Golf fans can watch rising golf stars putt for glory in Courtenay, Qualicum Beach, Kelowna, Chilliwack, Tsawwassen, Vancouver and Victoria this summer, as B.C. plays host to major national golf events.
As part of its ongoing commitment to sport tourism, the Province has provided $10,000 to help promote five Golf Canada national championships for amateur golfers, and $80,000 for the PGA Tour Canada's BC Golf Swing, for professionals, through the Tourism Events Program.
Combined, these championship golf events are expected to attract more than 12,500 spectators and provide approximately $7.2 million in economic benefits to the host communities.
"We're very pleased to support these national level golf tournaments, because they attract international visitors and athletes, boost spending at local businesses and provide great volunteer opportunities for residents," said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. "They also give communities valuable experience hosting national level competitions, which can help attract other major sporting events."
The Golf Canada events include:
The Canadian University/College Championship in Chilliwack (May 28-June 1)
The Canadian Women's Amateur Championship in Vancouver (July 24-27)
The Canadian Junior Girls Championship in Tsawwassen (July 31-Aug. 3)
The Canadian Men's Amateur Championship in Duncan and Qualicum Beach (Aug. 6-9)
The Canadian Men's Mid-Amateur Championship in Victoria (Aug. 20-24)
PGA Tour Canada's BC Golf Swing includes:
The qualifying tournament in Courtenay (May 1-4)
The Freedom 55 Financial Open in Vancouver (May 28-June 3)
The Bayview Place DC Bank Open in Victoria (June 4-10)
The GolfBC Championship in Kelowna (June 11-17)
The BC Golf Swing is the first leg of the MacKenzie Tour - PGA Tour Canada, a series of 13 tournaments held across Canada each year.
Government funding for the golf events are being provided through the Tourism Events Program, which supports events that raise national and international awareness of B.C.'s tourism experiences, and inspire people from around the world to visit the province. These events also generate tourism and economic activity in communities and regions throughout the province.