Community drives long-standing tournament

It’s that time again — time for the Bayview Place Island Savings Open, presented by Times Colonist. The tournament will take place at the historic Uplands Golf Club. So why should we care? There are many reasons. For a start, the tournament brings to Greater Victoria the best talent on the Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada. Some of North America’s best professional golfers will compete for $175,000 in prize money in the coming week.

Consider that, over the years, the event has given us a chance to see the likes of Mike Weir, Kirk Triplett and Jim Rutledge. These golfers can be an inspiration to all of us, no matter what our handicap might be, and can be especially helpful to young golfers just getting an idea of the possibilities offered by the game.

The Bayview Place Island Savings Open is the second stop on the 2015 tour, so we will get a sneak peek at what the rest of the country will see as the tour works toward the final tournament, in London, Ont. in September.

The Victoria tournament is the longest-running event on the tour. This is the eighth year in a row, and 14th time overall, that it has been at Uplands.

The tournament was started in 1981, when Dave Barr was the winner. Until 2008, it was rotated between several courses, but since 2009, Uplands has been the host.

The Bayview Place Island Savings Open is a success for many reasons, and it would be wrong to ignore the strong support of its sponsors, including the Times Colonist.

We, like the other sponsors, are firmly committed to the success of the tournament. We believe it adds to the richness of life in Victoria, and helps showcase our community in the rest of the country.

The event also relies on a small army of volunteers who step forward to help out. More than 250 of them, along with community organizers, make the tournament work. Their enthusiasm and energy help make Victoria one of the highlights of the Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada.

The Bayview Place Island Savings Open supports the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. This amazing charity raises funds to support Island children with disabilities and health challenges.

Thanks to everyone for your help and support for the Bayview Place Island Savings Open. It is sure to be yet another outstanding tournament.

And to the golfers — on behalf of the Times Colonist, welcome to Victoria!