Nicklaus Design enters into agreement for its first course in Bulgaria

The game of golf continues to expand to new markets all over the world, and Nicklaus Design continues to be the vehicle to introduce that game. The latest country added to the Nicklaus Design resume of 28 countries is Bulgaria. The Ibar Golf Club & Spa will be a Nicklaus Design course, featuring Steve Nicklaus as lead designer, and will not only represent the company's first project in Bulgaria but also its first in Southeast Europe.

"Though golf is not new to the country we are delighted that Nicklaus Design will be an important part of the foundation Bulgaria is building and the legacy they are creating in Southeast Europe," said Steve Nicklaus, Ibar's lead designer and vice president in charge of business development for the Nicklaus Companies.

Nicklaus Design officials, led by Executive Vice President Tim Kenny, were on hand Tuesday in Bulgaria for a formal signing ceremony with Ibar's executive directors, Kiril Nedev and Ilia Lazarov.

Ibar will be located in Dolna Banya, about 70 kilometers from the capital city of Sofia.

Currently, there are only two golf courses open for play in Bulgaria, and developers estimate that there are less than 500 golfers throughout the country.

"We at Nicklaus Design strongly believe that golf is a global game, and we embrace each opportunity we have to introduce golf or grow it in new countries and emerging markets," Steve added.

Nicklaus Design, the privately owned firm led by legend Jack Nicklaus and the Nicklaus family, is recognized as the world leader in golf course design. Nicklaus Design, as a company, has 282 courses open for play in 28 countries and 37 states. Of those Jack Nicklaus has 235 courses open for play worldwide, including 196 solo designs, 11 redesigns and 28 co-designs. At least 45 Nicklaus Design courses have been ranked in various national or international Top-100 lists, and 77 courses have hosted a combined 500 professional tournaments worldwide or significant U.S. national amateur championships.

For additional information on Ibar Golf Club & Spa, please their Web site at www.golfclubibar.com. More information on Nicklaus Design or the Nicklaus Companies can be found at www.nicklaus.com.