Wheeler preparing to tee it up with pros at Players Cup

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This article was published 18/07/2018 (2256 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE Winnipeg Jets hit the golf course a lot later than usual this spring, yet their captain must be crushing them long and straight enough for the PGA Canada Tour to take notice.

Blake Wheeler has been asked to tee it up with the pros next month at Southwood.

The 31-year-old Jets forward has accepted a sponsor’s exemption to compete at the Players Cup, part of the MacKenzie Tour circuit, set for Aug. 16-19 at the course in St. Norbert.

“I’m excited to play in this event alongside some up-and-coming PGA Tour players. I have a ton of respect for the sport and it should be a lot of fun,” Wheeler, a solid amateur player, said in a press release.

Wheeler started playing golf when he was a youngster and considers it his favourite hobby when he’s not on the ice.

Tournament executive director Adam Boge said he’s thrilled Wheeler accepted the sponsor’s exemption.

“We are extremely excited… Blake is a great captain for the Winnipeg Jets and even a better leader in this community,” said Boge. “He is such a hit with the fans and the people in our community and we look forward to a great week with him at the Players Cup.”

The 156-player event — with a $200,000 purse — will feature some of the world’s top up-and-coming players.

Kramer Hickok of Dallas, Texas, won the 2017 Players Cup, held at Pine Ridge.

Wheeler is heading into his 11th NHL campaign this fall. He scored 23 goals and 91 points during the 2017-18 season, helping lead the squad to a franchise-best second-place finish in the NHL (52-20-10).

Winnipeg earned playoff series wins over the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights in late May.

— staff