Celebrating Excellence: The RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club
As the 2024 RBC Canadian Open approaches, the spotlight turns to the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ancaster, Ontario, and the meticulous work of Golf Course Superintendent Jordan Kitchen, GCSAA. With over a decade of dedication to Hamilton and a passion for excellence, Kitchen and his team are set to deliver a world-class course for this prestigious PGA TOUR event.
Meet the Grass Master: Jordan Kitchen
Jordan Kitchen's journey with Hamilton Golf and Country Club began in 2012 as an intern. His commitment and talent quickly shone through, leading to his current role as Superintendent. With 13 years as a GCSAA member and 12 years at Hamilton, Kitchen has been instrumental in maintaining and enhancing the course. His educational foundation from the University of Guelph has equipped him with the knowledge to excel in his profession.
The Team Behind the Magic
Supporting Kitchen is a dedicated team of professionals who share his vision of excellence. Key personnel include:
- Tracy Fowler, Assistant Superintendent
- Chad Oberle, Assistant Superintendent
- Corey Young, Assistant Superintendent
- Wayne Shaw, Equipment Manager
- Emerson Mahoney, PGA Professional
- Alan Carter, Chief Operating Officer
Together, they manage a staff of 42 employees and 65 tournament volunteers, ensuring every aspect of the course meets the highest standards.
The Course: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Designed by the legendary Harry S. Colt in 1916 and renovated by Martin Ebert in 2019, the Hamilton Golf and Country Club is a testament to timeless design and modern sustainability. The 2019 renovation included the reconstruction of tees, bunkers, and greens across all 27 holes, installation of a new irrigation system, and enhancements to the practice areas. These updates earned the course the Golf Digest Best Renovation of the Year award in 2022.
Play for the RBC Canadian Open will be hosted on the West and South courses, presenting a challenging par 70 layout stretching 7,084 yards. The average green size is 6,000 square feet, with a Stimpmeter reading of 11-12, promising fast and true putting surfaces.
Course Statistics and Turfgrass Details
Total Property Acres: 300
Acres of Fairway: 38
Acres of Rough: 110
Number of Sand Bunkers: 72
Water Hazards: Serpentine Creek
The course features V8 creeping bentgrass on the greens, L93-XD bentgrass on collars and approaches, and a mix of native bentgrass and poa on the tees and fairways. The rough comprises Poa annua, Kentucky bluegrass, and Turf Type tall fescue.
Greens: V8 creeping bentgrass - Height: 0.100"
Collars: L93-XD bentgrass - Height: 0.250"
Approaches: L93-XD bentgrass - Height: 0.300"
Tees: Native bentgrass / poa - Height: 0.350"
Fairways: Native bentgrass / poa / seeded with L93-XD bentgrass - Height: 0.450"
Rough: Poa annua / Kentucky bluegrass / Turf Type tall fescue - Height: 4"
Notable Aspects and Achievements
This year's RBC Canadian Open is poised to benefit from favorable weather conditions, with the area experiencing a mild winter and early spring. Kitchen's expertise and familiarity with the course, coupled with his experience from previous tournaments, ensure the event will be a memorable one for players and spectators alike.
Fun Fact: Course Dog
Adding a touch of charm to the course is Jada, a 3-year-old German short-haired pointer, who is a beloved member of the Hamilton team.
A Tradition of Excellence
Since 1926, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has been a cornerstone of the golfing community, providing education, information, and representation to over 20,000 members worldwide. Their mission to serve their members, advance their profession, and enhance communities through the game of golf is exemplified in the meticulous preparation for events like the RBC Canadian Open.
As we look forward to the RBC Canadian Open, we celebrate the dedication and expertise of Jordan Kitchen and his team at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. Their commitment to excellence ensures that this historic course will continue to be a shining example of golfing tradition and modern sustainability.
TOURNAMENT FACT SHEET: CLICK HERE
