“The countdown is on” – that is what my friend Judith Venaas up in Inuvik tells me, referring to the fact that they are down to only 5 hours of darkness per night.  It won’t be long before there are 24 hours of daylight throughout the Northwest Territories and that will last through the late summer to early fall.

If you are a Breakfast Television watcher, as I am, you may have seen the latest Tropicana commercial that coincides with Inuvik’s annual Sunrise Festival.  As a “Lot’s of Pulp” Tropicana guy, and a fan of the Territories, the ad certainly caught my attention.

The filming of the commercial was very exciting for the people of Inuvik and as the orange juice is known to “brighten up mornings” the glitz and glamour in the production of the commercial certainly did that for the locals at a time when anything bright is most welcome.  Kudos to Tropicana for providing every household in the town with a carton of Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice.  This might not mean much to us in the south but up there a carton goes for about $13.00.

About 2 hours (as the crow flies) slightly north east of Inuvik across the Amundsen Gulf (part of the Arctic Ocean) lies the cozy little Hamlet of Ulukhaktok where, in addition to the anticipation of 24/7 daylight, there is also great anticipation for one of the longest running golf events in the Northwest Territories.

From July 16^th to 18^th 2010 the hamlet of just under 400 people will play host to the 23^rd annual Billy Joss Open.

Other than the return of the sun, it is likely the most anticipated event of the year, not only for the locals but also for others that venture to the far reaches for the overall experience.

Back on April 6 an email came across my desk from Geir Utskot whom I met at the event last year.  He said, “just found out that the Billy Joss is Fri Jul 16^th to 18^th this year and thought I would let you know in case you get a chance to go.”  Geir, a Norwegian fellow, is an arctic manager for Schlumberger Canada, a leading oil services provider that on a regular basis supports and participates in this community event.

The whole town rallies around this event which is a 3 day party. The locals not playing golf have fire pits stoked up and serve players and spectators alike delicious servings of musk-ox, caribou, arctic char, bannock and whale blubber. (As if I need any more blubber!)

Anyone wanting to participate in the 2010 BJO should contact Adele Okheena at the hamlet office 867-396-8000.  Accommodations in Ulukhaktok are available through the Arctic Char Inn www.arcticcharinn.com or 867-396-3501.

A number of things stood out for me during my visit to the BJO.  One was the overall enthusiasm of the people participating in the sport of golf as they know it.  Believe me, it is a different style of golf from what we are accustomed to on lush green grass. Second, was the friendliness and open arm welcome by all the locals and visitors.  And third, was the quality of golf demonstrated by some of the younger participants in the event.

You have to wonder what a kid like Curtis Bankland might do on a real course!  And will he ever get that chance.  Curtis was the overall champion averaging 2 over par for the 3 days.  How good could these kids become if they had proper equipment and the opportunity to practice?  Will they ever have a chance at a golf scholarship?  Adrian Kagyut was the youth champion and he scored better than the Masters Champion (me!)

I won’t be there to defend my Masters Division title this year but hope to return in 2011.  I am hoping to make the trek up there with thoughts and corporate support for the youth of the Northwest Territories.  They deserve the opportunity that kids in the south have to further their game and education through the sport that we so dearly enjoy.

Anyone that may have an interest in supporting youth golf in the Northwest Territories should feel free to contact me at 1-800-250-3080 or email lakeview@rogers.com

For more information on the Northwest Territories in general, please visit: www.spectacularnwt.com

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