Heading into the summer season, Myrtle Point Golf Club is running two tournaments that have a long history in the qathet region.
The Men’s Scottish Cup, which is a member’s-only tournament, will be held on June 14, and has been a long-standing tournament since 1982; it was started at the old golf course in Powell River's Townsite neighbourhood by Scotty Cameron. According to Myrtle Point food and beverage manager Corinne Williams, this tournament represents the history and community spirit of golf.
“The tournament has continued to run through the years, with the family maintaining its importance,” said Williams. “Mike Cameron and his son have continued to keep that tournament running for all these years. They have a Scottish piper who plays during the cup in keeping with the theme of the tournament.”
The Scottish Cup is followed by the Men’s Malaspina tournament on June 21 and 22. Williams said this is the 75th year of the Malaspina, having started in 1950 to promote the golf club and to raise funds for local golf.
“We have a lot of community support for this tournament, and we have a lot of sponsors,” said Williams. “It’s super important to have that support from the community, because, more than ever, we need to be a community and support each other.
“We have lots of entries for the tournament. It’s one of the biggest ones. People from all over come to participate in the Malaspina every year. It has continued to operate because of the volunteers and club members who have kept it alive.”
Williams said it is anticipated that 130 to 140 golfers will participate in the Men’s Malaspina.
She said the tournament continues to raise funds for the golf course, going toward helping junior programs and into the course itself, for items such as upkeep and keeping member fees down. She said as a nonprofit organization, it is important for the golf club to have financial contributions such as those raised by the Malaspina.
Williams said the current golf course has been in operation to the public since June 29, 1991, when the first nine holes were opened. Golf club members received a preview of the golf course, and it was opened to them on June 15.
“It was created by the community and everyone put in hard work,” said Williams.
It didn’t take long for the back nine holes to be constructed, with that portion of the golf course opening in 1992, according to Williams.
August and September will also be busy with events at the club, such as the men’s senior championship, the club championship weekend, the super senior club championship, and the Ladies Malaspina.
Williams said golf is a great spectator sport and people are welcome to come to the club to cheer on the tournament participants.
“People don’t have to be in the tournament to enjoy it,” said Williams. “People can just come out for the afternoon and say hello to the golfers.
“We’re always open for people. You don’t have to be a member. We’re a big, welcoming community.”
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