A traditional tribal dance was performed during the Elk Ridge Open media day Tuesday, ahead of the second tournament. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D’Andrea

Elk Ridge Open

Second Elk Ridge Open going to be even better than last year’s debut

Jun 21, 2022 | 4:00 PM

In the first-ever Elk Ridge Open PGA Tour event last year, local fans got to see possibly the best ever field of players to grace the course.

This year, it’s going to be even better.

The second annual Elk Ridge Open is part of the Fortinet Cup, the year-round points race in PGA Tour Canada. With restrictions being lifted and getting back to “normal,” the field is open back up to include talent from across the world.

“In Victoria, we played there in the first week, the cut was plus-eight last year to make the cut. This year it was minus three. So quick math, that’s an 11-shot difference, right? That’s what you’re going to be seeing,” PGA Tour Canada executive director Scott Pritchard said during Tuesday’s media availability. “I don’t think you’re going to see cuts on this tour this year that are going to be higher than even par.”

In addition to having Canadians and a few Americans sprinkled into the field, this year will have a more international flavour. Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, France, Ireland, Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, and Zimbabwe will all be represented in the 156-player field, playing for the $200,000 purse.

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“There’s 14 different countries of players represented and when they look on the schedule and saw Waskesiu, Saskatchewan, they were probably mispronouncing it and saying ‘where’s that?’,” said Pritchard. “But six weeks in [the season] here, I’ve heard a number of players come up to me and talk about how great it is to be here. They love the golf course. They love the resort. The food has been amazing and the community is really embracing it.”

Even the Elk Ridge Open trophy got an upgrade this year. (Jeff D’Andrea/paNOW Staff)

One of those is Jared du Toit, one of the top-ranked Canadians on the Fortinet Cup circuit to start the season. The Kimberley, B.C. product has 3,268 points through two rounds. Like many of the players on the tour, du Toit was surprised by how good the course was.

“Being from B.C., we kind of grew up thinking that Saskatchewan was just flat and had nothing to offer. I was optimistically surprised getting here,” du Toit said. “I can say for myself and for the other players here, we’re really happy to be here and I can’t wait to tee it up this week.”

Last week in Edmonton, Wil Bateman won the event in his hometown—the first time in PGA Tour Canada history for that to happen. He comes in as the top-ranked player early this season.

There is some local talent as well, like Yorkton’s Kade Johnson who finished in fifth place in last year’s tournament. Prince Albert’s Cory Selander is one of the few amateurs to participate this year.

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Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW