CORNWALL, Ontario – Next weekend dozens of golfers will gather at the Cornwall Golf and Country Club for the crown jewel in its annual crown – the Cornwall Open.
The 59th edition of the popular summertime tournament takes place Aug 1 to 3, with a mix of all classes, including pros and A-class competitors on the final day of the event.
Moe Bellefeuille, club pro at Cornwall, said officials are looking forward to 59, but next year’s 60th anniversary will be even more special.
“We’re really gearing up for the 60th,” he said. “We really want the 60th to be a good one. So we’re making sure this year is good too.”
No kidding.
This year’s event is being televised on TV Cogeco, and is completely open to the public.
“We’re putting in a grandstand on the ninth hole, at the green,” said Bellefeuille. “People can sit and watch the pros come up nine.”
Ray Champagne, the club captain at Cornwall, said the tournament will also offer a chance for top-notch local golfers to rub shoulders with the professionals from out of town.
“It’s a lot like a pro-am,” he said. “Two pros will go out with one of our better amateurs.”
Some of the professionals on the circuit stopping in Cornwall this year will be Graham Gunn, Hocan Olsson, Mac Boucher and Bob Flaro (former pro at the Cornwall club).
The event begins Aug. 1 with B, C and senior classes. The mixed class will play Aug. 2, followed by the professionals a day later.
Live entertainment will also take place on Aug. 2 at the club.