At a news conference held today at Mill River Provincial Golf Course, the 1997 Montclair PEI Classic was officially launched. This year the Canadian Tour event will be hosted at Mill River from
August 28 - 31. Approximately 120 of the most talented golfers in the world are expected to compete.
"Prince Edward Island's golf product has become a major contributor to the Island economy. This event has attracted thousands of spectators over the past two years," said Wes MacAleer, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "The Montclair PEI Golf Classic provides Islanders, tourists and visiting golfers with the opportunity to enjoy the Island's quality golf product and see top level competition."
"Perrier is committed to the growth of the Canadian Tour," added Chris Pfeifer, Domestic Brand Manager of Perrier Group of Canada Ltd. "The success of the 1995 and 1996 tournaments prove that we made the right choice in having the Montclair PEI Classic as our signature tournament."
"This is the first time a Canadian Tour event has been held at Mill River," added Randy Bernard, Chair of the Montclair PEI Classic added, "Without the financial commitment from the title sponsor and other partner sponsors, an event of this calibre would not be possible."
The Montclair is the last stop on the Canadian Tour before the Canadian Open in September. It is also the only Canadian Tour event being held in Atlantic Canada. As in past years, the Montclair PEI Classic will determine who plays in the Canadian Open. The top three players on the tour's order of Merit after the Montclair PEI Classic plus the next two highest Canadians will earn an exemption into the $1.5 million event.
Along with the Montclair PEI Classic, the week will also consist of a Pro/Am Championship, the Island Tel Mobility Long Drive Competition, Seamans Beverages Pro Junior Field, and a variety of public skills clinics.