Up-and-coming Canadian LPGA Tour player Rebecca Lee-Bentham believes Canada can strike Pan Am gold in 2015
Tee off for Pro-Am tournament tentatively scheduled for July 16, 2015
MARKHAM, ON, Sept. 4, 2013 /CNW/ - Angus Glen Golf Club, one of Canada's most prestigious golf venues, will host the first-ever Pan Am Games golf tournament in July 2015, the TORONTO 2015 Pan American/Parapan American Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) officially announced today.
The Markham, Ontario club, which has two 18-hole championship golf courses, was selected through a request for proposals process conducted last year by Golf Canada on behalf of TO2015.
"We're excited to announce that the first gold medals ever awarded in golf at the Pan Am Games will be presented on the course at Angus Glen," said Ian Troop, chief executive officer of TO2015. "Many of the world's best PGA Tour and LPGA Tour professional golfers have competed here making it an excellent choice to test the skills of some of the best professional and amateur golfers in the Americas and Caribbean in 2015."
Last month, the International Golf Federation (IGF) voted in favour of opening the Pan Am golf tournament, which includes men's and women's events, to both professional and amateur players. Sixty-four golfers are expected to compete in the 72-hole competition.
"Our Government is a proud supporter of the TORONTO 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games, and we look forward to an exciting golf competition here in Markham at Angus Glen," said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). "Hosting the first golf competition ever at the Pan Am Games means we will see our Canadian athletes compete against the best golfers in the Americas, ahead of the return of golf to Olympic competition at the Rio Olympics in 2016."
The four-day 2015 Pan Am Pro-Am golf competition is tentatively set for July 16-19, 2015, a year ahead of the return of golf to Olympic competition at the Rio Games for the first time in more than 100 years. It will be played on Angus Glen's south course, which the golf club is currently redesigning. The work will be completed next year.
"I've proudly represented Canada for several years during my time on Team Canada and now on the LPGA Tour and it's exciting to see golf's first ever inclusion in the Pan Am Games when they come to Toronto in 2015," said up-and-coming Canadian LPGA Tour player Rebecca Lee-Bentham of Toronto, who joined TO2015 and its partners for the announcement today.
"It'll be a unique experience for golfers to come together with other athletes to compete in a multi-sport Games," she added. "I'm sure it'll make for an amazing atmosphere and be a great learning experience ahead of competing in Rio."
In 1904, Canadian golfer George Lyon from Richmond, Ontario, won the last trophy awarded in the sport at the Olympic Games. The sterling silver trophy, which currently resides in the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum in Oakville, Ontario, was displayed at the announcement today by Golf Canada.
"Angus Glen, which has played host to both the LPGA and PGA- a testament to its world-class stature - is a great choice for the debut of men's and women's golf at the Pan Am Games," said the Honourable Michael Chan, Minister Responsible for the Pan/Parapan American Games. "This, along with other Games venues in Markham, will put an international spotlight on the region and showcase our talented athletes."
In addition to golf, Markham is also hosting water polo, badminton and table tennis during the Pan Am Games in July 2015, and table tennis competitions during the Parapan Am Games in August 2015 at the landmark Markham Pan Am/Parapan Am Centre, currently under construction in the city's developing downtown core.
"Since opening in 1995, Angus Glen has helped put Markham on the map for hosting major international sporting events, such as the Canadian Open. We know in 2015 they will once again do us proud when the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games come to our city," said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti.
"Golf's inclusion in multi-sport events such as the 2015 Pan Am Games and 2016 Olympic Games is very exciting for the game in Canada and internationally," said Golf Canada CEO Scott Simmons. "Congratulations to Angus Glen Golf Club on being selected as host venue for the 2015 Pan Am Games and we look forward to seeing Canada compete for gold on home soil in 2015."
About TO2015
The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) is tasked with the responsibility of planning, managing and delivering the Games. Its mission is to ignite the spirit through a celebration of sport and culture. The TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10−26 and the Parapan American Games August 7-14.
The 2015 Games are funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, as well as other partners and sponsors. CIBC is the Lead Partner of the Games.
For more information about the Games, please visit toronto2015.org.
SOURCE: Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games
Teddy Katz
Director, media relations and chief spokesperson TO2015
C: 647.404.5263
[email protected]
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