The Minister of Fisheries and Tourism, Kevin J. MacAdam today announced that the provincial golf courses will be ready and open for business Friday, May 7, 1999.
Mill River, Crowbush, and Brudenell have come through the winter unscathed and Golf Links PEI, the agency that manages the courses, predicts that barring any freak snowstorms the courses will be receiving golf enthusiasts first thing Friday morning.
"I know there are lots of people waiting to hit the greens and we are very pleased that we can open this early and take advantage of the great weather and zeal of the golfers," noted Minister MacAdam. "It's a great opportunity for local golf enthusiasts to get out on some top-notch courses before the influx of tourist."
Golf as a sport has been rising in popularity since 1990 and is expected to continue increasing in popularity into the next millennium. The Confederation Bridge provides easy access to and from our neighbouring Atlantic provinces, increasing the number of visitors and impacting on the shoulder seasons of Prince Edward Island. It is of great benefit to have courses available to play as early as possible and our provincial courses are primed for another successful season.
Minister MacAdam added, "Golf has a strong impact on attracting visitors to PEI, and therefore a strong impact on tourism overall. PEI has positioned itself as a top golf destination and I invite everyone to get out and enjoy the facilities we have to offer."
The provincial courses are officially open for the season May 7, 1999 and tee-off times can be booked by calling 1-800-377-8336 (Brudenell); 1-800-377-8337 (Crowbush); or 1-800-377-8339 (Mill River).