Mirimichi

• Monday March 1, 2010 at 11:00 AM

Mirimichi is open for lessons and clinics!   

Juniors

Our Instruction Staff is offering  a variety of Spring Break clinics for juniors at all stages of the game.  It's a great way to start the season!  Spaces are limited - sign up early!

Ladies

Our Spring Ladies programs are designed to be both informative and fun!  Enjoy more than just golf - we will also be holding a trunk show with refreshments.  Space will be limited.

Individuals

Enjoy one-on-one or buddy instruction with a friend from one of our qualified instructors.  Spring specials available!

◊  For more information  ◊

Download our brochure here or call the Pro Shop at 901-259-3800

• Friday February 26, 2010 at 2:00 PM

Construction Started on the Mirimichi-Callaway Performance & Learning Center

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, February 16, 2010 – Construction has started on the state-of-the-art, Mirimichi-Callaway Performance & Learning Center which will provide new and inexperienced golfers with the opportunity to learn the game of golf, as well as improve regular golfers’ games through custom club-fitting and high-tech swing analysis.

The 10,200 square-foot building will have a conventional stucco and natural exterior with a 920 square-foot screened-in patio area overlooking the driving range.  Three teaching bays allow hitting from inside to out.  The Mirimichi-Callaway Performance & Learning Center offers three types of cutting-edge technology to help grow the game of golf:

• Callaway Performance Analysis System (CPAS)

• Trackman Technology

• VI Pro Instructional Software and Technology

The CPAS system allows golfers to have their swing evaluated with the exact same cutting-edge fitting technology that Callaway uses with PGA and LPGA professionals.  High-speed cameras and precision software captures important swing data including swing speed, ball speed, launch angle, spin rates, and attack and path angles.  A ball flight simulator then displays the results on a big screen monitor.  The CPAS system utilizes 3D imagery and analyzes the most appropriate clubs for golfers based on their swings.  

Trackman Technology precisely measures ball flight trajectory from the moment the ball launches from the clubface to the moment it lands, displaying 3D trajectory in real time.  At the same time, it provides a complete statistical analysis of the club delivery, launch, ball spin and flight; presented in an easy to digest printed or emailed report.  The PGA, R&A and USGA all use Trackman for swing and ball flight analysis. 

The V1 Golf Teaching System is the leading video analysis software company in sports.  V1 Golf allows instructors to view, analyze and diagnose swing faults in a simple but precise way.  Swings are compared to PGA professionals.  This software will enable Mirimichi professionals to offer lessons online.  

“The advanced technology and state-of-the-art building will make Mirimichi the one-stop shopping headquarters for the perfect set of clubs, custom-fitted to individual specifications,” said Greg King, director of golf, Mirimichi.  “Currently the closest facility of this caliber to Memphis is the Callaway Performance Center in Florida.  Through our facility we are able to provide the best teaching resources and elevate the games of our golfers.”

 The Mirimichi-Callaway Performance & Learning Center is staffed by certified club specialists and professionals who have been trained to find the right clubs for every level of golfer from the professional to the beginner.  The teaching staff at Mirimichi includes some of the most highly thought of golf professionals in the area.  Their goal is to use the exceptional facilities at Mirimichi to grow the game of golf among new golfers, and get the best out of everyone’s round.  

 The Mirimichi-Callaway Performance & Learning Center is constructed from environmentally friendly and energy efficient materials.  The new facility will open in the summer in time for Mirimichi’s first anniversary celebration in July.     

About Mirimichi

Mirimichi, meaning “place of happy retreat” is a public golf course located just 15 minutes north of Downtown Memphis.  Owned by Justin Timberlake and co-founders, Lynn and Paul Harless, Mirimichi’s rolling grass mounds, meandering creeks and scenic vistas provide a natural ambience that creates a haven for both golfer and nature. At Mirimichi, golf, nature and people exist in harmony.  For more information, visit www.mirimichi.com or call Mirimichi at 901-259-3800.

Construction Photos

Below are pictures of construction progress on the Mirimichi Callaway Performance & Learning Center!

• Tuesday December 15, 2009 at 8:00 AM

Mirimichi Accelerating Improvements in Time for One Year Anniversary

Course will be Closed January 15 to July 17

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, December, 15, 2009 – Mirimichi will be closed to the public January 15 through July 17 as it accelerates three years of course improvements in time for its first anniversary.

Since the course opened July 25 it has received a very warm response from the Memphis community and has stayed constantly busy.  As the golf season wrapped up, it gave the ownership the opportunity to reflect on the feedback collected from customers in the forms of surveys, as well as the feedback from golf professionals and industry experts from the United States Golf Association (USGA), Professional Golfers Association (PGA) and the Tennessee Golf Association (TGA).  The feedback, while extremely positive, illustrated several areas at the course which would need improvement if the course is to realize its vision of being a world-class golf destination and hosting a major championship.

“We initially planned to make these improvements over the next three years and stay open,” said Justin Timberlake, owner of Mirimichi.  “But I felt the Memphis community deserves the best now and shouldn’t have to wait through three years of gradual improvements.  So I challenged the team to make all of the changes by our first anniversary.”

“We knew we had a great golf course when we opened in July,” added Mirimichi Director of Golf, Greg King.  “And, through a season of heavy play, as well as visits from golf’s elite, we have the input necessary to take Mirimichi to the next level… hosting a major championship by 2020.”

Some of the enhancements to improve the experience at Mirimichi will include improvements to the drainage, bunkers and greens; framed by extensive additions to wetlands, wildflowers and native grasses to showcase the course’s aesthetic beauty, all in keeping with Mirimichi’s commitment to ecological sustainability.

As part of the renovations, Mirimichi has assembled some of the greatest minds and most experienced practitioners in the golf industry to ensure Mirimichi attains the goal of being in the same peer group as the great American courses that have hosted major championship events.  The consultants include:  

> Chris Hartwiger, Senior Agronomist, Greens Section of the USGA.  Hartwiger conducts more than 100 turf grass advisory service/consulting visits annually, covering all matters related to golf course maintenance and construction.

> Morris Brown, CEO of Champion Turf Farm.  Brown created the Champion Bermudagrass used by Mirimichi and more than 400 other courses throughout the United States.

> Joe Sanders, owner of Sanders Golf Inc.  Over the last 18 years, Sanders has worked on numerous courses that have hosted major championships, including Pinehurst No. 2 which was remodeled for the U.S. Open.  Sanders’ work on the renovations at TPC Las Colinas Texas earned the course recognition as the #1 golf course renovation in 2008.

“There are many things that go into creating a championship caliber course and overall golf experience,” said Rich Peterson, general manager.  “The consistency of the bunkers, the strategic playability and length of the holes, the speed of the greens and the course aesthetics are just a few of them.  We will have a major championship caliber golf course on all of these levels by our first anniversary in July.”

“The cost of these renovations will not be passed on to our customers in terms of pricing,” added Peterson.  “This is a continuation of the investment by our ownership group in creating a world-class public course that will be comparable to the best courses in the country.” 

Golfers won’t just be treated to aesthetic and course enhancements at Mirimichi’s first anniversary celebration. The multi-million dollar Callaway Performance Center will be unveiled at the anniversary celebration.  The state-of-the-art Center will offer golf lessons and customized club fitting using the same Callaway Performance Analysis System used by professional golfers.  The Center will be one of only nine in the country.  Little Mirimichi, the nine-hole executive course, will be an excellent venue for new golfers to discover the game of golf and for seasoned golfers to improve their game.  Customers also will enjoy the course’s recreational enhancements including a new 18-hole putting course and short game practice complex. 

Golfers will be able to keep track of the improvements at www.mirimichi.com.

About Mirimichi

Mirimichi, meaning “place of happy retreat” is a public golf course located just 15 minutes north of Downtown Memphis.  Owned by Justin Timberlake and co-founders, Lynn and Paul Harless, Mirimichi’s rolling grass mounds, meandering creeks and scenic vistas provide a natural ambience that creates a haven for both golfer and nature. At Mirimichi, golf, nature and people exist in harmony.  For more information, visit www.mirimichi.com or call Mirimichi at 901-259-3800.

Contact:         

Ralph Berry

Thompson & Berry PR          

(901) 486-4269                                                   

rberry@brainwoo.com

• Thursday October 8, 2009 at 2:00 PM
• by Mirimichi

Mirimichi's Lessons and Clinics

Mirimichi offers individual and group lessons by appointment. A variety of lesson options are available including individual, small group settings, and clinics for the beginner to the advanced player. 

All facets of instruction are available including putting, short game, full swing, and “on course management” lessons, to help you improve your game.

Meet our Instructional Staff

Jennifer Jordan - Lead Golf Instructor

Bobby Cochran - Golf Instructor

Individual Lessons

Private, one-on-one instruction will help you take your game to the next level.

Jennifer Jordan

Adult Lessons

45 minutes to 1 hour - $75

Winter Series - 3 lessons for $200 or 6 for $400

Junior Lessons (16 and under)

45 minutes to 1 hour - $60

Winter Series - 3 lessons for $135 or 6 for $270

Bobby Cochran

Adult Lessons

45 minutes to 1 hour - $60

Winter Series - 3 lessons for $160 or 6 for $320

Junior Lessons (16 and under)

45 minutes to 1 hour - $45

Winter Series - 3 lessons for $120 or 6 for $240

9-Hole Playing Lesson

Learn how to score and manage your game

Jennifer Jordan

Adult - $135  ¦  Junior (16 and under) - $90

Bobby Cochran

Adult - $115  ¦  Junior (16 and under) - $80

Women's Only Clinics

October 12th and 19th

9:30 am to 10:30 am

$25 per person

Make Your Own Group Instruction

Take lessons with a friend or group of friends!

2 people - $40 per person

3 people - $35 per person

4 or 5 people - $25 per person

Sign up today! 

Call our pro shop at 901-259-3800, option 1, to register for instruction or for more information

• Wednesday September 30, 2009 at 8:00 AM
• by Mirimichi

By Christina MacFarlane
CNN

(CNN) -- In these eco-conscious times, there are few areas of life that have not been touched by the drive to go green, and golf is no exception.

The trend for environmentally friendly golf is rocketing with celebrities such as Justin Timberlake taking up the cause in unveiling one of the world's top eco-golf courses earlier this year.

His club, the Mirimichi Golf Course in Tennessee is the first in the country to be designated as a certified Audubon International Classic Sanctuary, re-using 80 percent of the energy it produces.

Next month Stockholm will host one of the largest meetings of American and European golf clubs to decide how the game can become more environmentally and socially responsible.

Living Golf looks at a selection of some of the best eco-equipment making our greens even greener.

The recyclable golf ball:

Every club player will be familiar with the age-old problem of losing golf balls -- but what happens to the collection of wayward balls once the search is over?

It is estimated 300 million golf balls are discarded in the United States alone, every year -- that is enough balls to create a solid line from Los Angeles to London and back.

Dixon Golf are encouraging golfers to recycle their lost and found by offering a dollar for each ball that is returned to their recycling centers throughout the US and in over 15 countries worldwide.

"We're getting the word out there. We don't have the advertising revenue of [bigger] companies but the more people know, the more they chose our eco-friendly balls.

"We're also developing our first prototype putter made entirely from recycled crushed golf balls," said company owner Mike Carey.

The solar-powered cart:

Ever felt like your golf cart could do with that extra bit of oomph? Well, SolarDrive sun-powered, solar-paneled golf cart could be the answer.

By recharging itself throughout the day, the cart can work in drizzly and damp conditions -- which could be good news for golf lovers in rain-soaked Britain and sun-baked Abu Dhabi alike.

The design has proved so popular that golf clubs such as the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course in Hong Kong and Sebonack Golf Club in the United States have recently converted entire fleets to use the power of the sun.

General Manager at Sebonack Mark Hissey says it has been a great move for the club: "First, it's a wonderful idea and second they look fantastic. Plus they're financially better for us to run, saving us over two-thirds on our electrical costs."

Large-scale gated communities in the UEA are also reportedly keen to use the carts as a more environmentally-friendly alternatives to gas-run vehicles.

The biodegradable tee:

A littered tee box may be a thing of the past with the biodegradable golf tee. Manufacturers XT-1 believe they are saving over 100, 000 trees with their nifty corn based tee.

Unlike wooden tees which take up to two years to degrade, XT-1s take just two to three months by way of an interesting eco-system.

Once the tee comes in contact with the soil, the corn-based product is attacked by incredibly small microbes (or micro-bugs) that eat away at the tee to corrode the core.

A slightly unusual method perhaps but an effective one, as sales in the last few years have soared.

Manager Alan Berry told CNN: "We're gaining interest all over the world -- Australia, the Middle-East, Europe and the States. Our sales figures speak for themselves." 

Find this article at:
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/09/22/golf.eco.green.solar

• Tuesday August 4, 2009 at 5:00 PM
• by Mirimichi

Below, we chatted with Justin about how he feels now that Mirimichi is open, as well as some background on its course design, eco-friendly qualities, and his personal favorite hole.

How does it feel now that Mirimichi is officially open?

It’s a hoot for me to have it and it’s an awesome feeling to give it back to the community. Hopefully, it will be something good for the Mid-South – not just Memphis – but for the whole Mid-South. Hopefully, people will hear about this public course in Memphis that is a gem and they’ll come and pay $60 bucks for a cart, range balls and full 18 with a caddy.

Can you talk about the environmental features of Mirimichi?

We stumbled upon the environmental thing. We had to gut it and re-irrigate the course and I just said, in re-irrigating this, is it possible to reuse the water in a way that would zero out our ecological footprint. And as it turns out, you actually can make a golf course eco-friendly.

Justin at the Media Kick-Off of Mirimichi with his father Paul Harless on his left.

Did you participate in the design any of the courses?

It was very cohesive between my dad, my mom, myself and Talent golf (who built the course.) There are little things on the course that I think are going to make it special in the years to come and unique to everyone who plays it.

The way I always judged if I really love a course and if it’s really a great course is, after I’ve finished playing it, how many holes out of the 18 do I remember. My dad does the same thing. That’s why I think Pebble Beach will always be a highly-rated course because you can remember every hole in that course after you play it.

I think we’ve put together a layout that is very strong. I don’t feel like one hole looks like another hole. I feel like every hole is so unique to itself, and that’s what, in my opinion, makes Mirimichi an amazing golf course.

Is there a particular place or hole that is special to you on the course?

I guess I would have to say hole 10. Because back when it was called Big Creek, my dad taught me how to hit a golf ball there; that was the first golf hole I ever played. It’s completely redone now, it’s a completely different hole but it’s still like I remember being 10-years-old and being out there and him going, “This is how you swing your club,” which is cool.

Justin in red on the right watching another player tee-off on hole 10

More photos available HERE from Justintimberlake.com.

• Monday August 3, 2009 at 5:00 PM
• by Mirimichi

Below is a letter from a Mirimichi Launch attendee, Thomas Barnes, who was kind enough to allow us to share it with all of you.

We hope you have a similar experience!

The Mirimichi Team

___

Lady and Gentlemen,
 
I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed playing Mirimichi. The course is absolutely wonderful. While I have played “Big Creek” for a number of years (even remembering when it was Woodstock Country Club), it was hard to recognize the course, but really appreciate the beauty of the changes that were made by Mr. Timberlake and his family as well as all of the people who had a say in the changes. I had always liked the lay out of the original course; for what and where it was.
 
It is really GREAT to see a man of his stature to really give back to the community. His roots…
 
I went to the auction, to see what it would sell for and really was trying to get a group together to try to buy it. I thought a few changes were in order, but what that course was transformed into, is nothing that I had thought of. IT IS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!!! While I shot an 84, I thought it was a really respectful score (Blue Tees), since I pretty much quit playing golf when you all shut it down for the Re-Inventing, not renovating the course.
 
Every person in my group of 4.5 (my son Nino was there also), as well as the group before us, loved the course. One player who played against David Duval, in High School loved the course. He said:
 
 “It made you think you think your way around it, but that it was fair.
  If you hit a bad shot, you were penalized and if you hit a good shot and you were rewarded…”                                                                                                                                                                        

The group in front of our group were also friends of mine and they were just “worn out” after their round. Comments were made like “this course just will not let up!”
 
I did have a couple of people ask me if you had a “practice facility fee,” because they thought the range was just Wonderful…
 
In closing (only because I am getting wordy), the thing that REALLY impressed me was your staff. Everything was like I was at a Private Country Club…(and I grew up on them.)  Every employee was extremely polite; saying “Yes Sir; No Sir, Did you enjoy yourself”, and so on… And that I really RESPECT.
 
Nino played one hole (from tee to green). It was number 15. He played it from the yellow tee, but had an 8. Even he had a blast on the course…
 
BTW, do you know when “Little Mirimichi” is going to be finished and ready to play? We can also book Nino for the 6-9 yrs old “group instruction” starting Sept 1.
 
Thanks to you guys and gals, and a Special thanks to Mr. Timberlake and his partners…

Tab Barnes 

• Sunday August 2, 2009 at 4:00 PM
• by Mirimichi

Here's a slideshow of the festivities from Mirimichi's Media Kick-Off.

It shows Justin and the rest of the Mirimichi team at the launch - and also offers a peek at the serenity and greenery of the course.

Enjoy!

Created with flickr slideshow.

• Sunday July 26, 2009 at 6:00 PM
• by Mirimichi

Justin Timberlake speaking to the audience, with Paul and Lynn Harless, his parents behind.

Press Release

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, July 24, 2009 –

Today, Justin Timberlake, founder of Mirimichi, officially unveiled the world-class golf course located just north of Downtown Memphis, at a press conference.  Public play starts tomorrow at the par-72 course.

Mirimichi which means ‘place of happy retreat,’ is a challenging 7,400 yards from the tips, but provides five to seven different tee boxes on each hole to appeal to golfers of all abilities. Rolling mounds, lush fairways, beautiful landscaping, four waterfalls, six lakes and two meandering streams make this golfing oasis a place where people and nature co-exist in harmony.  

Formerly known as Big Creek Golf Course, every aspect of the golf course has been renovated. No hole is the same as it was before the renovations – even the majority of the greens have been enlarged, moved, or re-contoured.  The renovations were carried out by the Talent Golf team of Mike MacElhose and Randy Wilson.  Talent Golf used the careful placement of tees, natural topography, length, width, wind direction, hazard placement, and contouring to create a unique course design that provides golfers with a true test of their golfing abilities, while enhancing the beauty of their surroundings.  More than 80 bunkers and 1,200 azaleas were added to the course.

The Press

“When we started the renovation process we soon realized we had the opportunity to make something really special at this course,” said Greg King, Director of Golf at Mirimichi. “People who used to play Big Creek will not recognize the course.  Not only does this course set the bar extremely high from a golfing experience, but it is leading the way in ecological sustainability.”

Mirimichi is the first golf course in the country to be designated a Certified Audubon International Classic Sanctuary.  As part of the Classic Program, Mirimichi implemented sustainable resource management principles that incorporate wildlife conservation, habitat rehabilitation and enhancement, water conservation and water quality protection.  The Audubon International certification requires a yearly audit to ensure that Mirimichi continues to implement these natural resource management principles. All Mirimichi employees are thoroughly trained in environmental stewardship.

Pete Avioti from the Mayor's Office honoring Paul Harless, Justin's father. Justin and Lynn Harless, his mother, on the right. 

The practice facilities at Mirimichi are world-class. The facility offers a driving range, an 18-hole putting course, a short-game area including practice bunkers and a practice putting green.  An additional nine-hole, par-35 course called Little Mirimichi which will open in the fall, provides a faster, easier and shorter golfing experience that allows both the inexperienced and advanced golfer to hone their skills.  In additional to the extensive practice facilities, in 2010, Mirimichi will open a Callaway Performance Center offering customized club fitting using the Callaway Performance Analysis System.  The Center will be one of only nine in the country.  
 Timberlake and his family bought the property in 2007 to save the land from residential development.

Q and A at the conclusion of the ceremony

Views of the course

View from the patio

The media golfing with Justin

• Monday July 13, 2009 at 4:00 AM

Welcome to Mirimichi.

We hope you enjoy this idyllic golf course as much as we do. A lot of work has gone into transforming us from Big Creek into Mirimichi and the championship course it is today.

Mirimichi means ‘place of happy retreat’, and that is what this experience is all about –golf, nature and people existing in harmony. Mirimichi will provide you with an escape from your daily life and a golfing experience like no other.

Thanks to the Talent Golf team, every hole has been remodeled, re-contoured and re-shaped. Many holes are now guarded from the tee by fairway bunkers, native grass areas, waste bunkers, wetlands and newly planted trees. The course has been re-grassed with Patriot Bermuda in the fairways and the roughs. Our greens are Champion Bermuda, which provides true putts and fast green speeds. We have expanded the landscaping in many areas adding aquatic plants, flowering bushes and hardwood trees that add to the aesthetic beauty of this pastoral golf experience. Mirimichi offers a visual experience golfers can’t help but appreciate as they make their way through the course.

We hope you book your tee time to come and see us soon. Once you play this magnificent course you will fall in love with it just as we have.

See you soon.

Justin and Greg