Mickelson Invitational back for a third year—bigger and better

One of Calgary's premier golf events is back for it's third year. The Mickelson Invitational, featuring pros, amateurs and creators, runs from July 3-5.

The Mickelson Invitational is unlike any other golf tournament in Calgary.

It’s kind of like LIV golf with an abundance of energy and music playing all day, every day.

Brett Jones is the defending Alberta men’s amateur champ.

He’s teeing it up at the tournament for the second straight year—the Calgarian loves playing in this event.

“Oh, it’s a great event,” said the sophomore at Barry University in Miami.

“They get lots of people out here, and it’s a great atmosphere. It’s definitely the best-run event I’ve ever played in Canada.

“It’s just really fun to be a part of.”

Great purse

The Mickelson Invitational is a three-day, 54-hole, stroke-play event.

The professional purse is $150,000.

The amateur purse is $10,000.

There’s also a $10,000, winner-take-all creator division.

Mac Boucher, Kyle Berkshire and Micah Morris are a few of the names competing in that category.

Stefan Cox got into the field at a qualifier at the Heritage Pointe Golf Club earlier this month.

He says playing in this event is special.

“To me, it’s the best championship that occurs in Alberta each year now,” said the head teaching professional at the Calgary Golf and Country Club.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play the past two years, and the calibre of player is really high. The golf course is superb, and it’s a championship test.

“I love the whole environment of the event with the music and the atmosphere.”

Win would mean a lot

Cox knows what it’s like to be in contention at the Mickelson Invitational.

He was in the top 10 at the inaugural event and would love to win it all this time around.

“It would be the best win of my career, for sure,” he said.

“It fits my eye. It fits my game. I grew up in the United Kingdom playing more links-style golf in the wind. I like controlling the trajectory of my shots using slopes and not having to carry everything in.

“You can use your imagination here.”

Jones finished 49th last year.

It was a great learning experience, but he says he’s ready to take a run at the championship this time around.

“Oh, this one would be awesome,” he said.

“I’m actually a member out here, this year, so it would be pretty cool to win a title at my home course.

“And especially a big event like this.”

The Mickelson Invitational runs July 3-5 at Mickelson National.