Golf icons Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus find themselves embroiled in a contentious scheme that could see their course designs featured in Florida’s national parks.
The two are celebrated as golf’s finest, with Nicklaus holding the record for most major wins at 18, just ahead of Woods’ 15.
Their status as the sport’s most renowned figures means they’re frequently invited to participate in global golf projects. However, their potential involvement in a Florida project has sparked bipartisan political uproar.
NBC News reported on Friday that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is under fire for a bold plan to introduce golf courses into state parks. This golf course proposal is part of broader changes to nine state parks, which also include pickleball courts and new lodges.
Yet, it’s the proposed golf courses that have met with fierce resistance across the state, putting DeSantis in the hot seat. His office has attempted to deflect criticism by stating he never “approved” the plans.
Due to the backlash, plans to construct golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Southeast Florida are currently paused. Nonetheless, had the project received state approval, Woods and Nicklaus were set to be tapped for their design expertise.
Tiger Woods’ company TGR Design is set to be part of the project, with Woods bringing his considerable experience in course design, such as Bluejack National and El Cardonal at Diamante, to the table.
In contrast, a lawyer for golfing great Nicklaus highlighted that his involvement would have been for a good cause, stating that the 84-year-old wouldn’t have received payment for his work. Nicklaus has contributed to the design of over 300 golf courses globally.
Eugene Stearns, a legal representative for Nicklaus, disclosed to NBC News: “There were actually going to be at least two courses,” adding, “One would be a Tiger course and one would be a Jack course.”
The initiative was driven by the Oklahoma-based charity Folds of Honor, which supports veterans. The organization utilizes golf, among other activities, to fundraise for scholarships for relatives of military personnel and first responders who have been 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed or injured in service.
