Just a few weeks after a devastating fire, things are getting back to full swing at a Cape Breton golf club.
The clubhouse at the Bell Bay Golf Club in Baddeck, N.S. was reduced to ashes after an early-morning fire in July.
Sandy Campbell is the Cape Breton Open executive director. He says, despite the loss of the clubhouse, he was determined Bell Bay Golf Club would host the scheduled PGA Tour Canada event.
“Watching the fire on that Saturday night, halfway through the event, I already made my mind up that it wouldn't be a factor,” says Campbell.
Moncton's Troy Howe, who is on the card for the Cape Breton Open, initially thought the fire might prevent the tournament from going ahead.
“It was highly unlikely, but I'll tell ya, from what I've been hearing, the staff and everybody involved has put together a lot of work to be able to have it back here,” says Howe.
Peter Campbell, a golf pro who honed his skills at the Bell Bay course, never doubted the club would rebound quickly.
“The community here is pretty resilient, eager to help,” says Peter Campbell. “They've supported the club since our tragedy here…so I'm not surprised in the least.”
Golfing numbers have remained steady since the course fully reopened, with trailers serving as a makeshift pro shop and washrooms.
“That was the biggest challenge, getting the washrooms up. Power, as well, it was a big challenge,” says Eric Tobin, Bell Bay director of operations. “We have a temporary pro shop in place and a temporary clubhouse too, in a tent.”
The course itself remains in pristine condition and is ready to host some of the country's best beginning August 29.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ryan MacDonald
