Local businesses return to boost PGA Tour Canada event
Ken and Patricia Mariash, developers of Bayview Place, and Jeff Smith of DC Bank have joined together again to help present the 2018 Bayview Place DC Bank Open, presented by the Times Colonist, at Uplands Golf Club this spring.
The 36th edition of the Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada event will run June 3 to 10 and will have its total prize money boosted to $200,000 as the top young golfers from around the world look to take the next step toward the PGA Tour.
“Patricia and I are pleased to be sponsoring this major event in Canada’s home of golf,” said Ken Mariash in a statement.
“We look forward to working with organizers to engage with our local golf and business communities for support over the next few months to ensure the overall event sees the success it deserves.”
DC Bank also issued a statement confirming its support for the golf tournament.
“We’re so pleased to be participating in this wonderful event alongside Ken and Patty Mariash and Bayview Place,” said DC Bank president and CEO Jeff Smith in a statement. “The tradition of this event has made it a highlight on the calendar in Victoria each year and we look forward to being a partner in the tournament’s exciting next chapter.”
Bayview Place will also sponsor the Bayview Place Vikes Performance Tour, which is open to amateur and professional golfers who will play for 12 weeks starting Feb. 18 at Cordova Bay and concluding June 4 at Uplands Golf Club.
The top three players from the tour will receive sponsor exemptions into the Bayview Place DC Bank Open presented by the Times Colonist. Cash prizes will be available each week. Pros Jason Giesbrecht of Royal Colwood Golf Club and Jeff Palmer of Highland Pacific will operate the tour.
In addition, Bayview Place will sponsor the Junior Vikes Development Clinics that will see about 400 boys and girls taking lessons and playing each other through the summer.
“We are excited to see the 2018 Bayview Place Vikes Performance Tour build on the great success from last year,” Giesbrecht said. “The opportunity to showcase Victoria’s finest players through this tour, and ultimately the Bayview Place DC Bank Open, is something we believe is profoundly important to furthering competitive golf in our community.”
Mackenzie Tour president Jeff Monday said the Victoria stop is always a favourite of players and officials.
“With a history and tradition that stretches back nearly four decades, the Bayview Place DC Bank Open presented by Times Colonist is one of the most storied professional golf events in Canada,” Monday said in a statement.
“Each year, Mackenzie Tour players and their families embrace the event’s warm hospitality and Victoria’s wonderful atmosphere.
“We’re thrilled to have the support of Bayview Place and DC Bank along with the Victoria Times Colonist and look forward to working with everyone involved as the event continues to make a positive impact in the community.”