The Canadian Open will now have a ‘brand’ new event, The Mike Weir Charity Classic, to add to its list of tournament enhancements which garnered it the PGA’s most improved tour stop acclaim in 2008.
Mike Weir’s charitable foundation and the children which it supports will prove to be the real beneficiaries here as current Canadian Open title sponsor RBC, in co-operation with the RCGA, made Mike’s five year old foundation the National Charity Partner for Canada’s Open Championship.
The Mike Weir Foundation supports numerous worthwhile causes in support of the physical, emotional and educational welfare of children. All net proceeds from the Mike Weir Charity Classic will benefit children’s charities through the Foundation.
“Supporting children’s wellness is the main goal of the Mike Weir Foundation and I am pleased to have RBC and the RCGA as partners in realizing this vision,” said Mike Weir. “I’m looking forward to the RBC Canadian Open and hosting the Charity Classic. It’s for a great cause and part of the RBC Canadian Open’s commitment to the community. It’ll be a lot of fun.”
The Charity Classic will take place at Glen Abbey on the Monday of tournament week (July 20th, 2009) and will host a number of celebrities from the sports and entertainment fields as well as a number of PGA stars. Those who have committed this far include two time NBA All Star and Canadian Steve Nash, in addition to PGA notables such as:
Anthony Kim
Two-time PGA TOUR winner
2008 Ryder Cup hero
Trevor Immelman
2008 Masters champion
Two-time PGA TOUR winner
Camilo Villegas
2008 TOUR Championship winner
Two-time PGA TOUR winner
Luke Donald
Two-time PGA TOUR winner
Two-time Ryder Cup team member
Fred Couples
15-time PGA TOUR winner, 5-time Ryder Cup team member
4-time President’s Cup team member, 2009 President’s Cup Captain
Mark Calcavecchia
13-time PGA TOUR winner
2005 RBC Canadian Open champion
4-time Ryder Cup team member
Stephen Ames
Three-time PGA TOUR winner
2006 The PLAYERS Championship winner
Chez Reavie
2008 RBC Canadian Open champion
Mike Weir (Host)
Eight-time PGA TOUR winner
2003 Masters champion
4-time President’s Cup team member
2009 inductee into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
Mike Weir to host the inaugural Mike Weir Cahrity Classic - July 20th
In addition, the RBC has partnered with Mike in an exclusive financial services partnership which makes the official Ambassador for the RBC brand in addition to his unofficial moniker as Canada’s native golf son which he has carried for almost a decade.
“Building partnerships with some of the most recognizable players on the PGA TOUR helps us enhance the RBC Canadian Open and drives our business objectives,” said Jim Little, RBC Chief Brand and Communications Officer. “We want to leverage our deepening role in golf to build brand experiences for our clients and golf fans in Canada as well as enhance brand awareness for RBC in the U.S. and internationally. In partnership with the RCGA, the PGA TOUR and other sponsors, we are revitalizing the RBC Canadian Open and restoring it to its rightful place as one of the premier stops on the PGA TOUR.”
The event adds a philanthropic element to the Candian Open mix and might just be the right strategy for securing corporate interest and investment in this time of economic downturn and cautious spending. With 9 of the available 18 foursome packages already sold it certainly appears to be on the ‘desirables’ list.
“We are extremely proud to partner with the Mike Weir Foundation and welcome the Mike Weir Charity Classic to tournament week of the RBC Canadian Open,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. “Adding a significant charitable element to Canada’s national Open championship is a major focus of our strategic vision for the event and together with RBC, we feel that aligning our philanthropic efforts with the Mike Weir Foundation is an ideal fit and to be in a position to announce the type of talent we have secured is very fulfilling for everyone involved.”
Additional Tour players and celebrity participation will be announced in the coming months as RSVP process is underway.
It’s a great opening hole for a 2009 round that should see the Canadian Open, along with the support of the RBC and its sponsors continue to make the move toward restoring the tournament to best in class status.
