MONTREAL GOLF AT IT’S FINEST!
by Scott A. Sumner
Marc Gervais is the GM of Club de Golf De Ille Montreal founded in 2001 with the island course and the second course in 2003, the Irish course both designed by Pat Ruddy, an Irish golf architect.
“ We are located on the east end of the island of Montreal, about 20 to 25 minutes from downtown. Our club has 200 members and the public play. The greens fees range from $29 to $69 maximum and we are told by many people this course should be a green fee of $150.00. Golf carts are $17 per person. The 8th hole on the Island course is an island green with a par 5.” said Marc.
Both the courses are par 70 with the Island being more of a parkland course about 6500 yards and a good challenge. The Irish course is a true links course in an urban setting which you won’t find elsewhere in Canada. It is all man made and from the back tees a par 70 with 7224 yards and a 75.6 rating from 5 different sets of tees. It is a very good challenge with pot bunkers and some double greens.
“ Our budget for maintenance is very good so we keep the courses in top shape. The Irish course is incredible because you don’t know you are in Montreal but perhaps in Ireland or Scotland. There are undulations and we keep our greens between 9 and 10 on the stemp meter. Today we will have about 500 players on both courses but generally you can phone or go on the website up to 7 days ahead and get a tee time.”