THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – The Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada announced today a three-year extension and new name for the Cape Breton Open, which moves to Baddeck, Nova Scotia’s Bell Bay Golf Club in 2016.
The event will take place August 29th to September 4th under the direction of a new host organization led by local business figure and longtime Baddeck resident Sandy Campbell, who will serve as the event’s Executive Director.
“I am thrilled to be leading this initiative and eagerly look forward to delivering a first class event to the people of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island,” said Campbell. “Over the past few months, I have gained a great deal of insight from other Mackenzie Tour events, volunteers and players and look forward to engaging with the community on this event starting this year.”
Campbell, who spearheaded the development of Bell Bay in the late 1990s, has been instrumental in bringing a number of prestigious championships to Cape Breton, including the Canadian Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships. Campbell’s son Peter, has competed on the Mackenzie Tour and PGA TOUR Latinoamérica since 2012.
“We have been working with Sandy for a number of months as we transition the event to Bell Bay, which will be a tremendous opportunity and test for our players as they work towards making the next step on the path to the PGA TOUR,” said Mackenzie Tour President Jeff Monday. “Over the past three years, our players have absolutely loved the hospitality shown by people in Cape Breton and we know they will enjoy the great golfing experience the area has to offer.”
The event moves on from its first three seasons at The Lakes Golf Club and will once again serve as the season’s penultimate event, marking players’ final chance to earn their spot in the limited field, season-ending Freedom 55 Financial Championship.
“We would like to thank everyone at The Lakes who helped launch this event, in particular the many members who graciously volunteered their time and opened their homes to our players,” said Monday.
More information regarding the Cape Breton Open including the official charity, schedule of events and opportunities to get involved will be announced in the coming weeks.
