Golf legend Player involved in new St. Lucia resort
St Lucia: The Gary Player Group is expanding its global brand with the announcement today of new real estate venture in concert with Harlequin Hotels & Resorts at The Marquis Estate on the northeast coast of St. Lucia in the Caribbean.
A native of South Africa, Player is one of the greatest golfers in history and one of only a handful of men to capture the career Grand Slam - the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship.
Plans include the first boutique Gary Player Golf Hotel and 20 Gary Player branded residential villas that will be interspersed on hillsides throughout the golf course. The co-branded endeavor will be developed and designed by Player Rea Estate with Harlequin Hotels & Resorts. The architecture and interior design will showcase the distinctive Player "Infused with Africa" inspired style, while keeping with the indigenous flavor of the island.
"Our long global history of being involved with the finest golf resort developments in the world will be brought to bear on this project," said Ken Costanzo, President of Player Real Estate. "Additionally, we are organizing a team of world class designers, hotel operators, and other professional partner firms to support us in the development of the Gary Player Golf Hotel in St. Lucia."
A Player Signature Golf Course will anchor the resort property.
"The island site offers tremendous opportunity to take golf to nature," stated Scott Ferrell, President of Gary Player Design. "The valley floor includes wonderful tropical vegetation and a beautiful stream that dissects the property all the way to the Caribbean Sea. We will incorporate both into our design."
The West Paces Group, a luxury hotel management company based in Atlanta, will manage the Gary Player Golf Hotel and residences, including the golf clubhouse, beach club and spa.
Other planned amenities at The Marquis Estate are an equestrian center, a cricket ground, nature trails, yacht club and marina. A Pat Cash Tennis Academy also will be featured, and Harlequin Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with the storied Liverpool Football Club to establish a Liverpool FC Soccer School as part of The Marquis Estate's sports programs.