A golf tournament organised by a Canadian community who migrate to Tauranga every summer is on for the 14^th year tomorrow.

The annual Canomu Golf Tournament is held at Omanu Golf Club, where the visiting Canadians play off against local golfers.

Omanu Golf Club president Barry Keast with Canomu Golf Tournament players Sue Hall, Ed Klassen and Shirley Pye. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

Organiser Ed Klassen, who has been migrating to his Papamoa bach with wife Kathy for the last 14 years, says the tournament is a fun and casual tournament.

'The goal of the event is simply to have a lot of laughs and great camaraderie.”

Ed says every year, starting December, a migration of Canadians land in the Bay of Plenty area – and many become seasonal members of the Omanu and Mount Maunganui golf clubs.

'The tournament is always played the second Monday in February – and is simply a way of saying thank you to the many local Kiwi residents and golfers for taking such great care of us.

'It seems that Canadians and New Zealanders have a lot in common, and we very much appreciate the warm hospitality that is shown to us.”

Likewise, Ed says when the Canadians return home, the ‘snowbirds' – tourists that travel from their cold Canadian provinces – also tells their friends of Kiwi generosity.

'Canadians that frequent the Bay of Plenty annually are great ambassadors for your country when they return to their homeland,” says Ed.

Omanu Golf Club's new manager Kerry Allan has decided to continue the tradition of the Canadians planning the event, which Ed is pleased about.

'Club president Barry Keast and secretary Wai Wyatt are a big help,” says Klassen.

'It's a joint venture, and I could not do it without them.”

The Canadians pay for the February 9 full tournament, including prizes, a hot full-course afternoon meal and a drink at the bar. And every player receives a golf prize – regardless of his or her score. 'And this year we have a full house.”