Cabot Links designer Rod Whitman chosen to re-design Algonquin Resort course

St. Andrews, New Brunswick (July 6, 2016) – Gerry Chase, president and COO of New Castle Hotels & Resorts, has announced that top Canadian golf course architect Rod Whitman will lead a generational repositioning of the Algonquin Resort’s highly acclaimed course. Whitman most recently gained world renown for his work on Nova Scotia’s Cabot Links, the top new course in Canada and winner of the Golf Inc. 2012 Development of the Year award. Cabot Links has secured two Top 100 Worldwide rankings.

“The Algonquin Golf Course is currently recognized as the best in New Brunswick, and ranks among the top 100 courses in the country,” said Matthew MacKenzie, general manager of the resort. “We want to elevate that standing and ensure that our course, a Maritimes treasure that has been challenging and impressing golfers for more than a century, stays competitive in terms of the level of play it offers and the sheer beauty of the design. Who better than Canada’s leading golf course architect to make that happen?”

Whitman’s redesign will accentuate the natural beauty of the region, re-sculpting holes, tee boxes, bunkers and greens to optimize the golfing experience. Sightlines and views will emphasize the Bay of Fundy location and the historic town of St. Andrews.

“New golf course design is always a creative challenge,” said Whitman. “The Algonquin Resort Golf Club has a long and storied history and I am honoured to be entrusted to re-imagine this national legacy. I look forward to the opportunity to further enhance the golfing experience at this one-of a- kind, seaside resort.”

Originally constructed in 1894, The Algonquin Golf Course was redesigned and expanded with an “executive nine” for those who don’t have time for a full 18 in the 1920s. The current, 7,000-yard, par 72 course was designed in 2000 by Thomas McBroom and is rated the best course in New Brunswick and ranked among the top 100 courses in Canada by Canadian Golf Magazine. It’s original clubhouse, is believed to be the oldest in the country.

According to Jim Spatz, chairman, and CEO of Southwest Properties, and Atlantic Canada’s 2015 CEO of the Year, preparation for the renovation began in the spring and currently is on hiatus to prevent disruption to summer guests. Work will resume post-season and Spatz said that he expects nine holes to open early in 2017, with the remainder slated for July 2017.