News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER CO-CHAIRS FIRST PRESIDENTS CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT IN CANADA

September 26, 2007
MONTREAL

At the 2007 Presidents Cup Opening Ceremonies in Montreal today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper welcomed 24 of the world's best golfers to Canada for the prestigious international tournament.

Prime Minister Harper, who is co-chair of the competition this year, made his comments at the Royal Montreal Golf Club, which is hosting the event on its famed Blue Course. "Canada is honoured to host the Presidents Cup for the first time ever," he said. "And there is no better venue for it than the Royal Montreal Golf Club, the oldest golf club in North America."

The Presidents Cup is a biennial PGA Tour event, with every second tournament played in a country other than the United States. Each competition pits an International Team, with representatives from all over the world except Europe, against an all-American Team. The 2007 Presidents Cup Team Captains are world-renowned golfers Jack Nicklaus (United States Team) and Gary Player (International Team). Canada's representative on the International team is Mike Weir, a native of Brights Grove, Ontario, who in 2003 became the first Canadian to win a major PGA championship with his victory at the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.

At the Presidents Cup players compete for prize money to be donated to the charities of their choice. Since its inception, the tournament has raised over $13 million for various causes worldwide ranging from churches, hospices and shelters, to libraries, junior golf and more.

"The eyes of the golfing world are on this city, on Quebec and on Canada," said the Prime Minister. "I know they're going to see the greatest Presidents Cup ever."

For more information on the 2007 Presidents Cup, please visit: www.presidentscup.com.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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