Bali, Indonesia: MNC Land, one of Indonesia’s largest property developers, has confirmed that Phil Mickelson has been retained to redesign its 18-hole course in Bali, under plans to re-launch the property as Trump International Golf Club.
Mickelson and his Phil Mickelson Design team have been retained to work directly with MNC Land and The Trump Organisation to fully re-design and renovate the award-winning Nirwana Bali Golf Course, situated on approximately 60 hectares along the Indian Ocean.
Named as one of the top-100 courses in the world, the iconic Nirwana Bali layout is famed for its panoramic ocean views and lush Balinese landscapes.
Opened in 1998, the original course was sculpted by Greg Norman Golf Course Design (GNGCD), a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
Chris Campbell, Senior Vice President, GNGCD, said: “Greg was very disappointed to learn his name would no longer be associated with this course that he truly loved designing and that subsequently received many accolades over the years.”
Under Mickelson’s plans, it is the intention for the course ‘to be elevated to the next level, whilst preserving the existing rice terraces and historic temples that are located throughout the property’.
“Our vision is to create the leading luxury golf resort in Asia,” said Hary Tanoesoedibjo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MNC Group.
“Phil Mickelson is one of the greatest players of all time, and his design firm has been credited with elevating, enhancing and maximising the value of world-class luxury destinations around the globe. We are thrilled that he will join MNC and the Trump Organisation in creating an extraordinary niche community that will redefine the standard for excellence in Bali.”
Mickelson said: “I’ve been fortunate to work on some great projects, but to contribute to what will be a six-star property is a rare and fabulous opportunity. The site is breathtaking and we will create a golf experience that presents both exciting options for players on the course and memories for a lifetime.”
Since turning professional in 1992, Mickelson has won 42 PGA Tour titles, including five Major championships, and has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Included in Mickelson’s golf course design portfolio are Whisper Rock Golf Club, previously ranked among Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Modern Courses, The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia and Mickelson Shanghai International.
“Phil Mickelson’s track record as a professional golfer speaks for itself and we are thrilled to have his vision and talent for our latest development in such a beautiful location,” said Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organisation.