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 four years for the organizing committee and the real work will begin shortly. Foray into one of the most prestigious golf clubs in North America.
La Presse was invited to the Royal Montreal one year from the holding of one of the most anticipated events of the PGA Tour, to testify to the progress of the work begun for the Presidents Cup 2024.
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. On the left, the living room, where wood shares the space with brick, large rugs and period furniture. The environment could have served as the 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.
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.
“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. »
In 2020, the PGA has chosen Royal Montreal to host this match-play type competition 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.
For Mr. Hart, this comes down to four central elements. First, pride. “Are we putting together 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 rep.
16 years ago, the Presidents Cup was played on the fairways 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’ve run,” says Hart.
There were plenty of candidate clubs for 2024, the exact number was not disclosed, but Royal Montreal is “tailor-made for match play”, he maintains. In that sense, choosing him over 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 are close to graduating and taking on their fall colors before they drop.
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 getting us into a four-seat cart to spy the walkways 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 the work this fall, so 10 months in advance,” he explains.
Holding such an event requires quite considerable changes. For one thing, four to five holes will need to be lengthened and slimmed down 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 stands.
As the tour progresses, even though he’s walked the site thousands of times, Mr. Macrae can’t help but smile as he points out some places that have become legendary thanks to the 2007 tournament.
“That’s where Woody Austin fell in the water,” he says, identifying the pond on the 14th hole. The 14th must have been the most photographed hole of 2007. Thanks to Austin, it has become an iconic hole. »
A few fairways later, on the 18th hole: “This is where Tiger got his ball in the water against Weir on Sunday!” »
According to Macrae, the signature hole remains the 16th, 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 the 14th, which is a very short par 4. It’s always the one the members are most looking forward to playing.”
At this 14th hole, bleachers will be constructed to the right of the fairway and behind the green.
Like on the 13th hole. A diving par 3 that will be surrounded by seated people with an unobstructed view of an accessible green.
Before leaving for the visit, Mr. Hart explained how “the fairways 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 aisle is a masterpiece. Every green is bewilderingly beautiful. Nothing sticks out.
Certainly, 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 world’s best golfers from America’s oldest golf club. Where the magic happens. Where history is written. Where you have to go to believe it.