The Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada and Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) announced today that the Oil Country Championship, a new official event for 2016, will be played at Edmonton’s Glendale Golf and Country Club in 2016.
The golf tournament, which will take place July 25-31, 2016, enhances OEG’s portfolio of sports and entertainment properties, which currently includes the Edmonton Oilers (NHL), Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL), Bakersfield Condors (AHL), Norfolk Admirals (ECHL) and Silver Pictures Entertainment.
“We are delighted to partner with the PGA TOUR on the new Oil Country Championship to bring amazing golf and unparalleled hospitality to Edmonton this summer,” said OEG CEO and Vice Chair Bob Nicholson. “Adding golf to OEG’s expanding roster of sports and entertainment assets makes a lot of sense, given Canadians’ passion for the sport. The opportunity to raise funds for charity through the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) makes this a clear win-win for the community.”
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be partnering with OEG and teaming together two great sports organizations. This is an exciting addition to our schedule, and we’re confident we can create a marquee event in the Canadian golf landscape,” said Mackenzie Tour President Jeff Monday. “Our aim is to make this event a week-long celebration, and we look forward to bringing some great golf to Edmonton this summer while making a positive impact in the community.”
The event will also receive support from Edmonton Events, a partnership between the City of Edmonton and Edmonton Tourism.
“Edmonton is proud to host the inaugural Oil Country Championship in our city,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “This tournament is a great addition to our summer lineup of exciting sports competitions and we look forward to welcoming some of the best golfers in the world to Edmonton.”
Linx Marketing, a longstanding partner operating other Mackenzie Tour events, will assist with operations and management of the event, with Darcy Enick serving as Tournament Director.
Glendale Golf and Country Club, a 7,264-yard Norman Woods design, hosts the Mackenzie Tour for the first time since 2009, when James Hahn, now a PGA TOUR winner, claimed his first of two Mackenzie Tour wins.
The event’s course rotation will include Glendale in 2016, Windermere Golf and Country Club in 2017, Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club in 2018, Edmonton Country Club in 2019 and a location to be determined in 2020.
“It’s very exciting to see an Edmonton stop back on the Mackenzie Tour schedule,” said Hahn. “I have fond memories of my win there, especially the volunteers, sponsors and everyone I encountered in the city. I’m sure with the Oilers Entertainment Group getting involved it will solidify itself as a favourite stop on the Mackenzie Tour,” added Hahn, who broke through for his first victory on the PGA TOUR in 2015 at the Northern Trust Open.
The event will be in support of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF), which continues the Oilers legacy of giving back by contributing its resources and financial support to charitable organizations that serve the communities of Northern Alberta. With a focus on education, health and wellness for youth in Oil Country, the EOCF is dedicated to building strong, vibrant and safe communities by demonstrating philanthropic leadership.
Edmonton last hosted the Mackenzie Tour in 2012 when Burlington, Ontario’s Michael Gligic claimed victory at the ATB Financial Classic. The city boasts 84 courses within an hour’s drive and has among the highest participation rates in Canada.