Nicklaus Back In The Spotlight

Jack Nicklaus will throw out the first pitch Friday when the Montreal Expos open the Grapefruit League season at Roger Dean Stadium.

It will be Nicklaus' first public appearance since he had hip-replacement surgery in Boston on Jan. 27.

The Expos will play the New York Mets in the opener starting at 7:05 p.m. Nicklaus' ceremonial first pitch will take place about 7 p.m.

"Jack and his family have lived in North Palm Beach for 31 years, so he's one of us," said Rob Rabenecker, general manager of Roger Dean Stadium. "As our neighbor, we wanted to have golf's most famous personality as the highlight of our spring opener."

Nicklaus, who holds golf's all-time record with 20 major championships, is building a new golf course, the Bear's Club, less than three miles from the baseball complex.

He is continuing his recovery and rehabilitation program at home and hopes to return to competitive golf in June at his Memorial tournament in Dublin, Ohio.

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