Greg Norman Golf Course Design (GNGCD) and OHBA Co., Ltd – Japan’s largest urban planning and civil engineering consulting company – announce a partnership for golf course redesign and renovation.
GNGCD and OHBA will assist golf courses in Japan that have lost their original strategic elements over time by updating them to higher design standards, focusing on reducing capital expenditures and lowering future maintenance and operating costs. GNGCD will lead initial concept and design, and OHBA will guide soil research, land survey, permitting, landscape, and overall construction management, providing a “one-stop” solution for golf courses.
On July 18, 2017, Mr. Shigeru Tsujimoto, President of OHBA, and Mr. Chris Campbell, Vice President of GNGCD, gave a joint press conference at the Tokyo Stock Exchange, presenting specific strategies to mark the beginning of the strategic partnership.
“Much like other top markets around the world, golf in Japan has struggled with post-recession challenges and there is a need to attract a greater number of international players,” said Chris Campbell. “Our cooperation with OHBA will allow us to use our combined expertise to offer the highest level of project planning and development in the industry as well as the global exposure and credibility that is associated with the Greg Norman brand. Ultimately, it’s all about having the quality and brand value to appeal to a larger audience and we’ve definitely assembled the right team to deliver on that.”
GNGCD will provide creative and innovative solutions for redesign in Japan focusing on a renovate, restore, reposition and rebrand approach, as well as consulting for quick recovery of capital investment through recruitment of new members and increased rounds.
Established in 1922, OHBA is a full-service civil engineering consultant and is the largest company in Japan leading urban development. Their experience working with a myriad of highly-regarded golf course designers spanning more than 100 golf courses makes OHBA the most experienced Japanese company in the industry.
Since its inception in 1987, Greg Norman Golf Course Design has been one of Norman’s true passions in both business and life. His experience playing many of the world’s great golf courses over a 25-year career served as a catalyst to develop this interest and turn it into a thriving company. Today, GNGCD courses span the globe, covering six continents and 34 countries.
Among the firm’s 100+ designs, five were included in Golf Digest’s 2016-2017 ‘World’s 100 Greatest’ rankings including No. 29 Ellerston (Australia), No. 31 New South Wales G.C. (Australia), No. 74 The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip (Vietnam), No. 84 Nirwana (Bali) and No. 97. Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth Course (UAE).
OHBA: www.k-ohba.co.jp/global/english/
Greg Norman Golf Course Design: www.gngcd.com