FREDERIC SERRE
The 1510 West
Organizers of the prestigious Presidents Cup golf tournament being held this week in Île Bizard were left scrambling in preparation of the event, after more than $25,000 worth of tournament merchandise, including clothing worn by the golfers, was stolen last the weekend from the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal under the eyes of striking hotel security staff. Montreal police have launched an investigation into the daring theft.
The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) is hosting the international tournament at the Royal Montreal Golf Club, which began yesterday and runs until Saturday. The PGA announced that it has launched its own investigation to find out why anyone would want to steal a suitcase full of tournament items.
According to police, a man entered the hotel on René Lévesque Blvd. last Friday evening and walked out with a suitcase containing shirts, pants and jackets that were to be worn by the event’s golfers. The next morning, the same suspect reportedly returned to the hotel dressed in a PGA outfit and stole more merchandise, including polo shirts, caps, jackets and shoes. Police say the theft happened as the hotel’s security guards were picketing outside the main entrance of the building.
The stolen clothing and promotional items are worth more than $25,000, police said.
Representatives from the hotel, which is partnering with the PGA for the event, declined to comment about the incident. The PGA also said they would not issue a comment, adding that replacement clothing was immediately ordered to accommodate the golfers.
An estimate 30,000 spectators a day are expected to attend the golfing event, the largest tournament staged by the PGA.
The size of the event has raised concerns about traffic in Île Bizard, which has only one road to access the island, and the construction of its new bridge is not yet complete. Only residents, who have all been given special vignettes for their vehicles will be allowed to access the island by car. Spectators will be able to access the venue by shuttles.