Great Field Expected at 2002 Bell Canadian Open

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:40:56

"Markham, Ont. - The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today that the first of many PGA Tour players have confirmed their intentions to play in the Bell Canadian Open to be held September 2-8 at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ontario.

After an eight-year absence, Phil Mickelson has confirmed that he plans to return to the Canadian Open this year. Hot off his recent come-from-behind victory at the Canon Greater Hartford Open, and his runner-up finish at the U.S. Open, Mickelson is sure to be a contender for the 2002 Canadian title. The perennial fan favourite has made only two other appearances in the Bell Canadian Open, in 1993 and 1994.

"I am proud to announce that Phil Mickelson has confirmed his intention to play the 2002 Bell Canadian Open," said Bill Paul, RCGA Managing Director, Tour and Player Relations. "Phil is the number two player on the both PGA Tour money list and the world golf rankings, and it will be a rare treat for Canadian golf fans to see him play our national open championship."

"Bell Canada is working with the RCGA to make this year's Bell Canadian Open one of Canada's premier sporting events," said John Sheridan, President of Bell Canada. "We are delighted to be able to welcome some of the premier golfers to the Bell Canadian Open, including Phil Mickelson."

Other top PGA Tour players that have confirmed their intention to play are: Canada's own Mike Weir, winner of the 2001 Tour Championship; the 2000 Masters champion Vijay Singh; the colourful Jesper Parnevik; and rising PGA Tour star Charles Howell III.

"The RCGA and Bell Canada are proud to bring the top golfers in the world to Canada for one of this country's premiere sporting events," said Michael Taylor, Tournament Director. "This year marks the 93rd edition of the Canadian Open and I can say with confidence that it's shaping up to be one of the best ever."

The world's best professional golfers will gather at Markham's Angus Glen Golf Club September 2-8 for the 2002 Bell Canadian Open, Canada's oldest open golf championship. Limited tickets still remain for all tournament events including practice round Monday and Tuesday, a championship pro-am on Wednesday, and tournament rounds Thursday through Sunday. Tickets may be ordered on-line at www.bell.ca/cdnopen or by calling toll free 1-800-571-OPEN (6736)."