PRO TIPS FOR A GREAT VISIT
Give yourself a round of applause.
In the past five years you have helped the PGA Tour Champions Shaw Charity Classic raise $22 million for Alberta-based charities that support youth and children.
You can extend that amazing streak by contributing to this year’s $10-million target at shaw charityclassic.com/donatenow.
But, now it’s time to enjoy an award-winning professional golf tournament designed for every member of the family.
Here’s what you need to know about the event running until Sunday at Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club.
In Calgary’s still recovering economy, prices for this event have not changed in six years. Adults pay $30 per tournament day or $100 for a four-pack of tickets that can be used on any one day. Youth under age 17 can enter for free when they are accompanying an adult. Buy tickets online at shawcharityclassic.com or at the admission gate.
The Pro-Am days, which started Wednesday and wrap up today, feature pros playing with teams of locals. Spectators can watch for free. This is your best opportunity for autographs and selfies.
Children, parents, grandparents, golf fans of all generations — there is something for everyone on tournament days, besides watching 78 legends play great golf. If the kids tire of on-course action, head over to the free activities at the Fan Experience Area. At the HGS KidZone, the little ones can play on an indoor jungle gym, try swinging a golf club with the help of Alberta Golf pros, construct a palace with Habitat for Humanity or make a keepsake at the arts-andcrafts station.
You can also learn service dog etiquette with puppies brought by Dogs With Wings and golf history at a Canadian Sports Hall of Fame exhibit.
When it comes to the action on the course, the new covered Bunker Lounge lets ticket holders escape the elements, while perhaps grabbing an adult beverage. The Nursery offers a quiet, sheltered spot for breastfeeding or diaper changing.
This Saturday is Kid’s Day at the Classic, with a scavenger hunt, barbecue and cotton candy for the first 50 early-birders. After indulging in treats at the concessions and food trucks, you can burn some calories by following the senior golf legends around. The Canyon Meadows golf course, at 7,158-yards (more than 6.5 kilometres) is a very good walk.
Or you can let the action come to you. Spectator seats — and good grass positions — are all around the course, including the 18th hole. Giant displays — and the Golf Channel TV broadcast — will keep you informed as 78 golfers compete for a share of the US$2.35 million purse.
Maybe you’re looking for something a little more special. You can purchase seats south of the 16th green in The Crow’s Nest, with an all-inclusive food and beverage service and tiered viewing from the patio.
For $75 (a four-pack is $250), you get general tournament admission and access to the Sandhill Champions Club, located at the south end of the clubhouse, and the Sleeman Patio, which is between the 16th tee and 15th green. Amenities include covered seating, upgraded menus, indoor washrooms and great views.
Unlike at other PGA Tour events, you can capture tournament play for your own personal use. Under a new revised policy, spectators can carry mobile devices if the volume setting is on silent or vibrate. Devices can capture video, audio and photos in all areas throughout tournament week for personal use only. Texting is also permitted. Phone calls are allowed only in areas away from play.
There is no general admission parking at the golf course. But a free shuttle bus will run continuously to and from the Anderson LRT station (1015 Anderson Station Way S.W.). There are also bike racks near the spectator entrance on 14th Street S.W.)
Upgrades on the 18th green include doubled bleacher capacity and improved access to handicapped seating for watching this year’s top players finish the course.