PERIODICALS
Article taken from the Volume 9, Number 3, 1998 issue of Atlantic Business

Although there was a time when the Island's courses were a well-kept secret, they have been discovered and discovered in a big way. So much so that the first Skins Game to be held west of Quebec will take place at the Island's premier course, The Links at Crowbush Cove, July 26th to 28th.

The first announcement that a Skins Game was going to be held had many locals scratching their heads, wondering what all the excitement was about. Were these some of those people who shave their heads and listen to weird music? And why was everyone glad they were coming? And what kind of game were they going to play anyway?

It was with some relief and much anticipation that we all learned that the skins game is a golf event. A big Golf event, one that ranks up there with the Stanley Cup - or bigger.

When four top ranking golfers compete in the sixth annual Export "A" Skins Game they will be vying for their share of a pot of $360,000. The rest of us get to watch.

The format is a hole-in-one, winner-take-all competition. The first six holes are worth $15,000 each, the next six $20,000 each and the final six $25,000. The player shooting the low score for any hole wins the money for that hole. In the case of a tie the money is carried over and accumulated until there is an outright winner. It all makes for some very exciting action for spectators and television audiences to enjoy. The two days of Skins play will be broadcast nationally on CBC Sports.

For on site spectators there will be a festival atmosphere at the Links, sure to whet their appetite to swing their own clubs and chase their own little white ball.

While the skins game is throwing the spotlight on Island golf, it is not what will bring most fans of the sport across the Strait. Most enthusiasts want to play golf, not just watch it. In fact, more than a couple I spoke with, rhapsodized about taping the 'Skins' to enjoy next winter, because they plan to hit the links themselves that weekend. (That's probably a good plan, tickets sold out within 45 minutes of going on the blocks last Valentine's Day.)

They're in luck: P.E.I.'s baker's dozen of courses ensures that players of every skill level can enjoy the game at green fees which those from 'away' find most appealing. Described as user-friendly, a wide variety of courses range over the Island.

For those wishing to combine a little business with a golfing trip, courses such as Belvedere in Charlottetown fill the bill. The oldest course on the Island, Belvedere has the distinction of having just completed a major, million-dollar facelift which has transformed their Links into an exceptional, traditional-style course.

ETC...