The Invitational takes on the Morland name

Story by Beau Moyer

The North Bay Golf and Country Club will be a busy place this weekend as it takes on some of the best golfers in Northern Ontario. The Bill Morland Invitational sponsored by One Hundred Georges and Molson will be kicking off on Friday with a practice round, followed by stroke play on Saturday and Sunday. This is the first year that the Men’s Invitational is named in honor of Bill Morland.

Jeff Mancini, director of golf at the country club believes it is only fitting that the tournament takes on the Morland name.

“The men’s tournament has been renamed the Bill Morland Invitational, honoring a 12-time past champion, long time member and a gentleman who has given so much to the North Bay Golf and Country Club and to the game of golf in Northern Ontario," said Mancini.

"In addition the inaugural Morland Family Junior Scholarship recipient will be announed during the tournament. This scholarship was created to provide post-secondary assistance to one junior member of the North Bay Golf and Country Club in honour of Bill Morland, Dave Morland and their families.”

Mancini is very excited about the quality of the field and believes that the course is as good as its ever been.

“The course is in the best condition in years thanks to superintendent Mike Pellerin and his staff. The greens are in excellent shape and will be quick for the tournament,” stated Mancini.

The field has been confirmed and there will be 180 golfers taking part in the event. There are many locals that have a great chance at claiming the Bill Morland Invitational. They include defending champion Andrew Beattie, Ricky Allen, Jordie Leggett, Rob Gribbons, Grant Fullerton and Greg Cantin. No golfer has repeated as champion for 15 years.

The tournament will also see feature a strong contingent of golfers from outside the area to claim the crown. Matt Bortolotto, Sid Segsworth from Idylwylde, former North Bay resident and 2004 champion Scott Baker, Roger McKenzie from Whistle Bear, 2001 champion Cam Lowdon and Brett Hatton from Lively.

The tournament is free of charge for all viewers that would like to take in this event.

BayToday.ca will have coverage of the tournament all weekend, as the first Bill Morland Men’s Invitational champion will be crowned.