The Sea to Sky corridor boasts some of the top golf courses in Canada and the world, but for one afternoon this summer those courses will belong to kids as the Sea to Sky Junior Golf Tour returns to action in two weeks.
Each stop on the tour is open to 32 golfers, aged 11 to 18, of all abilities.
There was a waitlist for most events last year and Gregg Lown of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course wants to ensure that all of the kids who want to play get a chance. For that reason, he will ask participants to confirm theyre registration a week in advance for every event this year.
"The golf courses have been very generous with us and we want to make sure all 32 spots are filled for every event. Its just a great opportunity for the kids as well and we want to get everyone on that list onto the course this year," said Lown.
The cost of all six events is $200, but players will still need to confirm their participation a week in advance. Individual events are $60, to encourage players to sign up for the entire tour. That price includes green fees, food at the ninth hole and draw prizes and awards at the end of each round.
Lown is also hoping to make the tour a little more competitive this year by awarding the top golfers at the end of the tour.
"Its a participation tour most of all, just something to get the kids out there, but wed like to do something to reward the kids who do really well in their age category as well," said Lown.
The age categories will be determined by the number and ages of the participants, but there will likely be two categories for boys and girls.
Nicklaus North Golf Course has run the tour since the first year in 1998, but has been so busy preparing for the Telus Skins Game on July 4-5 that the responsibility passed on to Lown. Lown was involved in junior golf tournaments in Ontario and was excited to have a chance to help with the tour.
"We were a little behind getting organized this year, but we finally got the dates set and a great new sponsor with the North Shore Credit Union stepping forward in a big way. Everything has really come together and Im just excited to get going," said Lown.
Registration forms are available by contacting Lown at gregg.lown@fairmont.com , and can be brought to events.
Parents are responsible for dropping off and picking up their kids at the golf courses, and Lown is looking for volunteers to drive the golf carts at the Fairmonts event because carts are mandatory for the course.
The first event is on July 12 at the Pemberton Valley Golf and Country Club. Tee-off times are in the afternoon, and will be confirmed with registration.
Schedule
July 12 Pemberton Valley
July 19 Squamish Valley
July 26 Whistler Golf Club
Aug. 2 Nicklaus North
Aug. 9 Big Sky
Aug. 15 Chateau Whistler