time was in town to unveil his latest signature masterpiece, one of 20 courses he expects to open in 2008 alone.

More than 300 club members, media and invited guests followed Nicklaus around the picturesque course for all 11 of the holes that are currently ready for play. Wearing a wireless mic, a jovial Nicklaus explained each hole, regaled with stories involving the likes of Arnold Palmer and Bobby Jones, told a few jokes and generally kept a running rapport with the gallery.

Nicklaus even managed to rekindle some of the magic that made him the most decorated golfer in the history of the game. Playing alongside club owner Chuck Reeves, who was invited just yesterday to join the round, Nicklaus sank a winding, uphill 40-foot putt on the second hole for a birdie, followed by a short celebratory dance. He then recited the familiar “drive for show, putt for dough” mantra to a few laughs.

Having designed more than 250 courses, Nicklaus shared myriad insights into the sculpting of not just the Idaho Club, but courses in general. He said he loves short par 4’s the most, both as a player and course designer, because some players can drive them, most can reach it in two, and creating danger around the green proves to be the great equalizer.

“An 18 handicapper can make a birdie, and all of the sudden that scratch player makes bogey,” he explained, adding that landscape dictates how most courses are designed. “How is it going to flow, how you can make that happen? The most fun is spent just finding the course.”

He then touched on what he loves most about creating a good golf course, which he has now done in 32 countries and 39 U.S. states.

“I got involved in golf course design because I love the game of golf,” the 18 time major championship winner said. “I take what I’ve learned and put it on a piece of ground that will last past my lifetime.”

Before the round he gave a short golfing clinic, sharing a wealth of knowledge. He said golf is played mostly with the feet, to keep your upper body as quiet as possible, and to reach for the sky on both the backswing and follow through. He then joked that the sky is much lower now than it used to be for him, admitting that he’s played such little golf lately that he got a blister after playing only 12 holes on Monday.

Caddying for Nicklaus was club pro Mike Deprez, who held the same title for many years at Hidden Lakes Golf Course, which was remade into the Idaho Club. He said it had been 25 years since he’s caddied, and was duly impressed with the Golden Bear both as a golfer and person.

“He’s the best player of all time, but also a great example of how to be professional,” said Deprez. “It’s great when those two meet.”

The Sandpoint High School boys and girls golf teams were on hand to hold up portable ropes around each golf shot. Joey Lovell, who has golfed at Sandpoint and LCSC and plans to walk on at Boise State this fall, said he was learning from every shot he watched, impressed with Nicklaus’s ability to joke around while still maintaining concentration every time he hit.

Both the Sandpoint and Clark Fork High School golf teams will get to use the club for practice next year, and there is talk of eventually hosting local and possibly state meets there. SHS golf coach Mike Keough was asked if he might be the envy of golf coaches everywhere.

“I know I am,” he laughed.

Reeves said the club should be officially open for play on Aug. 29, and should be open to the public some time in mid-September. Reeves said the public can play the course on a limited basis, mostly during the middle of the day, with greens fees ranging from $125-150. While blocking out early mornings and late afternoons for members, Reeves was adamant that locals have access to the private club, albeit limited.

“We don’t want to be exclusionary,” he said. “We’ll try and mix the two.”

Sandpoint native and golf enthusiast Dann Hall was among the gallery, admitting that it was a bittersweet day for him. He hit the first ball and the last putt at the old Hidden Lakes, joking that he did a few miles out there.

“What I miss most is the league and camaraderie,” remarked Hall. “On the other hand, as a native, it’s always been a childhood dream to have a great course here, which Nicklaus has provided.”

Nicklaus ended up making two birdies, a couple of bogeys and mostly pars, concluding the day by thanking the host of people who helped make it all possible.

“I apologize for my bad golf game and short hitting,” Nicklaus humbly exclaimed afterward, despite shooting nearly even par. “It’s been fun to be a part of.”

The Idaho Club — par 71

Gold tees — 7,089 yards

Blue tees — 6,560 yards

White tees — 6,007 yards

Red tees — 5,130 yards

Longest par 5 — 558 yards

Longest par 4 — 478 yards

Longest par 3 — 236 yards