The Nicklaus North golf course will host the 13 th annual Skins Game next summer, returning to the Whistler course after eight years.
"We are thrilled that the Telus Skins Game will be returning to Whistler in 2005," said Whistler Mayor Hugh O’Reilly.
"The event in 1997 is still talked about within the community and is regarded as one of the premier events ever to come to Whistler."
That event featured Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Fred Couples and Nick Faldo. It was considered one of the most memorable Skins Games ever as tickets sold out in under an hour and the broadcast generated the highest ratings in the event’s history.
Nicklaus North, which was named "Best New Golf Course in Canada" in 1996 by Golf Digest Magazine," is continually ranked among the best golf courses in the country.
"I am extremely pleased that the Telus Skins Game will be returning to one of Golf B.C.'s signature properties, Nicklaus North, to celebrate the facility's 10th Anniversary,"" said Caleb Chan, president of Golf B.C., the company that developed Nicklaus North.
"We have worked very hard over the years to continually develop our facility so that we can host world-class events such as this in Whistler. Many people in B.C. still talk about the legacy of the 1997 event and we are looking forward to another memorable event this summer."
Telus also announced it is extending its title sponsorship of the event through the year 2008.
The date and the tournament field have yet to be determined and will be announced in the coming months.
This marks the third time the Skins Game has come to B.C. – twice at Nicklaus North and once at Predator Ridge in Vernon.
The game has included some of the biggest names in golf including Nick Price, Lee Trevino, Mike Weir, Sergio Garcia, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson, winner of the 2004 Skins Game.
