Staal Foundation Open hopes for big Thunder Bay player participation

The more local players in the Staal Foundation Open, the better, says former touring pro Walter Keating Jr.

On Thursday it was announced that once again local golfers would have three opportunities to qualify to play in the second-annual PGA Tour Canada event – the first at a June 7 qualifier at Whitewater for Thunder District Golf Association members only.

The second spot will go to the winner of the Keg District Open in early July, while 10 spots will be open at the event’s Monday qualifier, this year being held at Strathcona Golf Course, a move organizers say will open up the tournament to the entire community.

“It’s extremely important to getting people out to watch,” Keating said. “People feel invested. People feel like they’re a part of it. Obviously the charity dollars involved and the Staal Foundation has done has been remarkable, but having local guys play is very important in growing the game and making the people want to come out and watch.”

At the 2014 inaugural event, Keating, Jeff Hunter, Robbie Untinen and Evan DeGrazia led the local charge.

With a little local course knowledge at Strathcona, Keating said he’s hopeful a couple more hometown golfers might earn their way into the field in 2015.

“I really think it’s going to help. You’ve got great players who have played this golf course an awful lot. You’ve got Robert Cumming. You’ve got Barry Caland. You’ve got Dave Joubert. They play this course day in and day out,” Keating said.

“They know it. They can get around this golf course and potentially qualify. I believe you’re going to get two or three guys out of that Monday if everyone decides to play.”

Tournament director Scott Smith said moving to Strathcona was a natural move. The city has been supportive of the event and it’ll be a tough test.

“It’s about involving the whole community and Strath is a great track. I think it will be a good venue for them to participate for the qualifier,” Smith said.

He’s also hopeful to see a little more local content in the actual Staal Foundation Open itself.

“I think there’s quite a few guys who have been working hard on their game. Strath does demand a lot of course knowledge and it will
definitely give them an advantage competing with a lot of the other talent coming from around the world.”

The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 13-19 at Whitewater Golf Club.