The Elk Ridge Open. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D’Andrea

The Elk Ridge Open

Last year’s Elk Ridge Open was just a trial run, this year’s PGA Tour Event the main course

May 26, 2022 | 4:00 PM

By all counts, Elk Ridge Resort’s managing partner Ryan Danberg was happy with how last year’s Elk Ridge Open ran last year, as part of PGA Tour Canada’s Mackenzie Tour.

But that was only the appetizer.

Danberg said the main course will come June 20–26, when the second Elk Ridge Open will run and welcome an even better field. The event will be a part of the Fortinet Cup, the season-long points race for PGA Tour Canada.

“The stage is much different this year. Last year, anybody realistically could sign up and play golf at the event,” Danberg said. “This year, and believe me, one of the hardest parts has been to decline all the sponsor exemptions. I think it’s been over 60–70 requests. Obviously, this field is going to be full of immense talent across our country and the States.”

Last year before the first Elk Ridge Open began, Quebec’s Raoul Ménard walked the course and said he was impressed and couldn’t wait to play it. He went on to capture the Day 1 lead and never let it go, claiming the event’s first-ever title.

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Saskatchewan golfing legend Graham DeLaet, who is once again serving as the Elk Ridge Open’s honorary tournament chair, has worked with Danberg and the Elk Ridge staff to make adjustments so everything fits

DeLaet said the tournament has everything golfers look for.

“You’re looking for something that’s challenging, that’s in good shape, that’s fair and the pace of play moves along well. You get treated well and there are other amenities than just the golf,” DeLaet said. “I think with Elk Ridge, even though it’s not in a big city like Calgary or Edmonton or some of the other stops on PGA Tour Canada, there’s things to do and places to stay. It really ticks all the boxes from a player standpoint.”

PGA Tour Canada executive director Scott Pritchard said that events like this are to discover up-and-coming talent, they want all the tour’s courses to be set up the same as the top level.

“We set up the courses very similar to how you would see them set up at the next level in order to ensure that when players get to the next level, they’re not caught off guard,” Pritchard said. “They understand the setup philosophy.”

There will not be an admission charge for spectators wishing to witness the event. The Elk Ridge Open’s purse is $200,000 and will welcome a field of 156 golfers.

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Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW