Gary Player’s company is partnering with resort developer Harlequin Hotels & Resorts to create a new resort on the Caribbean island of St Lucia.

The Marquis Estate will feature not only a golf course designed by Player’s company, but also the world’s first Player-branded hotel and 20 Player-branded villas interspersed on hillsides throughout the golf course. The co-branded project will be developed and designed by Player Real Estate along with Harlequin. “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 organising 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.”

“This island site offers tremendous opportunity to take golf to nature,” said 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.”

Atlanta-based West Paces Group will manage the hotel and residences, including the golf clubhouse, beach club and spa. Other planned amenities include an equestrian centre, cricket ground, nature trails, yacht club and marina. 

“I’ve seen golf have a significant influence in so many emerging tourism markets,” said Gary Player, who made his first visit to the island in March. “We anticipate that this exciting new development will attract visitors from around the world to St Lucia, which will provide a tremendous boost to the local economy.”