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Tue Jul 28, 2009 10:36 am EDT

Morning Drive: Justin Timberlake is going to save golf

By Jay Busbee

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Justin Timberlake ... savior of golf. No, I can't believe it either.

Timberlake, the former N'Sync'er who has defied all odds and remained not just relevant but celebrated, has a solid golf game; the last couple years, he's played in the celebrity foursomes that challenge the U.S. Open under championship conditions. He has a handicap of 6. And he's stacked a who's-who of celebrity dates. But that's not why he's drawing our interest these days. (Well, the celebrity-date bit is always of interest, but let's move on.)

The Golf Watch picked up on an article from LiveScience.com focusing on Timberlake's brand-new, just-opened golf course in Memphis called Mirimichi. He invested $16 million into making the course the "greenest" -- in the eco sense -- in the country, and may have just paved the way for golf in the 21st century.

Mirimichi is the first project in the country to receive the Audubon International's Classic Sanctuary certification, according to LiveScience, and boasts such eco-friendly elements as rainwater-driven irrigation systems, solar-powered golf carts and locally appropriate landscaping.

There's also a little twist to this; the course was originally known as Woodstock Hills, and it's where Timberlake first learned to play the game. So it's got more than a little nostalgia for him.

"Last year we found out they were going to auction it off and turn it into a development," Timberlake said in an interview with PGATour.com. "So we thought it was such a landmark for the community, we'd scoop it and save it. And we did. We were able to before it was auctioned off."

You can check out the results right here at the official Mirimichi site. Greens fees run in the $60-$70 range. And who knows, maybe you'll meet Timberlake in the clubhouse. See if he'll bust out a little N'Sync for you.

Justin Timberlake opens first eco-friendly golf course [LiveScience.com via Yahoo!]
Justin Timberlake: A golf course preservationist/innovator? [The Golf Watch]
Mirimichi Golf Course [official site]

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149 Comments

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  1. Daniel C
    1. Posted by Daniel C Tue Jul 28, 2009 11:26 am EDT

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    First he brings sexy back, now he's saving golf... what can't this guy do
  2. Joe M
    2. Posted by Joe M Tue Jul 28, 2009 11:37 am EDT

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    Way to go J.T ! Congratulations, love to play there some time.
  3. rick s
    3. Posted by rick s Tue Jul 28, 2009 11:41 am EDT

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    God love him because my daughter sure does.
  4. PingZinger
    4. Posted by PingZinger Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:04 pm EDT

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    Seems odd that this guy was banging Spears when she was 14 and no one brings it up. Moved in with her when she was 16 and dumped her before she turned 18. WOW I guess we DO live in a MALE dominated world. Rick S -- If your daughter loves this guy, I'm sure we'll all see her in a STRIP JOINT dancing to his lousy music when she turns 18
  5. Go Chargers
    5. Posted by Go Chargers Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:07 pm EDT

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    Way good for him, Congrads.
    -
    Now if you tell me Paris Hilton will save the LPGA I will surely vomit.
  6. Portland
    6. Posted by Portland Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:18 pm EDT

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    He should have took that 16 million and helped out those who who have worked hard all there lives and lost there homes and are living on the street. The one thing we do not need is another golf course in this country. He could have helped a lot of good people with that money. All these so called stars sicken me
  7. Alan
    7. Posted by Alan Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:34 pm EDT

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    Ping Zinger.... what a Tard! I believe JT to be the same age as Ms Spears. Let it go dude... let it go! Just becasue Britt wanted nothing to do with your Zinger and chose K-Fed over you? Is that it? Sad....
    If JT brings Sexy Back and can successfully do the same with Golf? I say right on! Soon he will be hosting the Pebble Beach Pro Am!
  8. Charles
    8. Posted by Charles Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:42 pm EDT

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    Mr. C I think a person should what ever he or she want to do wirh their monry
  9. pete
    9. Posted by pete Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:48 pm EDT

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    Agree with Alan....Ping Zinger has an issue with jeeeeeeeealousy! ha! Not JT's fault that Ping was beatin' up the willie while JT was handlin' business! And I alwasy LOVE people like Portland....."Give the money to all the hungry mouths!" If only you knew the money people like JT, Tiger, etc already give to charity. The can't come and pull you out of your cardboard box as well Portland! Some things you have to learn to do for yourself. Now, go get an app at Mirimichi and see if they'll let you rake some bunkers or somethin'.......
  10. T Stewart
    10. Posted by T Stewart Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:52 pm EDT

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    I love Paris Hilton! If she could help the LPGA, I say good for her. #6 get off the poor boy band wagon. He just bought a course that was going to be auctioned to some housing developer anyway. That's part of the trouble with America now, to much urban sprawl! We should be spending Money here ( for poor people) that's sent overseas by our Goverment to try and fix some crap hole in Africa who's people would just as soon spit on us or kill us. Think on that! USMC
  11. Matt M
    11. Posted by Matt M Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:58 pm EDT

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    Why the hate from some people. You got one person worried about the nut bag britney spears. Also portland I gurantee you he has donated more money in his life to causes than you ever will.
  12. Portland
    12. Posted by Portland Tue Jul 28, 2009 1:30 pm EDT

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    Hey pete n I have a job and make more money than J T will make in his life but I give my money away to worthy causes, he gets drunk and makes a fool of him self and pays millions to have a golf course built, WOW that is really helping out our fellow man. So to you number 9 get a life and maybe I should pay you to come to my house and rake my yard.
  13. Harrison
    13. Posted by Harrison Tue Jul 28, 2009 1:49 pm EDT

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    Green fees are 125 dollars. 60-70 for locals
  14. defeezie
    14. Posted by defeezie Tue Jul 28, 2009 2:08 pm EDT

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    danile c, that is the best laugh i have had all day.
  15. Brian
    15. Posted by Brian Tue Jul 28, 2009 2:14 pm EDT

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    Portland you make more money than "J T" lmao, thanks we all needed that, your a jabillionaire and your on here bloging with us?...No (btw my dad can beat up your dad)
  16. Wayne M
    16. Posted by Wayne M Tue Jul 28, 2009 2:24 pm EDT

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    It seems that a business that provides jobs, money into the local economy and tax revenue can't be all bad. You guys want charities, you can have all kinds of tournaments. Not to argue with Chad's dad, but the glass is half full on this one.
  17. Ed
    17. Posted by Ed Tue Jul 28, 2009 3:42 pm EDT

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    I get tired of hearing people whine and complain that stars should give money to people and take care of everyone. He got a break when he was young worked hard made his money. Its his. He can do what he wants to. By keeping the course open he brings large amounts of money into the area. He employs many and is helping the area. Quit expecting the "wealthy" to support the lazy.
  18. golfgirl
    18. Posted by golfgirl Tue Jul 28, 2009 4:59 pm EDT

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    JT is the real deal when it comes to golf.
    He's as passionate about the sport as anyone, anywhere. Not only is his course eco-friendly, there's also a huge emphasis on growing the game. He's created a challenging world class course, but he's also put into place instruction and facilities - like Little Mirimichi, a 9-hole, par-35 course... as well as an 18-hole putting course - that'll allow new golfers to learn and practice in a less intimidating atmosphere that's inclusive and empowering.
    And of course he's given, and will continue to give, tons to charity.
  19. Joe M
    19. Posted by Joe M Tue Jul 28, 2009 5:25 pm EDT

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    Yeah Portland, you make more money than J.T., I'm sure. And like Brian said, with all your multi millions, instead of playing golf, jetsetting around the world, or just out buying whatever you want. You choose to play on yahoo? If this is the case, then you are the biggest loser in the history of the world.
  20. Colo Colo
    20. Posted by Colo Colo Tue Jul 28, 2009 5:30 pm EDT

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    Good for JT. This guy constantly impresses me. Not only was he able to break away from the "Boy Band" image to a great degree, but he has really excelled in the biz. Pretty inspiring if you ask me!
  21. Michael Green
    21. Posted by Michael Green Tue Jul 28, 2009 9:35 pm EDT

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    This is very, very cool. He just gets cooler and cooler ol' JT.
  22. TJ
    22. Posted by TJ Tue Jul 28, 2009 11:02 pm EDT

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    I admit..JT is really not just a flash in the pan like his former bandmates. He does well on guest host shows. He is funny and great to listen to on the golf course. Its good he saved the golf course. The eco stuff is not an issue, its just part of the hollywood stuff...appear green. Realistically from the scientific standpoint, the course is no different from others..in spite of what the Audubon Foundation says. But kudos for saving it JT.
  23. xarmynsdq
    23. Posted by xarmynsdq Tue Jul 28, 2009 11:13 pm EDT

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    i wouldnt say he saved the game , but look at he website for the course, he saved that course and did so in a manner which makes the "greenies" happy, kudo's to his returning to his roots and saving the course.way too old to keep up with the pop stufff, but as a golf nut , thank you JT for stepping in and saving a beautiful track you should be proud.
  24. benjamin63_99
    24. Posted by benjamin63_99 Wed Jul 29, 2009 1:00 am EDT

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    "Timberlake, the former N'Sync'er who has defied all odds and remained not just relevant but celebrated"
    with that, Jay "cleaned" the divots on JT's woodie, and all was right with the world!

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