Royal Montreal Course Prep: How The Royal Montreal Golf Club is Shaping Up for 2025 Presidents Cup

The Royal Montreal Golf Club is buzzing with anticipation as it prepares to host the 2025 Presidents Cup, marking the first time since 2007 that this historic venue will welcome golf's premier team competition. Course superintendent Jacques Bouchard and his team have been working meticulously for over a year to create a test that will challenge the world's best players while providing compelling theater for fans.

Course Evolution Since 2007

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

"We have the ability to manipulate conditions in ways we couldn't dream of 18 years ago," Bouchard explains. "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," has undergone subtle but meaningful modifications. Trees have been strategically removed to open up sightlines and create more strategic options. Several greens have been 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, has seen 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 is the introduction of fine fescue in areas previously maintained as traditional rough. This creates a visually appealing golden hue while still penalizing errant shots. The fine fescue will be 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 notes. "The fine fescues will create spectacular shots when players successfully navigate them, but won't completely eliminate players from contention after one poor shot."

Weather Considerations

Montreal in September typically presents cool mornings with afternoon temperatures reaching 65-70°F. The course preparation team has been managing growth accordingly, using plant growth regulators to ensure consistent putting surfaces even with potentially limited sunlight.

The forecast for Presidents Cup week suggests temperatures in the low 60s with possible morning fog. This could create a significant advantage for early tee times, 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 has consulted with former Presidents Cup captains to create conditions that will produce exciting matches without becoming overly difficult.

Fairways will be maintained at 28-32 feet wide—narrower than typical PGA Tour events but not penalizing enough to stifle aggressive play. Primary rough will be 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 will play 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, will be particularly strategic. Teams may opt 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 has also invested in spectator infrastructure, with new grandstands capable of holding 15,000 fans and improved hospitality areas. The iconic 18th hole will feature a massive grandstand surrounding the green, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Ryder Cup venues.

Final Preparations

As September approaches, the maintenance team will begin fine-tuning every aspect of the course. Green speeds will be gradually increased, rough height adjusted based on weather conditions, and hole locations carefully mapped to create compelling competition.

The goal is simple: create conditions that identify the best team while providing maximum entertainment for the golf world. Royal Montreal is ready to once again showcase why it's considered one of North America's premier championship venues.

When the Presidents Cup tees off in September, players will face a course that respects its storied history while embracing modern golf course architecture. The result should be an unforgettable week of competition between Team USA and the International Team.