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 Sundaylaunched 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 beingadded 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 asfar 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, thenumber 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 noteworthybecause Delsing was mourning the death of his father, Jim Delsing , who played center field for the Tigers years ago. Delsingplayed 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 thisbefore. 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, atNewport (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 thatcaused 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 overthe $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, has10 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 PGATour 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 atThe 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 fourthconsecutive 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. FreshmanMeghan Hunter (Dexter, Mich.) was 13th at 237.
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