It's not every day the PGA comes to town.
As Morgan Creek Golf Course gets ready to host the largest event they've ever held — that could see 2,000n people on the property on any given day — staff are preparing every day for the , which is set for Sept. 22-28 at the South Surrey course.
Part of the PGA Tour Americas, which includes golfers from the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia, the top 10 golfers who play in the tournament will qualify for the Korn Ferry Tour, the next level before the PGA Tour, explained Morgan Creek director of golf operations Tom Doull.
"The PGA Tour would be Level 1, the Korn Ferry Tour (is) Level 2, and, and the PGA Tour Americas is Level 3 ... and this is the final event of the year. Only the top 120 players in the order of merit qualify for the Fortinet Cup Championship, which is like a playoff," Doull said.
The average age of the golfers is around 24 or 25, Doull noted, with many fresh out of college — and many shooting extremely low scores as they compete across Canada and the United States in the leadup to the Fortinet Cup, Doull noted.
"It's an exciting time ... it is the biggest event we have ever held or could ever hold at Morton Creek," Doull said of the premier, Thomas McBroom-designed course, known for its classic design with challenging, modern elements, meticulously maintained greens, scenic views, and exceptional playability.
As well as the biggest event the golf course has eve held, the facility's close connection to the surrounding community and especially, , the South Surrey and White Rock based charity that is one of the charities of choice for the Fortinet event.
A former Morgan Creek employee of many years who has since, passed away, has always been an inspiration at the course, Doull said. A passionate advocate for vulnerable women, the employee tirelessly fundraised in support of Source's Women’s Place every year, especially around Christmas time.
"In her passing we thought, 'Well, let's carry this tradition on in her honour,'" Doull said. "What we do is as staff, we actually pay $5 every time (staff) goes out and plays golf ... the $5 goes to (Sources)."
"Charity is a big part of professional tournaments, and so we thought Sources would be a good connection ... they embraced it, and we're excited about it ... the tie-in is so personal for us."
Funds raised from the tournament will go to Source's development of in South Surrey/White Rock, a free walk-in centre for youth and young people struggling to access health and social care; the centre will be developed on the traditional and unceded ancestral lands of the Semiahmoo First Nation.
Tickets for the tournament are $15 each, with $5 from each ticket going toward the tournament's charities of choice, which inlcude Sources as well as the Child Foundation.
"If the weather's cooperative and there's a Canadian on the leader board — or near the leader board, I think we can have 2,000 people out here and have some fun."
The actual competition starts Thursday, Sept. 25 and runs through Championship Sunday, Sept. 28.
Tickets are available online at , with free admission for kids under 16.
