ANDREWS, N.B. — Golf course architect Rod Whitman will lead an upgrade and repositioning of the Algonquin Resort’s course, it was announced in early July.
“We want to elevate that standing and ensure that our course, a Maritimes treasure that has been challenging and impressing golfers for more than a century, stays competitive in terms of the level of play it offers and the sheer beauty of the design. Who better than Canada’s leading golf course architect to make that happen?” said Matthew MacKenzie, general manager of the resort.
Whitman’s redesign will accentuate the natural beauty of the region, re-sculpting holes, tee boxes, bunkers and greens to optimize the golfing experience. Sightlines and views will emphasize the Bay of Fundy location and the historic town of St. Andrews.
Whitman most recently gained world renown for his work on Nova Scotia’s Cabot Links, the top course in Canada and winner of the Golf Inc. 2012 Development of the Year award. Cabot Links has secured two Top 100 Worldwide rankings.
“New golf course design is always a creative challenge,” said Whitman. “The Algonquin Resort Golf Club has a long and storied history and I am honoured to be entrusted to re-imagine this national legacy. I look forward to the opportunity to further enhance the golfing experience at this one-of a- kind, seaside resort.”
Originally constructed in 1894, The Algonquin Golf Course was, in the 1920s, redesigned and expanded with an “executive nine.”
The current, 7,000-yard, par 72 course was designed in 2000 and is rated the best course in New Brunswick and ranked among the top 100 courses in Canada by Canadian Golf Magazine.
According to Jim Spatz, chairman, and CEO of Southwest Properties, and Atlantic Canada’s 2015 CEO of the Year, preparation for the renovation began in the spring and currently is on hiatus to prevent disruption to summer guests.
Work will resume post-season and Spatz said that he expects nine holes to open early in 2017, with the remainder slated for July 2017.
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