CANMORE – Dust off your clubs, amateur golfers, you’re needed on local fairways.
The RBC PGA Scramble, a national series, is coming to Canmore's Stewart Creek Golf Course June 21 and at the Banff Springs Golf Course July 11, where the top golfers will have an opportunity to advance to the regional finals Sept. 1, being held at Stewart Creek, and the national championships in Nova Scotia this fall.
The local competitions are open to teams of four eligible amateur golfers with up-to-date Golf Canada handicap and are 19 years old and older. Registration closes Sunday (June 14) for the June 21 competition, and July 4 for the July 11 competition.
"While golf may look a little different in 2020, we are committed to providing an exciting, safe platform for golf-lovers to participate in the RBC scramble events at Stewart Creek," said Chris Schatzmann, Stewart Creek's head professional, in a statement. "Players will follow all Stewart Creek operational procedures (see our website for reference) while enjoying the camaraderie, exercise and fresh air the game of golf embraces."
The victors of the local scramble qualify to participate in the regional finals. The regional winners will be invited to participate at the national championship, scheduled at the Cabot Links Golf Course in Nova Scotia.
"Golf is already being played comfortably in the COVID-19 world; it was the first sport to come back in many communities across the country and we want to celebrate golf at grassroots level," said Cole Crawford, RBC spokesperson. "It's an opportunity for the average golfer to have a little fun game and that's very needed right about now."
In the case that there are travelling restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a Plan B and Plan C for the competitions, including a reduced national field at Cabot Links and if travel is impossible, there will be an enhanced regional finals experience.
All golfers must use their current Golf Canada Handicap Index as of the registration closing date to determine the Playing Handicap for that day’s competition. Players who aren't members of Golf Canada are required to obtain a Gold Membership at www.golfcanada.ca.
