Canadian Skins Game returns to Nicklaus North in 2005

WHISTLER, B.C. (CP) - The 2005 Telus Skins Game is coming back to the Nicklaus North Course at Whistler, B.C.

The 1997 Skins Game, featuring Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Fred Couples and Nick Faldo, was also played on the course in the mountain resort town. It's the first time in 13 years that the event is returning to a course that has already hosted a Skins Game.

The tournament's date and who will be playing will be announced in the coming months. Whistler will host the skiing events at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Telus is also extending its title sponsorship of the Skins Games through 2008, said president and CEO Darren Entwistle.

Nicklaus North, which opened in 1996, is continually ranked among the best golf courses in the country.

Masters champion Phil Mickelson won this year's Telus Skins Game, taking eight skins worth $165,000 to finish first in the four-man exhibition event at Fontainebleau Golf Club.

In a skins game holes are assigned a monetary value.

The player with the lowest score on a hole wins the money. If two or more players are tied for the lowest score, the money carries over to the next hole. Often, several holes in a row carry over to make a big jackpot.