A first for active NHL players: Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki admitted to Montreal’s most prestigious golf club

For the first time in its rich 150-year history, the select and renowned Royal Montreal Golf Club has two active NHL hockey players among its members. The Canadiens’ star forwards, Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, have been admitted to the private club of L’Île-Bizard.

Do not enter who wants on the South Ridge road leading to the traditional Royal Montreal, a real institution. Especially two dashing young athletes full of energy.

Despite all the goodwill, those who apply to join the private community of the oldest golf club in North America are not guaranteed to be part of it.

This spring, Caufield, 22, and Suzuki, 23, took the same path as the other members. After a few occasional visits over the past few seasons, they have shown their interest and made their request to become members, we were able to learn from a reliable source.

A rigorous process

A sponsor introduced the candidacy of the two athletes by writing a letter of recommendation to the general management. This was stamped with the names of four other sponsors who would be responsible for their acts and gestures on the property in the event of a membership so that they stick perfectly to the traditional label of the club.

Once submitted, their application was reviewed and approved by the committee. But the selection process did not stop there.

Their request was ‘balloted’ to the entire community of over 500 members for final approval. The general management would not have received any opposition to their integration.

The two stars are therefore now members in good standing of the club, a 45-hole complex.

Champion in February

It should be remembered that during the festivities surrounding the NHL All-Star Game last February, the captain of the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge shone on the Florida alleys.

Then equipped with his stick, his hockey gloves and a puck, Suzuki had won the “Pitch ‘n puck” contest against Johnny Gaudreau, Clayton Keller and Jason Robertson. He notably stood out with a birdie on a par four, where the skills of the winter sport had to join those of golf.

He later discussed his win with Michael Collins, a former PGA Tour caddy and ESPN host.

15 months from the Presidents Cup

Rather discreet and silent by nature, the Royal Montreal has made no announcement of the arrival of the two accomplices of the Habs. In addition, their sponsors would not be linked to the Canadian, according to the information obtained.

Caufield and Suzuki thus land on L’Île-Bizard to tickle the little white ball 15 months before the major international competition of the Presidents Cup.

The local communications component has been entrusted to the firm National, chaired by Andrew Molson, who is also one of the owners of the Canadian. Evenko is also involved in the organization of the tournament.

Organized by the PGA Tour every two years, the Presidents Cup features American and international golfers. The Royal Montreal had received it in 2007.