Saskatchewan will host a major LPGA tour golf tournament for the first time in 2018 as the CP Women's Open comes to Regina.

The Ladies Professional Golf Association event will be held at Regina's Wascana Country Club from Aug. 20-26, 2018.

Terry Lenyk of Golf Canada said the national women's open championship traditionally attracts top players, with one of the largest prize purses on tour at $2.25 million US.

Tourism minister Jeremy Harrison said it was "an exciting day for Saskatchewan golf" and that the choice was not surprising given that the province trails only P.E.I. in its number of golf facilities per capita. He added that community support was also a selling point for Regina's bid.

"Saskatchewan volunteers are renowned for their deep commitment to making events that are held here a success and for their eagerness to showcase our beautiful province to visitors," he said.

He said the economic benefit to the city is expected to be about $8 million.

Boost for tourism

"You can't buy this kind of publicity for our city," said Regina Mayor Michael Fougere, who also said the injection into the economy is a good thing.

"We've tried for a couple of years to get this here and we have — I'm biased, of course — one of the best golf courses in Canada and North America here, and you're going to see that."

He added it would be a great showcase for the city and a boost for tourism. The TV broadcasts of the tournament are expected to reach 200 million viewers.