THUNDER BAY -- The president of the Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada says it’s looking good that the Staal Foundation Open will be back for a fourth year and beyond.
On Monday Jeff Monday said talks are ongoing to keep the Tour in Thunder Bay.
“We’re in discussions and I think everybody feels positive about what’s happened to date and I think everyone feels positive about continuing into the future,” Monday said, calling it a model event for the developmental circuit.
“We’ll get through this week and have another fantastic event and get that all worked out. But we fully expect to continue.”
Monday praised the tournament for the impact it’s having in the local community, but also reiterated its popularity with the players.
“When they first arrive it has almost the same atmosphere as a PGA Tour event,” he said. “When you get to a PGA Tour event there are things everywhere – there are volunteers, and signs, just a hubbub of activity.
“The players that come here for the first time are just blown away by everything they see right from the get-go.”
It’s just a few minor points that need to be worked out, he said.
“Nothing significant,” said Monday, who did not commit to a timeline to make an announcement.
Minnesota Wild forward Eric Staal, whose family foundation is the naming sponsor of the third-year event, said the Staal family is also interested at looking at continuing the partnership with the Mackenzie Tour event beyond 2016.
Staal said he wants to enjoy the week of golf and off-course activities first before making any decisions.
“I’m sure we’ll decide as a family where we go from here. It’s been a great partnership so far and a great event to be a part of, so we’ll kind of see how it plays out.”
The tournament is scheduled to begin on Thursday.
Four local players, Evan Littlefield, Jeff Hunter, Walter Keating Jr. and Evan DeGrazia are in the field.
