Nicklaus gets first look at Dalhousie

Gary Nicklaus is due to have his first child in October.

He got a sneak preview into the feelings of fatherhood the past few days in Cape Girardeau.

Nicklaus visited and played Dalhousie Golf Club, getting his first look at his first solo-designed golf course which opened in June.

Nicklaus played his creation on Monday with Jon Garner, his lead designer, Cord Dombrowski, a principal partner in the development, and member Mark McDowell.

"He absolutely loved it," Dombrowski said. "He thought it played like he anticipated it would. A couple holes played harder than he thought they would and a couple played easier, but all in all he was extremely excited. He was incredibly impressed with the quality of construction and the attention to detail."

The group was able to complete 16 holes before other obligations ended the round.

Dombrowski said Nicklaus, a PGA Tour member, was shooting 3-under par at the time, playing the far tips of the course which measure 7,350 yards.

"He hit the ball like you expected him to hit it," Dombrowksi said

It was also an exciting time for Dombrowski, who had talked to Nicklaus off and on and forwarded pictures of the development. Nicklaus' blend of satisfaction and excitement meant a lot to the ownership.

"To hear from him, who's been everywhere, confirms the fact that what we have here is something very special," Dombrowski said.

Nicklaus had previously co-designed a championship course in Arizona with his legendary father, Jack Nicklaus. The father-son combination created The Prospector in Mesa, Ariz., which has been the site of The Legends, a major event on the Senior Tour.

Gary Nicklaus viewed Dalhousie for an hour after arriving Sunday and the course left a nice first impression.

"He was really impressed with the golf course and how it turned out," said Jack Connell, the Dalhousie director of golf. "He was impressed with the bunkering, the quality of grasses and the overall routing of the course."

Connell said there was nothing superficial or placating about Nicklaus reaction.

"It was really genuine," Connell said. "You could really tell he was looking around."

He then met with Dalhousie members and guests at the Holiday Inn that evening.

Members also got a presentation of preliminary plans for a clubhouse and pro shop from Jim Nordlie of Archiventure Limited out of Denver, Colo.

Dombrowski said there is not a timeline on construction of the clubhouse, which still is in a detail design phase. The club still needs access to city utilities, and construction could begin about 60 days after receiving services.

Nicklaus will undoubtedly return to play the course, and there's speculation about who could be one of his future playing partners.

Connell didn't rule out the chance of his father visiting his son's creation.

"If it was my son, I would," Connell said.

A pair of aces

Arch Kohl of Jackson, Mo., carded his first career hole in one Saturday at Kimbeland Country Club.

Kohl used a 6-iron on No. 12, a par 3 playing 150 yards. Witnesses were Nancy Kohl, Andy Kohl and Jack Luebbers.

Damon Dowdy of Cape Girardeau sank his first hole in one during the Friday Night Couples League at Cape Girardeau Country Club.

Dowdy aced No. 8, playing 130 yards, with a 9-iron. Witnesses were Dowdy's wife, Amy, Steve Taylor and Kim Taylor.

Chip-A-Ways

Mary Van Cleve placed first in 'A' flight with a 41 at the Chip-A-Ways' weekly event at Cape Jaycee Municipal Golf Course.

Sharon Dow won 'B' flight while Deanna Peterman finished with the low-putt total. Linda Williams and Fay Harris tied in play of the day -- 'Most Fives.'

Cape Girardeau C.C.

Janet White shot an 87 to earn medalist at the Women's Golf Association's weekly competition.

Mary Ellen Bean was second, followed by Marlena Jones and Mary Jane Eftink.

Donna VanMatre won the nine-hole competition with a 35 and Betty Price was second.