Photo: Chuck Russell/PGA TOUR

2016 champion Dan McCarthy

The provincial government is hoping to drive golfers and golf fans to B.C.

The government announced Friday it will provide $100,000 towards the BC Golf Swing, which includes a professional tournament at Gallagher's Canyon in Kelowna.

The BC Golf Swing includes three tournament as part of the PGA Mackenzie Tour.

Tour stops include:

• Vancouver - Freedom 55 Financial Open at Point Grey Golf and Country Club - May 29-June 4
• Victoria - Bayview Place DC Payments Open at Uplands Golf Club - June 5-11
• Kelowna - GolfBC Championship at Gallagher's Canyon Golf and Country Club - June 12-18

Each tournament has a field of 156 golfers from around the world. The province expects the three events to generate about $8 million for the provincial economy.

"Every year, we look forward to kicking off our season in British Columbia, and the three tournaments rank among the players' favourite stops all year," said PGA Tour Canada president Jeff Monday.

"It's a common sight to see players bringing their friends and family to these tournaments to show them this beautiful part of the country, and our event host organizations do a tremendous job to give players, fans, sponsors, staff and volunteers a world-class tournament experience. We're thrilled to have the support of the province to create the BC Golf Swing and look forward to our events making an even greater charitable and economic impact in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna this year."