The Winnipeg Jets captain has accepted a sponsor's exemption to participate in the Players Cup golf tournament at Southwood Golf & Country Club in Winnipeg from Aug. 16-19.
"I'm excited to play in this event alongside some up-and-coming PGA Tour players," Wheeler said in a statement. "I have a ton of respect for the sport, and it should be a lot of fun."
Wheeler is an accomplished amateur golfer and has played since he was a kid, but he'll have to navigate the course and 156-player field to win a share of the $200,000 purse. His participation will also heighten awareness and support for the tournament's two charity partners: Junior Golf Mentorship Foundation and Birdies for Kids Program for The Children's Hospital.
"Blake is a great captain for the Winnipeg Jets and even better leader in this community," said Adam Boge, the executive director of The Players Cup. "He is such a big with the fans and the people in our community, and we look forward to a great week with him."
The Players Cup, formerly known as The Manitoba Open, started in 1919 and is an annual staple on the Mackenzie Tour - PGA Tour Canada, which features young professional golfers who compete for the chance to play on the Web.com and PGA Tour.
