Airdrie-area golfers who aspire to compete on one of Canada's most prestigious courses are invited to sign up for the RBC PGA Scramble qualifier, which is going to be hosted at Woodside Golf Course on July 9.
Now in its eighth year, the RBC PGA Scramble is an annual series of golf tournaments that ultimately lead to a national final. The Woodside event will be one of more than 150 qualifiers taking place for the 2023 iteration of the scramble, according to Cole Crawford, a spokesperson for RBC, who calls the scramble the "largest grassroots amateur golf program in Canada."
"It's another opportunity for amateur golfers to get together with friends or family for a round, and it provides the opportunity to qualify for a regional and national championship along the way," he said. "If golfers in the area are looking for a competitive round with their friends, this is the opportunity to do so."
The winners of each local qualifier are invited to participate in one of 12 regional finals later this summer. From there, regional final winners will be awarded the chance to participate and win a national championship at Cabot Links Golf Course in Nova Scotia in the fall. The competition is open to teams of four eligible amateur golfers who all have an up-to-date Golf Canada handicap and are 19 years of age and older.
Crawford said the tournament is set up to welcome golfers of all different levels.
"As long as you have a Golf Canada handicap, it will level out the playing field as the scores are based on the total handicaps of the golfers in your group," he said. "It really welcomes golfers of all levels and experience.
According to Crawford, male and female golfers are all welcome, whether it's a co-ed team, all-male team, or all-female team. At select local qualifiers and regional finals, one spot will be awarded to the team with the lowest net score and one spot will be awarded to the team with the lowest gross score.
There will also be two guaranteed spots at the national final for all-female teams. The program consistently sees over 10,000 golfers participate from coast-to-coast. To register or see a full list of local qualifiers, golfers can visit rbcpgascramble.com/local-qualifiers
Crawford noted RBC Avion cardholders will receive 50 per cent off the registration fees for their team, plus additional perks throughout each qualifying stage. Registration for the Airdrie event closes on July 2, one week prior to event, and will have a maximum of 20 teams.
"It's really a great opportunity to feel part of a national golf program," he said.
