St. Georges (Stanley Thompson)in Ontario

[mark chalfant]

Ive had the opportunity to play Winged Foot and Oakland
Hills  many times but the magnificent variety of holes and splendid rolling terrain at St. Georges,makes this Canadian gem a far more memorable experience.Even though the
course is well over 6,900 yards, it flows over such
interesting and rolling land that it exudes an unforgettable
charm that is often associated with places like Myopia.This
aura is heightened by the superb bunkering,artfully restored
by Ian Andrew.Such bunkers are visually enticing but above
all,  these true hazards create interesting angles that add
strategic intrigue both in the landing areas and near the
green complexes. Stanley Thompson superb integration
of ravines, wrinkles, and gullies througout this epic journey
can make level lies the exception rather than the rule.Holes
like the 8th (223y) and the monumental 15th (570y) make
St. Georges one of North America's most significant examples
of golf course architecture.

[Robert Thompson]

Mark: Glad you enjoyed St. G. It is certainly one of Thompson's best works -- though Jasper, Banff, Capilano and certainly Highlands Links are all excellent as well. You're right about the bunker work at St. G -- it is the added detail work you expect out of one of the world's best courses.An interesting note: St. George's has had an ongoing reciprocal with Oakhill. St. G's GM says that when Oakhill members come to play Thompson's best, they are always surprised at how good the course is, considering it is in Canada, like Americans happen to have the monopoly on great golf in North America.

St. George's is world class, and it isn't the only course in Canada that should be considered in that company -- Jasper, Banff, Highlands and Hamilton are also in that class.Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed it so much Mark.

Robert

[Jeff_Mingay]

St. George's is under-rated worldwide. It's much better than many US courses that are typically high on the World ranking list, in my view.

It would be even better too, I think, had Robbie Robinson not made significant changes at several holes during the early 1960s. The par 3 third in particular was one of Thompson's best one-shot holes, as per historic photos. Today, following alteration by Robinson, it's one of the least inspiring holes at St. George's. The fifteen is awkward as well.

Nonetheless, recent bunker work and green surface expansions has improved St. George's.

World-class holes include 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, and 18. Ten out of eighteen ain't bad!

[Mike_Sweeney]

Mark,

Pictures from your partner(s) please !

[Michael Moore]

I have heard several people claim that Stanley Thompson is the greatest architect of them all.

[redanman]

[Paul_Turner]

When I get home, I'll post some nice ones.

[ian]

Some more images of St. George's for those interested. I can answer any questions people have on the history.

The par four 5th, with famous oak tree.



The very long and uphill par four 7th



The wonderful short par five 11th



The diabolical 15 feet deep bunkers on the 12th.



The tee shot on 15, restored to the original bunkering

[redanman]

#2



#1  to the left of the tee



#10



#11 from the original tee (The Carrick Website has an uncopiable B&W from this point worth comparing to this one)





Did anyone want to see more?

edit***** re-post #10 pix, neat fairway; #11, too

[Lance Rieber]

More, More please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Yancey_Beamer]

POST MORE!!!!
Easily one of my favorites.Having played St. Georges,Banff,Jasper,&Highlands, I believe Stanley Thompson is certainly at the top level of architects.Ah well,on to Capilano some day!

[Tyler Kearns]

Redanman,

More please!!

Yancy,

Capilano will only heighten your esteem for Stanley Thompson, it is a wonderful place.

Tyler Kearns

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