TELUS Edmonton Open presented by ATB Financial to host some of the best golfers in the world

Edmonton, AB – An outstanding field is expected for the Canadian Tour’s $150,000 TELUS Edmonton Open presented by ATB Financial to be held July 7 – 13, 2008 at Windermere Golf & Country Club. This year will mark the 12th year of TELUS’ support of the Canadian Tour in central Alberta.

“TELUS is excited for the return of the TELUS Edmonton Open presented by ATB Financial in support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation,” said Steve Podborski, executive director of TELUS Sport Marketing. “TELUS is proud to be a part of the TELUS Edmonton Open and it will be great to see such a fine combination of international stars and local fan favourites participating this year. Fifteen countries will be represented in a field of 156, so I’m sure we’re going to see some incredible golf during this year’s tournament.”

Last year, Calgary native Dustin Risdon fired a final round 67 to defeat Alan McLean by one stroke to capture his first Tour title. Risdon was the first Albertan to ever win the TELUS Edmonton Open in the history of the event. Risdon will defend his title against the likes of Americans John Ellis, Mike Grob and Mario Tiziani – all prominent Canadian Tour winners who have committed to play in the tournament. Ryan Yip from Calgary may be another player to watch in 2008. Yip, who is considered to be one of Canada’s best young golf prospects, is off to a great start in 2008 winning the Canadian Tour’s Winter Qualifying School in Brooksville, Florida.

Australia and New Zealand have always been well represented at the TELUS Edmonton Open. Australian superstar Adam Bland will be a force as well as fellow countryman Luke Hickmott, who is a two-time winner on the Canadian Tour.

The Windermere Golf & Country Club, which hosted the event in 2003, was newly renovated in 2006 and will provide an outstanding test for the players.

“We are thrilled to be returning to Windermere”, said Tim Garbutt, executive director of the TELUS Edmonton Open. “We look forward to showcasing one of the premier courses in central Alberta.”

The TELUS Edmonton Open presented by ATB Financial is a highlight of the summer, not only for golf fans in Alberta, but for the local community as well. TELUS partners each year for the event with a charitable organization that helps fulfill TELUS’ promise to “give where we live”. The 2008 TELUS Edmonton Open presented by ATB Financial charity partner is the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. The funds raised at the event this year will go to support various programs and initiatives at the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

One piece of equipment that is currently at the top of the Hospital’s wish list is a mobile O-arm Imaging System, a multi-dimensional surgical imaging platform used in orthopedic surgery.

By combining the best features of a traditional C-arm with an intra-operative 3D scanner, the O-arm system produces the high-resolution imaging needed to achieve the best possible outcomes for the child – surgical precision, instantaneous viewing of multiple images, minimally invasive procedures and faster recovery times.

“The O-arm is just one example of equipment the Foundation is looking to raise funds for in an effort to ensure the hospital has the right tools to provide the best in patient care,” stated Jennifer Wood, president & CEO of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. “With more than 150,000 patient visits each year and rapidly advancing technology, the equipment and research needs of the hospital are more crucial than ever. With TELUS’ generous contribution to the O-arm, the hospital will be that much closer to purchasing the equipment and providing the very best care to patients at the Stollery.”