The count has started. In just over 400 days, the Royal Montreal Golf Club will host the Presidents Cup. In reality, the hourglass has passed for the organizing committee for four years and the real work will begin shortly. Foray into one of the most prestigious golf clubs in North America.
The Press was invited to the Royal Montreal one year before the holding of one of the most anticipated events of the PGA Tour, to testify to the progress of the work started for the 2024 Presidents Cup.
In the clubhouse, it is as if time had stopped in 1873. On the right, in a display case, the trophies and commemorative plaques of the club’s former presidents, professionals and champions. To the left is the living room, where wood shares space with brick, large rugs and period furniture. The environment could have served as a setting for a scene in the series The Crown.
A temple that smells of history. Who tastes prestige. And which will welcome the best golfers in the world in a few months.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
THE clubhouse of the Royal Montreal Golf Club
In one of the reception rooms, Neil Macrae was waiting for us, sipping a hot drink from a porcelain cup. On the table lay silver cutlery, and Macrae, a member of the club for 22 years, wore a blue polo shirt with the Royal Montreal logo.
Ryan Hart, Presidents Cup General Manager, arrived shortly after with the tournament trophy. The same being found in smaller on his sweater.
It was in this room lined with paintings and photos dating from the last century that the discussion took place.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
Presidents Cup General Manager Ryan Hart and Organizing Committee Member Neil Macrae
“We have a rich history,” said Mr. Macrae, a member of the tournament’s organizing committee. The organization of such an event is therefore very important to us. »
The use of “we” was used to designate the members. “They are very involved, they are very proud to see their land represented in this way. It’s good for the club brand, ”continues Neil Macrae.
In 2020, the PGA has chosen the Royal Montreal to host this type of competition game play pitting the best American players against the best players from the rest of the world, except Europe.
Since then, the organizing committee has worked to honor the importance of the tournament, but also the fundamental nature of the course.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
The stone bridge leading to the tee boxes of 11e Royal Montreal hole
For Mr. Hart, this is due to four central elements. First, pride. “Are we setting up an event that everyone can be proud of? he says. Then the story. “How do we build the future of the Presidents Cup based on the history of golf? Afterwards, the amateurs. “Do we have enough resources around the course to entertain fans? » Then the game. « Do we serve the advancement of the sport? »
Mr. Macrae nodded when he heard these directions. Like the cardinal points, they would guide the organizers.
At least they know what to rely on. “It’s a combination of being one of the most iconic clubs in North America and the experience of 2007,” added the PGA representative.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
The United States won the Presidents Cup held at Royal Montreal in 2007.
16 years ago, the Presidents Cup was played on the aisles of Royal Montreal. Mike Weir had notably got the better of a Tiger Woods at the top of his game. “It was one of the best editions we have organized,” says Mr. Hart.
There were plenty of candidate clubs for 2024, the exact number was not disclosed, but Royal Montreal is “tailor-made for the game play “, he maintains. In this sense, choosing him at the expense of the other candidates was a “no-brainer”.
Not only does the course lend itself well to the type of tournament played, but its beauty, elegance and design remain its main attributes. Especially in September when the leaves will be close to graduating and taking on their fall colors before they drop.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
The green of 17e Royal Montreal hole
Visiting
At the end of the interview, Messrs. Macrae and Ryan headed outside to allow our photographer Robert Skinner to take some shots of the trophy during his visit to Montreal. Placed on a brick wall, just below the club’s coat of arms, the precious object reflected the rays of sunshine on this perfect summer day, neither too hot nor too dark, as we have had few this season.
Mr. Macrae then insisted on having us board a four-seater cart to spy the alleys of this sanctuary usually closed to the public.
“The infrastructure it requires has nothing to do with 2007. It’s another world. We will start work this fall, so 10 months in advance,” he explains.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
Royal Montreal Golf Club Pennant
It’s good to have so much time to prepare. We will have had four years. In 2007, we had been two years old. It’s exciting, it involves a lot of things, but above all we are very confident.
Neil Macrae, member of the Presidents Cup organizing committee at Royal Montreal
Holding such an event requires quite considerable changes. On the one hand, four to five holes will have to be lengthened and thinned to “accommodate today’s big hitters”. On the other hand, as 32,000 people are expected daily on the site, the organizers had to prepare enough space to accommodate them, particularly with regard to the construction of the bleachers.
From hole to hole
As the visit progresses, even though he has walked on the site thousands of times, Mr. Macrae cannot help but smile as he points out certain places that have become legendary thanks to the 2007 tournament.
“That’s where Woody Austin fell in the water,” he says, identifying the pond at 14e hole. The 14the must have been the most photographed hole of 2007. Thanks to Austin, it has become an iconic hole. »
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
The pond of 14e Royal Montreal hole
A few aisles later, at 18e hole: “This is where Tiger put his ball in the water against Weir on Sunday! »
According to Mr. Macrae, the signature hole remains the 16e, due to its stone bridge, elevated green to the left and cleverly placed bunkers. Nevertheless, “most members would tell you that the most annoying hole is 14ewhich is a very short par 4. It’s always the one the members are most looking forward to playing”.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
16e Royal Montreal hole
At this 14e hole, bleachers will be constructed to the right of the fairway and behind the green.
As at 13e hole. A diving par 3 that will be surrounded by seated people with a breathtaking view of an accessible green.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
13e Royal Montreal hole
Before leaving for the visit, Mr. Hart explained to what extent “the alleys of the back nine are a natural theater of beauty”. And it was possible to confirm it.
The quality of the land is exceptional. Each driveway is a masterpiece. Every green is bewilderingly beautiful. Nothing sticks out.
Everything is in its place. So much so that it would be frightening to play there for fear of damaging this precisely maintained lawn. The first to have said that the grass was always greener on the neighbor must certainly reside in L’Île-Bizard.
Admittedly, to say that the Royal Montreal is getting a makeover may seem absurd, even paradoxical, but it is indeed the case.
Some 400 days separate the best golfers in the world from the oldest golf club in America. Where the magic happens. Where history is written. Where you have to go to believe it.