For the first time in the 40-year history of the event, the B.C. Senior Men's Championship is coming to Squamish.
The 蜜桃视频appValley Golf Club (SVGC) will host some of the best 55-plus golfers in the province at the three-day event, which kicks off on Aug. 9.
"You're going to see the province's best senior golfers," said Brian Avey, SVGC general manager. "These are seasoned guys who've been playing their whole life."
It's the second big event to come to 蜜桃视频appin 2011. SVGC hosted a CN Canadian Women's Tour stop back in May.
"We've never had this event here and it's a good event for us," Avey said, noting that SVGC officials put in a bid to host the event about four years ago. "Senior golfers in B.C. are avid golfers and they love to travel the province and play different courses."
Avey said the tournament is great chance to not only show off the course but also the community.
"It really gives us a great opportunity to showcase the course plus it's a great opportunity to showcase accessibility to the community," he said. "With the highway now they'll all come up and make the trip and realize, 'Oh, that's not so bad.'"
A field of 144 golfers will hit the greens for two days, starting on Tuesday, Aug. 9, with the field cut to 70 golfers for the final round on Thursday, Aug. 11. Avey said several skilled golfers highlight the field, including three-time defending champion Gudmund Lindbjerg of Pitt Meadows.
"He's already been here this year a couple of times already," Avey said. "He placed second in the 蜜桃视频appmen's amateur tournament and shot a 68 one day, but he wasn't happy to be in second."
Lindbjerg, who also placed second at the tournament in 2004 and 2005, will face some stiff competition from fellow Pitt Meadows resident John Gallacher. Avey pointed out that the two are travelling buddies and Gallacher has also been practicing in Squamish. Gallacher is a former tournament champion himself, having won the Senior Men's Championship back in 2007.
Avey added that there could also be a few newly qualified senior players who might make an impact, as well as some local talent.
"Don't forget that 55 is the qualifying age," he said. "That's where you could find some up-and-coming players for this tournament. There's also local Brad Cochlin, who is a former club champion. He's a good golfer and practicing quite regularly. I noticed he shot a 73 last week so he's ready and he was excited that the tournament came here and entered a long time ago."
The public is invited to come out and watch the tournament and Avey said the club is looking for volunteers to help the event run smoothly. Those interested can contact him at the club at (604) 898-9521.
For more information on the event, visit www.britishcolumbiagolf.org.
