Staal Open to feature two local golfers, three former NHL players

Golfers in Thunder Bay and northwestern Ontario will have two chances to take part in this year's Staal Open.

The tournament announced it will allow two exemptions for the Thunder Bay District Golf Association. It means two golfers can qualify to play in the PGA Tour Canada event.

"It gives them some excitement. For a lot of our local players, the serious ones, to practice, to work on their game, " said Hank Wilke, the President of the Thunder Bay District Golf Association.

"It's quite the thrill to play in this event and the competition there for them is superb."

Superior Morning4:59Staal Open

Professional golfers are once again set to tee off at the Staal Foundation Open this July in Thunder Bay. We'll hear how local golfers are getting the opportunity play with the pros

Last year's local competitor, 21-year-old Evan DeGrazia hopes he can tee up at the Staal Open once again.

"If I get the spot, last year was a really good year for me. The outcome wasn't what I expected or what I wanted, but building off of last year, having a little more experience with the crowds and everything helped me calm the nerves, and led to better scoring."

DeGrazia said he wants to become a professional player, and get a spot on the PGA Tour Canada roster. First he has one more year of playing as a student at Newberry College in South Carolina.

"Just being able to play in an event like that, it just means so much to me. And, just getting to play with all the best players all around North America and actually across the world, just shows where your game has to be in order to compete out there."

The tournament will also feature three former NHL players: Grant Fuhr, Trevor Kidd and Dave Poulin. 

Curler and Team Northern Ontario skip Krista McCarville will also take part as a celebrity golfer in this year's event.