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BTA: New golf tournament to be tourism draw

A newly announced golf tournament to be held at the Mid Ocean Club will provide a fourth-quarter tourism boost, according to the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

The four-day Nike Golf PGA of Canada Team Championship, to be held from October 26 to October 29, is expected to bring 52 pairs of visiting golfers, along with their families, tournament officials and PGA executives.

A spokesman for the BTA said the tournament could give the local economy a $220,000 to $250,000 boost while providing a gateway to the Canadian golf market.

Bill Hanbury, the BTA CEO, said: “This one is right in the sweet spot for the tourism economy. We estimate 140 visitors and 400 to 500 room nights on this piece of business alone. And we expect the impact to be felt across the tourism value chain.

“Canada has been a sluggish market for us this year given the country’s currency challenges. This fourth quarter activity will help us recover a little bit, while also educating the Canada market about the world class travel experiences we have available to Canadian visitors year-round.”

The event is also expected to put a spotlight on Bermuda as a golfing destination with Canadian journalists reporting on the championship.

Bermuda’s hosting of the event reportedly came about through the BTA’s sponsorship of the Grey Goose World Par 3 Championship, where PGA executives were invited to a round at the Mid Ocean Club by head pro Chris Grantier, a PGA of Canada member.

Mr Grantier said: “The Team Championship became a reality so quickly because Nike and the PGA of Canada love The Mid Ocean Club and Bermuda. We are very excited to be hosting this inaugural event, exposing many PGA of Canada Professionals to our golf course, facilities and beautiful island.”

The BTA sales and marketing team worked alongside on-island partners and the PGA of Canada to solidify the championship’s inaugural event in Bermuda. The Fairmont Southampton, which hosts the Grey Goose tournament, will be host hotel for this event as well.

Shelley Meszoly, the hotel’s regional director of sales and marketing said: “Fairmont Southampton is thrilled to partner with Nike and our good friends at the PGA of Canada to be the host hotel for such a fantastic golf programme. Events like this are a critically important part of Bermuda’s golf strategy and we look forward to hosting the players in October.”