Nicklaus will build course in Croatia

Vartan Kupelian / The Detroit News

Jack Nicklaus was in Croatia last weekend for a meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Ivo Sanader in Zagreb, the capital city, where they announced the first Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in that country. A contract signing ceremony Sunday launched the project at Porto Mariccio Resort, a community on the Istrian Peninsula. Nicklaus' design firm has courses open for play in 28 countries. Croatia will be No. 29, and 19 other countries are being added to the roster.

"This is one more country that five years ago we, as a firm, never dreamed we would have the opportunity to be involved in as far as developing golf," said Tim Kenny, executive vice-president for Nicklaus Design.

There are currently three courses in Croatia, but with the country being touted by National Geographic as a top destination, the number is sure to spiral.

Tribute event

Jay Delsing finished fifth last week at the Nationwide Tour's Rheem Classic. Delsing was the halfway leader. It's noteworthy because Delsing was mourning the death of his father, Jim Delsing , who played center field for the Tigers years ago. Delsing played as a tribute to his father.

"I didn't feel much like playing golf I don't know what I'm feeling," Delsing said. "I've never experienced anything like this before. It's obviously life-changing."

Robbins to Open

Kelly Robbins and Michelle Wie have accepted special exemptions for the 2006 U.S. Women's Open, June 29-July 2, at Newport (R.I.) Country Club.

Robbins, 36, a Mt. Pleasant native, was exempt for the 2005 championship but had to withdraw due to a back injury that caused her to miss most of last year. Robbins has played in the Women's Open 14 times and has won more money, $805,695, than anyone who has not won the title.

Million dollar man

Loren Roberts won $88,000 with his third-place finish on the Champions Tour on Sunday and, in eight events, has gone over the $1 million mark. That ties Roberts with Hale Irwin for the quickest to seven figures to start a season.

Roberts, who has a game fit for the TPC of Michigan in Dearborn, site of the Ford Seniors Players Championship in July, has 10 consecutive top-10 finishes dating back to last year.

Moore returns

If you're wondering what's become of Ryan Moore , the young golfer who turned professional last June and earned his PGA Tour playing card in just 10 starts, he's back. Moore had hand surgery early this year.

He will tee it up this week at the Bank of America Colonial, seven weeks after the operation.

Ferris second

Ferris State's women's golf team placed second -- its best finish ever -- in the NCAA Division II championships Saturday at The Meadows Golf Club in Allendale, Mich.

The Bulldogs finished six shots behind Rollins (Fla.), which was at 919 (55-over-par) in the 54-hole event and won its fourth consecutive national championship. Lynn (Fla.) was third and host Grand Valley State was fourth. Ferris junior Casey McKinnon (St. Ignace, Mich.) and senior Elena Robles tied for third overall at 10-over 226. Freshman Meghan Hunter (Dexter, Mich.) was 13th at 237.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060516/SPORTS04/605160435/1048/SPORTS04
 

Formatted for CROWN by Nenad Bach

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