Friends of Pine Valley spokesperson Don Chamberlain  – photo 250 News

Prince George, B.C. – Ensuring the future survival of the Pine Valley Golf Course is the goal behind a tournament set to tee off later this morning.

Friends of Pine Valley spokesperson Don Chamberlain says the “Rally in the Valley” is all about raising awareness.

“The tournament is named after the rally we had in May, 2013 which led to a vote which kept the course open.”

But instead of staying open long term he says Friends of Pine Valley were dismayed to learn rather than awarding a long-term contract to keep the course open, the city opted instead to award just a two year contract.

“The fear is the city will put the course up for sale,” says Chamberlain.

“We were told the city was looking for an eight to 10 year contract which really pleased everybody because then a contractor can put some money into the course but when you’re only going on a two year contract you can’t really do that.”

Chamberlain adds keeping the course open fills a huge need in the city.

“It’s a perfect course for little kids to learn on and Special Olympians play here exclusively and seniors can walk it.”

He says 119 people have registered to play (including six city councillors) with dinner being served at 5:00 pm.