Nicole Forshner and several of the world’s most promising young golfers are coming to Canmore to participate in the second annual women’s invitational Pro-Am at Stewart Creek on July 26 to 28.
Local pro golfer Forshner will headline the event for the second straight year and will again give 24 golfers the chance to challenge her on the course. She won the Alberta Ladies Amateur Tour in 2007 and 2008. As a college player, she had 29 top ten finishes and was named female athlete of the year in 2008. She’s currently playing on the CN Canadian tour, and is working to qualify for the Canadian, U.S. and British Women’s Open.
This year, she’s invited international players such as Stephanie Na of Australia, Courtney Harter, Allison Hanna and Renee Skidmore of the U.S., plus Canadian Stacey Bieber.
“This is an idea we talked about to promote ladies golf. We worked with Nicole on her way to the LPGA and we wanted to have her out with her friends, have fun and have a pro-am,” Forshner said.
The group is well accomplished, as golf fans will have a rare opportunity to see them up close.
“Stephanie Na is from Australia, and prior to turning pro last year was the top ranked amateur in the world. Renee Skidmore from the USA just came second in the first CN Tour Event in Vancouver last month, and Allison Hanna is a veteran of five years on the LPGA Tour,” Forshner said.
Gary Andrew said he hopes the women will inspire more ladies to take up the game. The pro women make the challenging Stewart Creek course look easy, and have a different style of play than the men.
“We want ladies to play with their husbands and to be out on the course in their own foursomes,” Andrew said. “These ladies have good tempo. They’re consistent and can still hit the ball 250 to 275 yards off the tea.”
While the goal is to attract more women to the sport, all golfers of all levels are invited to attend the golf clinic on Saturday, July 28. The pros will share tips and techniques with all attendees.
“It’s free to all golfers in the Bow Valley and guests from Calgary. Last year was very entertaining and fun for everyone,” Andrew said. “They’ll hit shots and are very personable people.”
The event begins Friday, July 26 with a luncheon and practice round, followed by a party and team selection. On Saturday, the golfers will face off in an 18-hole competition, followed by a gala dinner and dance.
The tournament is open to male and female golfers. Entries are being accepted as either three person teams or individuals. Each team will select their pro at the Friday night party after the practice round. The women pros will play for cash and the amateurs will play for prizes. Last year’s winner Katy McNicoll shot a two-under 70 and won more than $4,000 in prize money.
