Two new golf events are coming to British Columbia in 2023 - the inaugural Indigenous Golf Championship at the Nk'Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course in Oliver from May 28 - 30 and the inaugural All Abilities Golf Championship at McCleery Golf Course from June 12 - 13, 2023.
Indigenous Golf Championship
First Nations, Métis and Inuit golfer will have the opportunity to compete in the inaugural Indigenous Golf Championship this May at the Nk'Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course in Oliver.
The tournament is a partnership between the Office of the Lieutenant-Governor of B.C. and the Osoyoos Indian Band.
Nk'Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course, Oliver
The idea for the tournament came from Patrick Kelly, past chair of B.C. Golf and member of the Leq:amel First Nation, and Steven Point, former lieutenant governor of B.C. and Skowkale First Nation member.
"We've got just about 200,000 Indigenous peoples in B.C. and almost 60 per cent are 24 years and under. I'd say the potential for attracting more Indigenous people to the game of golf is very high."
Christina Proteau, a competitive golfer and chair of the organizing committee, says “...on a personal level, if we can get more exposure for the game of golf in our communities and with members of our society that may not have traditionally been engaged with the game of golf, that's a huge piece of this."
Ontario held its first Indigenous golf championship last year, and tournaments both there and in B.C. will qualify golfers to compete in a national event this fall at Bear Mountain Resort in Langford on Vancouver Island.
The championship will see 128 men, women and youth compete and play together from May 28 to May 30. Participants must register before April 28 here.
All Abilities Golf Championship
Announced by British Columbia Golf, the inaugural All Abilities Golf Championship will be taking place at McCleery Golf Course from June 12 - 13, 2023.
British Columbia Golf Director Joe Higgins reports, "the event will be a celebration of adaptive golf, and what’s possible when so many work for a common goal. We have lots of work ahead and we’re excited for what’s to come."
Added British Columbia Golf CEO, Kris Jonasson, "British Columbia Golf has marvelled at the work being done by the European Disabled Golf Association and through that work the number of events worldwide now being held. Adaptive golf opens the door for many to come enjoy the game whether recreationally or competitively.
Players, regardless of disability, can compete in the following categories: Men's Gross, Women's Gross, Men's Net Stableford, & Women's Net Stableford
The Championship will consist of 36 holes of stroke play for all players. Registration for the event opens on March 1st. Players can enter online at britishcolumbiagolf.org/championships before May 11, 2023 at 5:00pm.
We’re looking forward to seeing even more accessible golf tournaments in British Columbia in the near future!