Premiers re-open “National Treasure” Historic Algonquin Golf Course following two-year renovation
St. Andrews by the Sea, New Brunswick - Canada's premiers helped kick off a new chapter for one of Canada's oldest and most celebrated golf courses following the annual Council of the Federation summer meeting in Saint Andrews, N.B.
New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant, joined by fellow premiers from across the country, took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the official re-opening of the Algonquin Golf Course following a two-year, $3 million renovation designed by renowned Canadian golf course architect Rod Whitman.
"The Algonquin Golf Course is a national treasure which has earned a reputation of being one of Canada's most impressive courses," said Premier Brian Gallant. "This redesign will help maintain that well-deserved reputation and draw more visitors to Saint Andrews, one of New Brunswick's most scenic and historic communities."
“The Algonquin played an early and significant role in the birth of Canada’s golf culture,” said Jim Spatz, executive chairman of Southwest Properties which owns the resort with New Castle Hotels & Resorts. “Taking part in the reimagination of one of our country’s premier golf resorts and helping to bring it back to its roots as an ocean course is a responsibility that we embraced. We are honoured to have so many of our country’s leaders join us to celebrate this legacy and enjoy our latest achievement.”
The first Algonquin Golf Club opened in 1894 on pastureland that once belonged to Sir Leonard Tilley, a Father of the Confederation. The clubhouse, opened in 1896 near the current 17th green, is recognized as the oldest in Canada.
“The rich history and seaside setting at the Algonquin combine for a unique golfing experience that generations of players have enjoyed,” said Jeremy Buffam, vice president of New Castle Hotels & Resorts which also operates the resort and golf course. “With his latest effort, Rod Whitman has built on this history by taking a step back to the natural terrain and landforms emblematic of the world’s best courses. His attention to subtle details, mastery of green complexes and knowledge of the game are evident in the final product. Players of all levels will appreciate and enjoy the new challenges the redesigned course presents.”
Whitman’s work on Cape Breton’s Cabot Links earned recognition as one of the world’s 100 greatest courses, and one of the world’s eight most beautiful courses.
“Rod Whitman re-imagined an award-winning course by showcasing the incredible vistas that surround it,” noted Matthew MacKenzie, general manager of the Algonquin Resort. “Our team, led by new chief superintendent, Steve Williams, has brought Rod’s vision to life through expert agronomy and exceptional turf management. I dare say it’s a true national treasure, shaped by the hands of Canadians who love the game.”
In addition to the Algonquin Resort, over its nearly 40-year history, New Castle Hotels & Resorts has managed some of eastern Canada’s most renowned golf resorts including Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario, and Keltic Lodge at the famous Highlands Links in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa in Digby, Nova Scotia is part of the company’s present portfolio.
The Algonquin Golf Course is open to the public from April to October.
Photo caption:
Marking the official reopening of the Algonquin Golf Course, a Canadian national treasure, Jim Spatz, executive chairman Southwest Properties; Canadian Premiers Stephen McNeill, Nova Scotia; Bob McLeod, Northwest Territories; Wade MacLauchlan, Prince Edward Island; Brian Gallant, chairman of The Council of the Federation and Premier of New Brunswick; Sandy Silver, Yukon; Joe Savikataaq, Nunavut; Scott Moe, Saskatchewan; and Jeremy Buffam vice president New Castle Hotels & Resorts.
About Southwest Properties
Southwest Properties owns and operates more than 1,500 quality apartments and condominiums in Halifax, Nova Scotia and is a majority shareholder of Premiere Executive Suites, Canada’s only coast-to-coast provider of corporate extended stay accommodations. The company’s portfolio also contains a private wine & spirits store and hotel properties in partnership with New Castle Hotels & Resorts. Southwest is the developer of several dynamic, mixed-use projects planned within urban Halifax: Maple, the South Park project including PAVILION condominiums, the YMCA Centre of Community and CURVE rental building. Plans are in progress for residential properties including, CUNARD on the Halifax waterfront and the community of Seton Ridge in Rockingham.
About New Castle Hotels & Resorts
Shelton Conn. based New Castle Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning independent third-party hotel manager, owner and developer with 25 hotels and resorts and nearly 4,000 rooms under contract or in development. New Castle’s growing portfolio of hotels spans 11 states and three Canadian provinces and includes several of Canada’s historic landmark resorts. The privately-held company was established by CEO, David Buffam in 1980 and consistently ranks among the top hotel management and development companies in North America. New Castle was honored with Marriott's Best Renovation award for the Algonquin Resort and is a preferred operator for diverse brands within the Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and Choice families.
