If the opening week of the LIV Tour showed anything, it is that Canada is a strong golf market. The RBC Canadian Open went in direct competition with LIV’s inaugural event, and in my eyes, won big-time. St. George’s showed off spectacularly, Rory vs Justin Thomas vs Tony Finau down the stretch was excellent, and a thirsty nation for events post-covid showed out with support. Given the nation’s support for golf, LIV Golf seems set to try and break into the market with an event next season.
Back in February, we reported that Pulpit Club’s Pulpit course seemed ready to accept a LIV Golf event in their inaugural season, which did not end up happening. Pulpit Club seems set to avoid the LIV golf drama if LIV Golf decides to take the journey up north in September 2023, although Mexico seems like a likely choice given the Mexican representation on the tour.
However, if LIV comes to Toronto, here are a few options that logistically make sense.
Eagle’s Nest Golf Club — Maple, Ontario
Eagle’s Nest seems suitable for such event. A big, brawny golf course, and would certainly fit right in with the golf courses LIV has selected so far. They seem to prefer modern golf courses providing a fair, yet stern test and an above average golf course—everything Eagle’s Nest is. This Doug Carrick design north of the city is also suitable for spectators with stadium style seating, although some of the front nine could be difficult to meander around.
Glen Abbey Golf Club — Oakville, Ontario
Now that the divorce is well on its way between Glen Abbey and Golf Canada with the national organization moving up to TPC Toronto, Abbey is the most likely choice. It is clearly built for an event, and Clublink would be keen to take the money. This Jack Nicklaus design has seen Dustin Johnson win here before, now one of LIV’s poster boys. Additionally, back in February, Glen Abbey was one of two names that came up, alongside Pulpit Club which has backed out of consideration.
Rattlesnake Point Golf Club
For years, rumours swirled around Rattlesnake Point and its future as a 36 hole facility. Discussions about a potential downsize to eighteen holes better suited to host the RBC Canadian Open and converting the additional land into soccer fields and parks that could be used for parking made this a logistical win if it ever happened, but alas, here we are. 2023 would not be a reality, but maybe a future season? Like Glen Abbey, Rattlesnake Point is owned by Glen Abbey.
Coppinwood — Uxbridge, Ontario
This one seems a little far-fetched. Coppinwood would make an excellent RBC Canadian Open host, with a massive practice facility, extra space, and a big Tom Fazio golf course. However, it has not been granted a Canadian Open—perhaps they get tired of waiting? It fits into the usual LIV archetype of big and modern, although a better golf course than usual for them.
Wyndance Golf Club — Uxbridge, Ontario
A Greg Norman golf course is a match made in heaven, so this seems like an obvious inclusion. It is a pretty big golf course, too: 51 yards shy of 7500, whilst playing to a 75.3 rating. Another Clublink option also makes sense, although like Coppinwood, Wyndance is far enough from the city to bring in doubts on how many people would attend. Finishing around the quarry would be electric, however.
The National Golf Club of Canada — Woodbridge, Ontario
Another far-fetched option, and one I would much prefer host the RBC Canadian Open once they allow women members (if they do), but I suppose that in itself is enough reason to have it on this list associated with the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf. The Tom & Jim Fazio golf course is dramatic and wild, whilst providing a good test for the players. A rare opportunity for the public to see such a well-thought of private club north of the city. This would be the big-ticket, ranked the highest in Canada of any course on this list on Beyond The Contour‘s Top 100.
The Club at Bond Head (South) — Bond Head, Ontario
When I played Bond Head’s South course a few years ago, it was evident a special golf course was hidden under Clublink’s neglect. However, with Golf North at the helm now, murmurs of improvements ahead. The South is far tamer than the wacky North, and as a result, spectators would be able to work their way around the property fairly effortlessly. There are some exciting golf holes here, and with some conditioning improvements and general upkeep, a tournament here could really elevate Bond Head’s profile back into the spotlight. Like Clublink, what is stopping Golf North from taking the money to host?
Wooden Sticks Golf Club — Uxbridge, Ontario
Another unlikely choice as it clocks in at just over 7,000 yards, but seeing the pros navigate replica holes at venues they will no longer be welcome at once their OWGR drops would be quite ironic. At Wooden Sticks, Oakmont, Augusta National, TPC Sawgrass, Pine Valley, and more inspire the holes here, letting them tee it up at the golf’s most iconic venues once again.
Goodwood — Goodwood, Ontario
Assuming this place has any interest in hosting an event anytime soon (doubtful), Goodwood would be a wicked host for an event. It is a decently long golf course at 7250 yards (or so, but there are no tee markers and when I was there, no scorecard), and the property is walkable enough to get people around. The green complexes are the star of the show, but I severely doubt anyone would think about Goodwood to host anything, let along a professional event.
Angus Glen Golf Club — Markham, Ontario
Far removed from the Canadian Open rotation these days, Angus Glen features two courses: the North, and the South. Both of these Doug Carrick golf courses have hosted the Canadian Open within the past twenty years, although parts of one of the golf courses is set for housing. Angus is a tournament machine… is it too far to think they could host a professional event yet again? Time will tell.
