Are Golf Courses the New Bling?

Article by NiceBallz.com

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.