The Canadian Tour Player’s Cup starts Thursday, July 12, at one of Manitoba’s more difficult courses — Pine Ridge Golf Club. This will be the 14th consecutive year the club has hosted the Cup.
Jonathon Toews is interviewed before tee off.
Pine Ridge Golf Club is ready for the Player’s this year. The greens are hard and fast, the rough is thick and deadly, and the fairways are narrow. Current members were feeling the effects the weeks leading up to the Cup as the course was being groomed to perfection by Derrick Chlopecki, Pine Ridge’s superintendent.
Lindsey Hofmeister, a veteran member commented on the course conditions, “It makes it tougher than any other time during the year and it just shows how good these professionals are.”
Zach Bogosian interviewed before tee off.
This year’s tournament looks promising; the winner and a few of the top money earners on the tour qualify for RBC’s Canadian Open next week, a tournament with a $5 million purse, definitely adding some pressure.
The festivities start early at Pine Ridge though; many volunteers and celebrities are involved in raising money for various charities: The Tallman Foundation, Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation, and St. Boniface Hospital. Winnipeg’s own Jonathan Toews is the face leading the charitable charge. Thousands of dollars are raised every year, all going to a worthy cause.
Ryan Hart, executive on the player’s cup committee said, “The past two years, we have raised over $175,000. There are 330 to 350 dedicated volunteers to put on the event…and the presence the professional hockey players have is amazing.”
Shane Hnidy tee’s off on first hole at Pine Ridge GC.
The events kicked off on Monday, July 9 with the Jonathan Toews FORE Kids Golf Classic, raising over $225,000 over four years. The heat picked up on Tuesday, July 10 with The Rumble at the Ridge Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament, featuring some big name NHL players: Jonathan Toews, Travis Hamonic, Mark Stone, Mike Stone, Ryan Reaves, Matt Calvert, and Zach Bogosian, a notable Winnipeg Jet’s defenseman.
“It’s an honor for sure…all I can do is lend my name and show up,” said Toews. “I’m very happy and privileged, it’s a lot of fun to come here and see what everyone puts together…it’s going to a good cause,” said Toews.
Philanthropists have a unique opportunity to donate, with the highest donor getting a chance to spend the day golfing with Jonathan Toews, as all proceeds are going to charities.
The remainder of the week is for the Canadian Tour Players, notables include: Andrew Rogue, Hugo Leon, Michael Gligic, Danny Sahl, Cory Renfrew, Joe Panzeri and Matt Hill, all winners on the tour this year. They are battling it out for a $150,000 purse, but more importantly, recognition and PGA status. The competition is going to be fierce!
Fans can join the festivities and watch their favorite players throughout the week. Check the website for address and tickets: http://2012.theplayerscup.ca/
