Locals line up for spot in Staal Foundation Open

Local golfers will have their last chance to earn a berth Monday for next weekend’s Staal Foundation Open.

A total of 47 golfers from around North America have entered the PGA Tour Canada’s qualifying event, being staged at Fort William Country Club.

The entry list is a who’s who of the local links scene, including seven-time Strathcona Invitational champion Barry Caland and Evan Littlefield, who earlier this week finished 56th at the Ontario Amateur. Other Thunder Bay entrants include Bill Shewcuk and Robert Atatise, who missed the cut at the Amateur, Steve Melnik, Jamie Biscardi and former Thunderwolves hockey player Nathan Breukelman.

The region will also be well represented at the qualifier, with the likes of Marathon’s Darcy Donaldson leading the way.

Manitouwadge’s Scott Myles, Nipigon’s Johnny Walker, Scott Basaraba of Fort Frances and Kenora’s Robert Hollins have also entered the field. Former Thunder Bay resident Jason Cordes is also in the hunt, returning home from Vancouver to attempt to land a spot.

The one-day, 18-hole event also includes golfers from Colorado, Florida, Utah and Mexico.

The top 10 scores earn spots in the Staal Foundation Open field.