Royal Montreal Course Prep: How The Royal Montreal Golf Club Shaped the 2024 Presidents Cup

The Royal Montreal Golf Club prepared meticulously to host the 2024 Presidents Cup, marking the first time since 2007 that this historic venue welcomed golf's premier team competition. Course superintendent Jacques Bouchard and his team worked tirelessly for over a year to create a test that would challenge the world's best players while providing compelling theater for fans.

Course Evolution Since 2007

Much changed in golf course maintenance philosophy since Royal Montreal last hosted the Presidents Cup in 2007. The club invested significantly in infrastructure upgrades, including a state-of-the-art irrigation system and SubAir technology that allowed precise control of soil moisture. This enabled the maintenance team to present firmer, faster conditions than were possible 17 years earlier.

"We have the ability to manipulate conditions in ways we couldn't dream of 17 years ago," Bouchard explained during pre-tournament preparations. "The greens will be running at 12.5-13 on the Stimpmeter, significantly faster than the 11 speeds we maintained in 2007. This will put a premium on precise approach shots and exceptional lag putting."

The Blue Monster Reimagined

Royal Montreal's famous Blue Course, particularly the stretch of holes 11-15 known as the "Blue Monster," underwent subtle but meaningful modifications. Trees were strategically removed to open up sightlines and create more strategic options. Several greens were expanded by 10-15% to provide additional pin locations, allowing the setup team to vary hole locations dramatically throughout the week.

The signature par-3 14th hole, playing 220 yards over water to a peninsula green, saw its green complex completely rebuilt with new bunkering that frames the hole more dramatically while providing more forgiving landing areas for shots that miss long.

Fescue and Fine Fescues

One significant change was the introduction of fine fescue in areas previously maintained as traditional rough. This created a visually appealing golden hue while still penalizing errant shots. The fine fescue was maintained at 2-3 inches, allowing players the possibility of advancing the ball but still making recovery challenging.

"We want to reward good play without making it overly punitive," Bouchard noted. "The fine fescues create spectacular shots when players successfully navigate them, but won't completely eliminate players from contention after one poor shot."

Weather Conditions

Montreal in late September 2024 presented cool mornings with afternoon temperatures reaching 15-20°C (59-68°F). The course preparation team managed growth accordingly, using plant growth regulators to ensure consistent putting surfaces even with potentially limited sunlight.

The tournament week saw temperatures in the low-to-mid 60s Fahrenheit with occasional morning fog. This created variable conditions throughout the day, potentially influencing team pairings and strategy.

Match Play Strategic Setup

Course setup for match play differs significantly from stroke play tournaments. Royal Montreal's team consulted with former Presidents Cup captains to create conditions that would produce exciting matches without becoming overly difficult.

Fairways were maintained at 28-32 feet wide—narrower than typical PGA Tour events but not penalizing enough to stifle aggressive play. Primary rough was cut at 3.5-4 inches, creating a clear penalty for missing fairways without making recovery impossible.

Water Hazards and Risk/Reward

Royal Montreal features seven holes with water hazards, including the dramatic finishing stretch of 16-18. These holes played a crucial role in match play, offering opportunities for players to gain momentum with aggressive shots while presenting significant risk for miscues.

The 17th hole, a par-4 dogleg right with water protecting the green, proved particularly strategic throughout the week. Teams often opted to lay up well short of the green rather than risk finding the water, creating interesting strategic decisions in crucial matches.

Spectator Experience

The club also invested in spectator infrastructure, with new grandstands capable of holding 15,000 fans and improved hospitality areas. The iconic 18th hole featured a massive grandstand surrounding the green, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Ryder Cup venues.

The Canadian crowd proved to be a significant factor, particularly in supporting International Team members Corey Conners and Taylor Pendrith, as well as Canadian captain Mike Weir.

Tournament Results

The course setup ultimately favored Team USA, who secured a commanding 18.5-11.5 victory, their 10th consecutive Presidents Cup triumph. The firm, fast conditions rewarded the Americans' aggressive style of play, particularly in the team sessions.

However, the course provided memorable moments throughout the week, including dramatic comebacks, clutch putting on the lightning-fast greens, and strategic decisions on the risk-reward holes that defined individual matches.

Legacy and Impact

Royal Montreal's hosting of the 2024 Presidents Cup showcased the club's commitment to championship golf. The course setup team's meticulous preparation created conditions that tested every aspect of the players' games while providing exceptional entertainment for the global golf audience.

The improvements made for the 2024 event have left a lasting legacy at the club, enhancing both the championship pedigree and the member experience. Royal Montreal once again proved why it's considered one of North America's premier championship venues.

When Team USA celebrated their victory on the 18th green, they did so on a course that had been prepared to perfection—a testament to the dedication and expertise of Jacques Bouchard and his maintenance team.