Champions Retreat, which opened in 2005 and is now owned by Connecticut's Bill Forrest, is the only course in the world with three nines designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player, the Big Three of Masters fame who combined for 13 Masters titles.
Heritage Golf Group and its partner Tower Three Partners acquired Champions Retreat Golf Club, in Evans, Georgia, for an undisclosed amount. This is the eighth property in the companies' portfolio of golf properties.
between $2,200 and $2,500Masters week greens fees for a foursome at the Champions Retreat runs between $2,200 and $2,500, depending on what day you want to play. That's Pebble Beach expensive, but all you care to eat food and drinks are included, which makes the experience a little more valuable.
A 90,000-square-foot, multi-level structure near the fifth green on the perimeter of Augusta National's property; Berckmans Place is available to Augusta National members, tournament sponsors and other friends of the club.
The Champion's Retreat is a special military building released during the 2014 Easter Event. The building has been available during some events and can be obtained from the Special Military Chest, one possible reward for Daily Challenges. A maximum of two champions can be trained in this building.
Membership is strictly by invitation: there is no application process. In 2004, USA Today published a list of all the current members. Membership is believed to cost between $100,000 and $300,000 and annual dues were estimated in 2020 to be less than $30,000 per year.
Apparently, Jack, Arnie and Gary drew lots at the 1999 Masters Champions Dinner to select which of the three available sites they would have for their 9-hole design. The Golden Bear went first, choosing the Bluff, The King was next and he picked the Island, which left The Black Knight with the Creek. All three nines are topographically different, making this a rather unique collaboration from three of the golfing greats.
Highlight holes on the Bluff circuit include the par three 2nd (played to a double crowned green); the par five 5th (with an elevated tee position onto a fairway that doglegs left and up to the green); and the par four 7th, which veers right and up to a green that’s benched into a little rise.
“Champions Retreat is a magnificent tribute to Player, Nicklaus and Palmer. The beautifully designed three nines are fun to play for both high and low handicapped golfers and are always in immaculate shape. The accommodations are superb with the touch of customer service you expect from a one-of-a-kind private golf retreat.”
Today that dream is a reality. And members at Champions Retreat relish the challenging terrains of the Island, Bluff and Creek courses as they meander through 375-ac res of Georgia pines, wetlands and the South’s most captivating landscape.
Champions Retreat’s extensive golf heritage and reputation for world-class play has been acknowledged by our selection as the host course for the first 36 holes of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
This prestigious new tournament premiered in 2019, with Jennifer Kupcho claiming the inaugural ANWA championship trophy during an exciting final round taking place at Augusta National Golf Club. Champions Retreat will continue its role as first- and second-rounds host during this April’s ANWA tournament.
Play two rounds of golf, with caddie, at the only club with three distinct course designs by three golf legends.