Duncan Meadows Ready To Host Canadian Men’s Amateur
- Details
- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2018-07-25
By JEFF SUTHERLAND, Inside Golf
Vancouver Island's Duncan Meadows will challenge Canada's best amateurs plus players from 13 other countries around the world in the 114th Canadian Men's Amateur Championship
Following on hosting a number of both provincial and national championships, the course located in the Cowichan Valley 50 km north of Victoria has recently undergone tweaking to test competitors Aug 6th to 9th.
The layout has been gradually lengthened to more than 6800 yards with new tees added on three holes… most recently on the par three 16th that will make the signature hole play almost 200 yards.
A visit to Duncan Meadows in late July showed a course that is going to present a test reminiscent of that seen at this year's Open Championship at Carnoustie. Balls will definitely be able to run.
"We have not seen significant rainfall since mid-April," said course owner Ming Hui during an interview. But we have been watering constantly so the fairways and greens are in great shape."
That means greens are currently very receptive. They are being kept a little slower than normal to allow Golf Canada to have them firmed/speeded up as the tournament dates approach.
And that will not be the only change tournament officials will make when they arrive to set up the course.
Superintendent Dave Brummitt says, "It is very likely that at least one of the par fives will be turned into a par four, #1 and possibly #12."
This will give flexibility in lengthening or shortening holes based on conditions.
Brummitt and his crew have been making other tweaks in preparation. Over the past year, green-side bunkers have been re-edged with new sand added. They are also adding a second one inch cut to the edge of the fairways before players reach rough that will be two to three inches in spots.
Tournament chair and past Golf Canada governor, Bill Klein, who has chaired more than a few tournaments at Duncan Meadows, expressed the gratitude that the national association feels for the Hui family, "I have stood at this podium at least a half a dozen times as chair for tournaments of various types. They have been more gracious and more positive than anyone could expect."
Duncan Meadows will not be the only course competitors will play. Pheasant Glen in Parksville is co-host and players will one of their two first rounds there. GM Gord Melissa says their course will present a slightly different challenge.
"We love hosting these events," Melissa said during a visit to Duncan Meadows. "We have a lot of fun doing it and are really looking forward to being co-hosts with Duncan Meadows."
Concurrent with the first two rounds, the battle for the Willingdon Cup will be waged before the cut to top 70 and ties.
More information about the tournament and host facilities can be found below:
Duncan Meadows Golf Course Website: www.
Pheasant Glen Golf Resort Website: www.
Golf Canada: 114th Canadian Men's Amateur Championship Fact Sheet