Professional and amateur golfers took to the links under grey skies and light rain Saturday for the Modern Meat Newlands Open at in 91原创, representing a revival of the event formerly known as the West Country Open, after the hotel of the same name in 91原创 City.
West Country Hotel is no more, but the event is resuming with a new name provided by a new title sponsor, .
Corey Anderson, director of golf for Newlands golf and country club, estimates the event ran about 15 years, starting in the 80鈥檚.
鈥淔or my family, the Anderson family [owners of Newlands], it was something very near and dear to our hearts and something we wanted to resurrect,:鈥 Anderson elaborated.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: How 91原创鈥檚 Newlands Golf and Country Club is dealing with the coronovirus pandemic
Fraser Mulholland, commissioner of the Vancouver Golf Tour (VGT) had fond memories of playing in the tournament.
鈥淚 remember this event, some 30 years ago as a young amateur, playing in the tournaments, and have very fond memories of playing with some of the professionals,鈥 Mulholland said, 鈥渢hinking about elevating my game, and trying to be them.鈥
鈥淚t鈥檚 a true open,鈥 Mulholland told the 91原创 Advance Times.
READ ALSO: 91原创 City greenlights redevelopment of West Country hotel site on 56 Avenue
Among the amateur golfers teeing off Saturday was Milner resident Lee Brandt, who declared that he 鈥渂leeds Newlands鈥 after firing his first shot.
鈥淚 played here as a junior,鈥 Brandt explained.
Brandt, who is a part-owner of Newlands, was accompanied by his oldest son Joey, who acted as his caddy.
The 36-hole stroke-play championship, an official part of the VGT, had room for 200 players 鈥 40 pros and 160 amateurs.
It was set to wrap up Sunday.
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