Hamilton Golf and Country Club: The Historical Venue for the 2024 Canadian Open Explored

The RBC Canadian Open 2024, scheduled from May 28th to June 2nd, is a golf tournament with a rich 120-year history. Once one of the most prestigious events, it was part of the Triple Crown along with the Open Championship and the U.S. Open. Is there something new to look forward to this year? Absolutely!

The 156-player field competing for a substantial $9.4 million purse isn’t the only notable aspect of this year’s event. The venue, Hamilton Golf and Country Club, also brings its rich history and a collection of exciting and challenging holes.

History of Hamilton Golf and Country Club

Located in Ancaster, Ontario, Hamilton Golf and Country Club is a 7,084-yard, par-70 course with 27 holes. Harry Colt designed the original 18 holes in 1894, while Robbie Robinson designed the additional holes in 1974.  In 2019, the entire course underwent significant modifications led by Martin Ebert of the UK-based design firm Mackenzie & Ebert, International Golf Course Architects.

The main goal was to restore many of the iconic features originally envisioned by Colt that had deteriorated over time. The two-year, $11.5 million project earned the course the title of “Best New Restoration” of 2022 by Golf Digest. This led to the complete rebuilding of all 27 greens, significant bunker improvements, and restoration of many historical design aspects.

After undergoing significant changes, particularly bunker improvements, Hamilton Golf and Country Club now boasts an even more challenging course. The 7th hole on the West Course is regarded as the best hole, featuring a demanding uphill shot that requires both accuracy and precision.

However, the most difficult hole on the course is the 5th hole on the West Course. This 319-yard par 4 is renowned for its difficulty at Hamilton. The approach shot is particularly challenging, as it plays from a slightly downhill lie to an elevated green, making it hard to get the ball close to the pin. Not only is it a historic course, but it has also hosted the Canadian Open multiple times.

How many Canadian Opens has Hamilton Golf and Country Club hosted?

Although Hamilton Golf was originally planned as the venue last year, the event was moved to Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto for various reasons. This year, however, the tournament is returning to Hamilton. Hamilton Golf has hosted the Canadian Open seven times, including in 2024. The first tournament here was over nine decades ago, in 1919, with another in 1930 after a ten-year break.

After that, there was another lengthy hiatus of over 70 years until the tournament returned in 2003. Then, in 2006, the event occurred again, followed by another gap until 2012. The most recent Canadian Open was in 2019, with Rory McIlroy emerging as the victor. For those interested in becoming members of this historic golf course, can get in touch with Membership Manager Allison McMichael by calling 905-648-4471 or emailing membership@hgcc.ca. Alternatively, they can fill out the inquiry form available on their website.

With the tournament returning to its historic golf course, who do you think will come out victorious this time?