Golf returns to South Eleuthera with Jack’s Bay and Cotton Bay
- Jake Nicholas
- May 22
- 4 min read
South Eleuthera, once a jet-set haven for golf and island luxury, is preparing for a bold resurgence. With the upcoming debut of two world-class courses—one from Nicklaus Design and another from Robert Trent Jones II—this quiet stretch of the Bahamas is stepping back onto the global stage.
At the heart of the revival is Jack’s Bay, a 1,200-acre private club and residential enclave where an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Heritage™ course is set to open in 2026. This will be the first course in the world under the new Nicklaus Heritage™ banner, adding to the prestige of a destination that’s already home to a Tiger Woods TGR-designed short course, reopening open for play in summer 2025. The vision is clear: bring back golf to Eleuthera in a way that honors its past while building for the future.
As Tommy Turnquest, Chief Executive of Jack’s Bay, puts it, “We’re not just rebuilding a golf destination; we’re reimagining what modern luxury and sustainability can look like in a setting that’s both timeless and evolving. It’s about honoring the legacy while creating something that will resonate for generations to come. We are creating ‘An Oasis for the Soul!’”
Beyond its two signature golf courses, Jack’s Bay is building out a full suite of resort-style amenities designed to elevate the community into a premier luxury destination. The centerpiece is the forthcoming Atlantic Clubhouse, set to open this summer, which will include a pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, spa, racquet sports, and a beachside restaurant. Plans also include a Sports Pavillion, network of nature trails, a meditation lake, and expanded wellness programming. Residents and guests will have access to four miles of pink sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, hidden caves, and a protected sea turtle sanctuary—plus two private islands just offshore—creating a uniquely immersive connection to the natural surroundings.
Jack’s Bay is also expanding its residential offerings with a thoughtfully curated collection of luxury homes. The Playground Residences, comprising 23 fully furnished two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes, are uniquely situated adjacent to both the Tiger Woods-designed Playground Course and the upcoming Jack Nicklaus Heritage™ Championship Course. Each residence features private pools, rooftop decks, wet bars with wine storage, and covered carports, with prices starting at $1,995,000.
In addition to the Playground Residences, Jack’s Bay has also launched sales for the Atlantic Club Cottages. The Atlantic Club Cottages offer four- or six-bedroom fully furnished homes surrounding the Atlantic Clubhouse, featuring covered oceanfront terraces and pools.
As Turnquest explains, the collaboration with Nicklaus Design “was driven by a shared vision to establish a premier golf destination that harmonizes with the natural beauty of Eleuthera.” He credits Doug Maslo, Director of Development and Construction, with spearheading the connection—having worked with Nicklaus Design for over a decade. “This collaboration signifies Jack's Bay's commitment to becoming a world-class golf and lifestyle destination,” he adds.
Just next door, the long-awaited Cotton Bay Club is also entering a new chapter. Originally founded in 1959 by Pan Am’s Juan Trippe and philanthropist Arthur Vining Davis, Cotton Bay was once a private retreat for the elite, anchored by a Robert Trent Jones Sr. course that became a favorite among pros and celebrities. That legacy is being reimagined with a new Ritz-Carlton Reserve and a Robert Trent Jones II-designed course, both set to debut in 2027.
The project officially broke ground earlier this month on a 130-hectare site, marking the ninth Ritz-Carlton Reserve development worldwide. Backed by Cotton Bay Holdings Limited and Marriott International, the $200 million resort will feature a 110-room open-air hotel and 97 branded residences, ranging from three to five bedrooms. Plans also include signature restaurants, a spa and wellness sanctuary, multiple pools, and the new 18-hole championship golf course. In total, the development is expected to create over 1,000 jobs and generate a lasting economic ripple effect through training programs, hospitality careers, and opportunities for Bahamian entrepreneurs and artisans. Sustainability remains a guiding principle, with the resort designed to operate responsibly and preserve its natural surroundings.
“The Jack’s Bay and Cotton Bay developments are poised to redefine the future of South Eleuthera,” Turnquest notes. “Together, these developments are more than just luxury projects; they represent a strategic vision for the sustainable economic revitalization in South Eleuthera… We are satisfied that both projects will complement each other, and it is our hope that both projects honor Eleuthera’s rich history while paving the way for a future that balances luxury with cultural and environmental responsibility.”
For decades, South Eleuthera played a foundational role in shaping Bahamian tourism. Its historic airstrip, marina, and early infrastructure projects helped open the region to the world. Today, that same pioneering spirit is being rekindled by Jack’s Bay and Cotton Bay, whose neighboring developments promise to reestablish the area as a global destination for sport, wellness, and understated luxury.
Infrastructure investments are already being discussed to support the region’s growth. “The most crucial is the upgrade of the airport,” says Turnquest. “We are confident that improvements will take place at the Rock Sound International Airport within the next year.” He also points to the nearby Davis Harbour Marina, owned by a sister company, which is slated for upgrades to better accommodate large vessels and support the area’s growing community.
With construction well underway at Jack’s Bay and Cotton Bay, South Eleuthera is entering a pivotal moment—one shaped by decades of legacy and bold new investments. “There is a very real sense that with the developments taking place now, those ‘glory days’ are poised to return,” Turnquest reflects. “And there is great optimism among the local community that better days are ahead.” The next chapter is already in motion, and it’s worth keeping an eye on.
For more details and future updates, visit both jacksbayclub.com and cottonbay.mu
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