PRO GOLF IN WINDSOR
PGA Canada back in July
The 2019 PGA Canada Mackenzie Tour returns to Windsor in July, with organizers hopeful the economic spinoff will be on par with the $2.3-million impact of last year’s inaugural event.
“I think you’re going to see a different crop of players who are coming through, trying to make it to the professional ranks,” said Adam Wagner, director of golf operations at Ambassador Golf Club and tournament director for the Windsor Championship. “Not to mention, we’re going to see more visitors come to the city of Windsor, and hopefully again a bigger economic impact and spinoff.”
The Windsor Championship, one of 12 stops on the PGA Canada Mackenzie Tour, will take place July 1 to 7 at the Ambassador Golf Club.
City and tournament officials hosted a presentation at city hall on Tuesday to announce the dates for the 2019 Windsor Championship, and tout the success of last year’s event.
“We were excited about what happened during the event,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “We were excited the way the community responded. We were excited at the participation and the audience participation at the event. And we were excited with the way sponsors came forward. And of course this is an exciting tour to be a part of because it adds to the profile of the community, but it’s also an organization and a tour that gives back to the community.”
The 2018 Windsor Championship attracted about 7,000 spectators and had a $2.3 million economic impact on the Windsor area. It also raised $110,550 for Hospice of Windsor and Essex County. The hospice will also be the benefactor of this year’s tournament. “It’s amazing,” said Wagner. “We never thought we would see these kinds of numbers come in when we first put this idea together.” “We’re thrilled with the support that we had from the community, from the City of Windsor, from everyone that was involved in the tournament. To make that impact back into the community is incredible.”
At the 2018 Windsor Championship, Mark Anguiano, 25, from Bellflower, Calif., fired a 24-under par 260 to capture the title — taking home a $36,000 share of $200,000 in prize money.
The open qualifier for the 2019 tournament will take place July 1 at Roseland Golf and Curling Club. “These players are good, so to make it into the event is certainly a feat in itself,” said Wagner. July 2 is the day of the Official Pro-Am at Ambassador Golf Club, and the Windsor Spitfires Junior Pro-Am at Roseland. Practice rounds will take place July 3 at Roseland. The first round starts at 7 a.m. on July 4. The final round will be July 7, followed by the trophy presentation on the 18th green.
“This is a professional event, these guys are professionals,” said Wagner. “These guys are trying to make a living on the PGA Tour.” “These guys are two steps away from really making it big. This is their life. This is what they do and this is a stepping stone to get to the PGA Tour for these players.”