THUNDER BAY – Organizers of the Staal Foundation Open say this week will be about more than just golf.
The second annual Staal Foundation Open, a stop on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA Tour Canada, officially kicked off on Monday with opening ceremonies held at the Whitewater Golf Course.
Executive director Scott Smith said this year’s event will include Hockey Hall of Fame exhibits and other interactive activities, which will help draw as many as 20,000 people.
“If you want more people to attend and more people to come from the surrounding region it has to be about more than golf,” Smith said. “We want to make it fun for kids and families to come.”
“After last year the talk is in the town. They know it’s not just a golf event and there are a lot of fun social activities here.”
Tour director of Scott Pritchard said in a short time the tournament has stood out for its offerings and community involvement.
“I would say Thunder Bay is a leader on our tour and a lot of our other tournaments look up to this tournament and use ideas here to try to translate to their community,” Pritchard said.
The schedule for the opening day included the opening ceremonies which featured performances by Fort William Historical Park staff followed by a power golf trick display from long driver Brett Cleverdon.
The afternoon was highlighted by the Porter Airlines Celebrity Pro-Am, with participants including the Staal family, Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Grant Fuhr, New York Rangers forward Derek Stepan and Olympic gold medal curler Brad Jacobs.
Tuesday morning will feature an appearance by Hockey Hall of Fame legendary blueliner Bobby Orr.
That’s where it comes in handy to have such well-connected sponsors.
“Having the Staals involved helps bring a number of high-profile celebrities to town,” Smith said.
With the Staal Family Foundation on board, proceeds raised from the event will be donated to Camp Quality, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation and the Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer.
The inaugural event last year served as the launch for the foundation which oldest brother and current Carolina Hurricanes captain Eric Staal said was instrumental in launching the organization.
“This is something we want to have and sustain for many years down the road, even when we’re done playing,” he said. “It’s definitely taken steps forward. We’re looking to slowly build as the years go on but we were able to raise some good money for some great charities last year.”
The competitive tournament starts on Thursday morning, running through until the fourth and final round on Sunday.
It comes at an important time for the golfers, with the top three on the tour’s Order of Merit earning a spot at the PGA Tour’s RBC Canadian Open next weekend.
“It’s a tremendous opportunity for them because ultimately that’s where they want to be playing,” Pritchard said. “For them to come here and play in such a big event on our tour and then go into that week will really give the players confidence they need to excel on that level.”
