Jack Nicklaus, the former US Open champion, is to build a multi-million dollar golf club and hotel in the Bahamas.

The golfer’s company, Nicklaus Design, chose Royal Island – a 440-acre uninhabited island 190 miles east of Miami and a neighbour of Harbor Island and Eleuthera Island – as the site for the first ever Jack Nicklaus Golf Club.

Nicklaus said: “Our family has fished in the Eleuthera area for many years and it is one of my favourite parts of the Bahamas to visit. Royal Island is beautiful, highlighted by a great natural harbour.

“It is private, almost secluded, yet there is an airport in Eleuthera just a few minutes’ boat ride away, so there exists a perfect combination of privacy and convenience.”

As well as a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, the island will also feature a private clubhouse and an 80-room boutique hotel with a deluxe spa.

Cypress Equities, the acquisition and development arm of The Staubach Company, will be teaming up with Nicklaus Design to work on the project.

Nicklaus Design has created more than 300 golf courses, several in international top-100 lists, but the Royal Island scheme will be the first of 25 clubs to be given the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club name.

Construction is due to begin next year. Details: www.nicklaus.com