Lunch at St. George’s - A Canadian Open Preview
BURIED ELEPHANT - LUNCH AT ST. GEORGE’S - A CANADIAN OPEN PREVIEW
My Grandfather was a member at St. George’s for years when I was a boy. I used to caddy for him once in a while and afterward he would invite me into the dining room (caddies weren’t allowed but family was) for a Coke float or a ginger beer. I also remember going to the occasional family movie night at the club house. Such are the vivid memories I have of St. George’s but I haven’t been inside the clubhouse for 35 years or more - until today.
Today I was invited to a luncheon held by St. George’s. It was one of at least three they plan leading up to the RBC Canadian Open in July, the first held at this course since 1968. Mostly in attendance where members and their guests. The speakers today were three of Canada’s most influential golf power brokers;
(left to right: Jim Little RBC Chief Brand & Communications Officer, Chris Armstrong VP Golf at IMG, and Scott Simmonds Exec. Dir. of Golf Canada)
The trio talked about the plans leading up to the Canadian Open, the need and plans to grow golf in Canada and the re-branding of the RCGA into Golf Canada. While details were lacking (there is a separate press announcement on Tuesday announcing players who have committed to come to this year’s open) all three panelists hinted at a very strong field at this year’s RBC Canadian Open.
Simmons shared his vision for a successful tournament which includes the best venues in Canada, a strong charitable component, the best field possible and a great event experience for the fans. Simmons boasted that all these factors come together nicely at this event thanks to all the stakeholders, particularly the community and the city.
Armstrong talked from the players perspective and said that aside from the date of the event the most important factor determining which events a player participates in is the venue saying most players “would rather play a great course for a smaller purse than play a mediocre course for a larger purse”. Everyone at the table agreed that St. George’s will attract quality players.
One topic that came up repeatedly was the charitable component of the RBC Canadian Open. When RBC became the title sponsor and partnered with Mike Weir their goal was to raise $5 million for local organizations in 5 years. According to Jim Little the inaugural celebrity pro-am charity event last year was a great start and they are well on their way ot reaching that goal.
As always at these events there was also talk about growing the game of golf in Canada and in particular the moderator Bob Weeks (of Score Golf) asked about the effect of golf an Olympic sport in 2016. “It will be a huge huge step for our sport” said Simmons referring to the added funding that will be available as an Olympic Sport. The RCGA is also working with other organizations around the globe to have golf added to both the Pan-Am Games and the Commonwealth Games. Armstrong, of IMG, thinks that world class players will show up to represent their country because there is no bigger honour than to represent your country on the worlds biggest sporting stage.
Lunch was held at the St. George’s Clubhouse. After 35 years the building still has that special feel and an air of majesty but like so many other things in life the building seem much smaller to my adult eyes.
(lunch at St. George’s Country Club)
