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PAGC & Northern Lights Casino Open set for tee off

Aug 9, 2018 | 2:00 PM

One of the biggest golf tournaments in Western Canada tees off at the Cooke Municipal layout Saturday.

It’s the 33rd annual Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) and Northern Lights Casino Open, with $25,000 in cash prizes.

“Every year we bring players from all across Western Canada and some even from the United States,” Korey Diehl, PAGC’s sports, culture and recreation coordinator told paNOW. “Good players are attracted by the level of competition, and the prizes and money are as good as ever.”

Over 200 players are expected to tee it up in morning and afternoon sessions Saturday and Sunday and one of the big lures is the $1,500 on offer each day for nearest to the pin on the par 3 holes.

“Having five different divisions also creates a lot of interest,” Diehl said. Players compete in men’s, women’s, senior men’s, senior women’s and the chief’s division.

While the tournament has a reputation for quality golf it’s also a big draw card for the local economy.

“I figure as many as two thirds of the turnout is coming in from out of town from Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and even further afield,” one of the organizers Loren Sproat said. “There’s a lot from all over because golfers will want to overnight given it’s a two-day tournament.”

Pre-registration for the event goes at the casino from 6 to 10 p.m.

 

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow