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ESPN NETWORK:
ESPN.COM | NFL.COM | NBA.COM | NASCAR | NHL.COM | ABCSPORTS | FANTASY | STORE | INSIDER
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Sherwood will make a lasting impression July 27 8:41am ET | |||||||||||||||||
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Eleven years is but a moment in the history of golf, yet in that brief time, Sherwood Country Club has made a lasting impression on the golfers of the world. Designed by Jack Nicklaus over 1,900 acres of lush rolling terrain through forests of giant oaks and sycamore trees, the course was the vision of businessman David H. Murdock, who wanted something spectacular for the city of Thousand Oaks, California.
Sherwood Country Club has earned one of the highest ratings from Golf Digest as one of America's 100 greatest golf courses, as well as endless accolades from the world's brightest stars in professional golf. "It's one of the finest courses in California," Fred Couples said after playing it for the first time in 1989. "Sherwood is spectacular, both in scenery and its clubhouse situation," said 1995 Masters Champion Ben Crenshaw. "It is in immaculate condition." "I wish we had more like it," said Lanny Wadkins, winner of the 1977 PGA Championship and captain of the 1995 U.S. Ryder Cup team. "Courses that have been around forever don't look like this. It's a pretty amazing place." Sherwood's spectacular setting provided a unique canvas for Nicklaus to design an 18-hole course that stretches an ambitious 7,025 yards from the championship tees. The entire Sherwood project, which also includes a Stan Smith designed tennis clubhouse complete with dining rooms, professional shop, state of the art spa and fitness facilities, Olympic- size swimming pool and 15 meticulously groomed clay, grass and hard tennis courts. The club is named after the surrounding valley, which took its name from the nearby lake and was named in honor of the 1922 film, Robin Hood. The film used the location as a backdrop. But the beauty of the site also provided Nicklaus with a challenge, for the native ancient oak and sycamore trees were not naturally distributed with a golf course in mind. Murdock and Nicklaus had hundreds of them boxed and relocated, providing a new course with a mature look. Nicklaus took the rugged, natural terrain and built on Murdock's vision, applying some of his trademark touches, like elevated tees, challenging greens and spectacular vistas. Then came the landscaping: streams, pools, waterfalls and volcanic rock. The result is nothing short of breathtaking. From the signature hole, a stunning par-three hole played over lakes and waterfalls, to the ninth or 18th holes with remarkable views of the 54,000-square-foot red brick clubhouse filled with English antiques and oriental tapestries. Sherwood is part golf course, part work of art. "One of Jack Nicklaus' design philosophies is giving the player ample room to drive the golf ball," said John Phillips, director of golf for Sherwood Country Club. "In addition, like so many Nicklaus courses, Sherwood places a premium on the approach shots and requires a creative short game. You can't help but enjoy the layout at Sherwood." From the Sherwood Country Club
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