Something special is about to land at Myrtle Point Golf Course. Anyone in the vicinity on the morning of Saturday, June 6, might glimpse the arrival of a helicopter, and some lucky local may be on board.
To raise money for driving range improvements and Powell River Hospital Foundation, Myrtle Point Golf Club is holding a draw for a 15-minute helicopter tour.
“There hasn’t been a helicopter here since the early ’90s,” said Steve Phillips, general manager and head professional at the club, who is holding the draw in partnership with Sierra Helicopters.
At risk of closure in 2013 due to low membership, the Myrtle Point course has bounced back with fresh financing and is looking to attract more golfers. The helicopter tour is a big part of that effort according to Phillips, who said he hopes the draw will bring people to the club.
“Anyone can come here, we take great care to make everyone welcome, members and non-members,” said Phillips of the oceanside course eight kilometres south of Powell River. “We are a public golf course with membership options.”
With a variety of non-member fees including summer rates from May to September, as well as twilight and afternoon rates, anyone can find a way to enjoy themselves at the club, he said.
Members Ken Forsman and Roy Vizzutti have been with the course since it opened in 1991. Volunteer groundskeepers, along with a core group of 24 members, both said they look forward to welcoming golfers new and old.
“The more public are here, the happier we are,” said Vizzutti, a retired mill worker, explaining non-members, who pay green fees to play, are just as important to keeping the course going as members.
“The course welcomes groups from Vancouver and Vancouver Island each year,” said Forsman, a retired business owner. “One of the top five things people look for in a place to retire is an 18-hole golf course, good weather, access to medical facilities and arts and culture and we have it all.
“People golf here all year round and there’s few places in Canada where you can do that,” he added. “We hosted the BC Juvenile Championships here in 2011, and that doesn’t happen unless you have a great course.”
Tickets for the helicopter draw, $5 each or six for $20, can be purchased by any or all interested parties at the club’s Pro Shop. Closing date to enter is end of working day Wednesday, June 3.
“I’ve got my ticket but it could be anybody who gets a ride,” said Vizzutti.
