It used to be that celebrities, whether they were known for their talents as a singer, sports star or for just being famous, did the same things you and I do — only they take it to the Nth degree.
You have a dog. They have a purebred chihuahua in a custom leather handbag with Swarovski crystals.
You have too many beers. They have a problem with the blow and check into rehab like we clock in at work.
You buy a Cash for Clunkers deal on a new car. They get the first Hummer H2 off the assembly line.
And, like us, celebrities enjoy a little golf. Of course, they belong to the finest private country clubs in the world. Only now it seems that some of these famous stars are taking their love for the game of golf to another level, a place we all dream of but will never attain. A few celebrity singers, actors and athletes who love the game are becoming golf course owners for fun and fancy.
Pop singer Justin Timberlake is bringing sexy back by renovating a Memphis-area public course. The $16 million redesign is as much a personal playground for the star, who has a passion for golf and a single-digit handicap, as it is an environmentally-sensitive centerpiece for the local community.
Retired pro hockey player Jeremy Roenick also recently bought the Pembroke Country Club in Massachusetts where he learned the game growing up.
Country music legend Willie Nelson owns a golf course, maybe more of a goat track, in Texas. Although, his nine-hole Pedernales Golf Club is as much a recording studio (and a marijuana farm?) as it is an executive course.
Many other celebrities and stars are equally enamored with the game and have an ownership stake in golf courses of their own.
Real estate mogul Donald Trump owns several well-known courses on both U.S. coasts.
Meanwhile, Tehama Golf Club in the Monterey Bay Area of California “represents Clint Eastwood’s commitment to the game of golf,” according to the club’s web site. And, the actor is reportedly eager to expand more in an area already known for its world-famous golf courses.
Some courses and real estate developments are facing financial troubles, making them more affordable than ever for superstars flush with cash. But, we’re beginning to wonder if there is a trend brewing and more celebrities will start collecting golf courses as trophies like they flaunt their rare cars, vacation villas and gold-plated grills.
The increased awareness and investment in the game is great. But, time will tell whether the celebrity infatuation with golf course ownership is a long-term love affair or just a one-hit wonder for the rich and famous.
Hack and I have a few ideas for celebrities who may be tempted by their trendy friends to buy their own golf course.
We’d love to see Michael Jackson’s estate turn his Neverland property into a resort that is part zoo, part mini-putt course with clown mouths, castles, lions, tigers and bears (oh my!). With so many hazards you could find yourself ‘dead’ on any given hole.
Paris Hilton already has the hotel thing lined up. All she needs is a golf course of her own that is easy to play and flashy but cheap.
Quirky film director Quentin Tarantino, if he were into golf, could create a unique course with surprising routing by starting at the 17th, then going to the 3rd, 8th, 12th and wrapping up at the 1st hole. Profanity and violence would be encouraged.
The Telly Savalas Memorial Golf Club would have slick, dome-shaped greens.
Finally, Joan Rivers could buy an older course, a bit beat up and beat down and generally stitch it together to remain playable, particularly for the over-70 crowd.
Got an idea for the celebrity golf set? Share it with us.
The Jeremy Roenick story is a good one. I hope he doesn’t say…”well, I tried but it’s not working” and then sell it to developers, or take it private. I’ve always wondered how public courses make money without municipal support. Justin Timberlake continues to surprise me.
I think public courses without municipal funding call themselves “daily fee resorts” and often proudly charge $99 for a round.
Clint Eastwood has been involved in golf as long as I can remember. He used to be a regular at the Crosby (AT&T) back in the 70s. Then he was mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea and had all that land across the PCH…so why not build a golf course?
Wouldn’t you if you had the means?
I live near Willie’s course, I’ll have to check it out when the weather drops below 100 degrees for the first time in three months. Do you know the password for a free joint w/green fee???
I’m fairly sure it’s ‘Dave’s not here’:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1870266
Hey it’s the American dream according to Tony Montana:
“I should’ve come here 10 years ago. I’d have been a millionaire by this time. By this time, I’d have had my own boat, my own car….my own golf course.”
Is the Paris Hilton course public or private?
Oh, that’s right, public daily fee.
Thanks for the feedback everyone. Good point, Charles. Clint was just another example of someone famous at the forefront of golf real estate. He’s been involved for many years. Readers, please help us by keeping your eyes open for other new celebrity golf course owners.
These celebrities probably enjoy the spiritual aspects of a round of golf and have purchased one in the same way medieval princes would patronize the arts or build a cathedral. Instead of daily mass, it’s a round of golf with no one ahead or behind, which is a dear privilege. Golf is merely the shadows cast by the machinations of ones mind, and it is the uncluttered mind that is scratch.
Whats up Playas…This article is very cool…These Celebs know The Future of Golf is upon us. The Real Playas like owning courses since they know golf is a major factor in the world wide economic resurgence. Will be a great investment opportunity in a couple years. Courses are cheap and its a great time to buy. All the best.