Without hesitation, during a rainy walk on the Royal Montreal course in early August, Presidents Cup director Ryan Hart believes the venue will host “the biggest edition in history on international territory.” He hopes it will stand out in its own way when Mike Weir’s international team faces off against Jim Furyk’s U.S. team…
“During competition week, our goal is to bring the Canadiens’ hometown atmosphere to the course,” said hockey fan Ryan Hart in an interview with The Journal.
Originally from the Canadian plains, he typically supports the Winnipeg Jets but has a fondness for the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge. He has been involved in planning the 2024 edition of the Presidents Cup for nearly four years. Set in the undisputed territory of the Canadiens, this event will have a unique flair. The PGA Tour organizers hope that the Royal Montreal will transform into a massive open-air Bell Centre.
The immense skeleton of a structure placed at the back of the Royal Montreal practice field. This will be reserved for a category of privilege tickets.
Photo Ben Pelosse / JdeM
“Canadiens fans are among the most passionate in hockey,” Hart noted. “We want to capture that passion, volume, and excitement in every corner of Royal Montreal this fall.”
Located 40 km from the “Hockey Temple” in downtown Montreal, the game plan is ambitious. However, with the numerous facilities that have emerged over the summer on the renowned Parcours Bleu, which has been revamped to host the elite of American and international golf, this goal is very achievable.
A different “animal”
Those who attended the successful 2007 Presidents Cup will be surprised when they visit the venue. A significantly different “animal” will arrive in Montreal the week of September 24, totally unlike the organization from 17 years ago.
This is what the PGA Tour has been trying to communicate for years to various municipal and government stakeholders involved, as the event continues to evolve.
For the 2022 edition at Quail Hollow in North Carolina, the PGA staged the largest tournament in its history.
The first tee arena at Quail Hollow during the 2022 Presidents Cup.
Photo Getty Images / AFP
Each day, over 40,000 spectators passed through the turnstiles, spreading across the course, into various enormous stands, and gigantic corporate boxes covering approximately 600,000 square feet.
During competition days at the 2022 Presidents Cup at Quail Hollow, more than 40,000 spectators passed through the turnstiles daily.
Photo Getty Images / AFP
At the Royal Montreal, the structures will be even larger, with around 100 boxes expected to total nearly 640,000 sq. ft. Whether near the 1st or 10th tee, or between the 13th and 16th holes, these vast structures will immerse spectators in the action. Six of them span two levels, while six others are perched on a single level, almost above the action due to the terrain.
Photo Ben Pelosse / JdeM
The Royal Montreal Blue Course will feature six two-story mega structures to welcome spectators.
Photo Ben Pelosse / JdeM
This structure near the 10th tee of the Royal Montreal Blue Course will allow spectators to watch golfers tee off just a few feet away.
Photo Ben Pelosse / JdeM
“This will be the largest edition of the Presidents Cup in international team territory,” Hart asserts, noting the facilities on the course, where an average of 35,000 spectators will attend each day.
Starting Arena
On the first mound, surrounded by stands reminiscent of an arena and major world competitions like the Ryder Cup, nearly 3,000 spectators will crowd into the stands to create a lively atmosphere. The American-style Red-White and Blue will face off against the distinctive yellow and black of the international team.
“Golf differs from hockey, but we aim to have home-field advantage,” said International captain Mike Weir. “The atmosphere will be crucial for us. It’s like the U.S. team playing in New York. That’s a significant advantage. We want the same and to see the majority of the crowd supporting us.”
Photo AFP
Less than 90 minutes from the border and a 6-hour drive from the “Big Apple,” American captain Jim Furyk would be pleased if his team garnered support from 20% of the spectators.
Pride
Involved in the Star-Spangled Banner team competitions since 1997 globally, Furyk has witnessed a variety of atmospheres. A devoted sports fan, he shares Ryan Hart’s vision.
“It’s challenging to compare each event because they’re all distinct experiences. The Ryder Cup is unique, the Presidents Cup is unique, just like the Open, the U.S. Open, and the major championships,” he explains over the phone in an interview with The Journal.
Jim Furyk
Photo AFP
“The Ryder Cup feels like the atmosphere of an NFL football game spilling onto a golf course. The Open presents silence and the crowd’s reactions. In Canada, sports are ingrained in the fans’ DNA. They take pride in it,” explains a participant in many Canadian Opens over the years. “I believe they will stay true to their enthusiasm at this Montreal edition.”
“You need to hear the crowd roar and feel the excitement throughout the course. Team competitions highlight this dynamic. It’s incredible.”
Presidents Cup 2024: A Golfing Spectacle in Montreal
Without hesitation, during a rainy walk on the Royal Montreal course in early August, Presidents Cup director Ryan Hart believes that the venue will host “the biggest edition in history on international territory.” To achieve this, he hopes that it will stand out when Mike Weir’s international team faces off against Jim Furyk’s United States team.
General manager of the Presidents Cup, Ryan Hart, walks down the fairway at Royal Montreal.
Photo BEN PELOSSE
Creating a Unique Atmosphere
“During competition week, our goal is to bring the Canadiens’ hometown atmosphere to the course,” said hockey fan Ryan Hart in an interview with The Journal. As a native of the Canadian plains and a follower of local teams, he is excited to combine his love for hockey with the prestige of golf.
The 2024 Presidents Cup will bring a uniquely Canadian flavor to the Royal Montreal Golf Club, the home of a storied sports franchise—the Montreal Canadiens. Hart expresses his vision of transforming the Royal Montreal into a giant open-air arena, resonating with the same passionate energy of local hockey games.
The immense skeleton of a structure for VIP ticket holders.
Photo Ben Pelosse / JdeM
“Canadiens fans are among the most passionate in hockey,” noted Hart. “We want to see that passion, volume, and excitement throughout the Royal Montreal this fall.” With extensive renovations and facilities to enhance spectator experience, the goal is ambitious yet feasible.
Transforming the Royal Montreal Course
The Presidents Cup will look vastly different from the last edition held in 2007. Hart emphasizes that event organization has evolved significantly over the years. Reflecting on the drastically enhanced 2022 edition at Quail Hollow in North Carolina, Hart and the PGA Tour team are poised to elevate the experience at Royal Montreal.
Layout and Facilities
At the Royal Montreal, luxurious amenities will enhance the viewing experience for over 35,000 spectators expected daily:
- Numerous corporate hospitality suites spanning approximately 640,000 square feet.
- State-of-the-art viewing platforms for spectators at critical tees and greens.
- VIP areas offering unprecedented access to the action.
The lively atmosphere at the first tee during the Presidents Cup.
Photo Getty Images / AFP
A Different Experience in Montreal
The Royal Montreal Golf Club is more than just a host venue; it signifies a vibrant gathering for golf and hockey fans alike. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- High-tech signage indicating player stats, scores, and real-time updates.
- Multiple fan zones featuring local cuisine, merchandise, and entertainment.
- Robust security and accessibility measures for fans.
Expectations for Attendance
With a rich tradition of sporting events, organizers anticipate record-breaking crowds. With Montreal being conveniently less than 90 minutes from the US border, the opportunity to see high-caliber golf alongside the electric atmosphere of Montreal is sure to attract both American and international fans.
Spectators and players alike are expected to engage in an exhilarating environment.
Photo Getty Images / AFP
Competitive Spirit and Home Advantage
Team Captain Insights
International captain Mike Weir emphasizes the significance of the home-field advantage, akin to how the U.S. team thrives in their local territories. “We want to have that same enthusiasm from the crowd,” said Weir.
In contrast, U.S. team captain Jim Furyk aims to harness the support from American fans, albeit he anticipates a less favorable turnout compared to home events but remains optimistic about engaging the local audience.
Brad Furyk is optimistic about his team’s performance in Montreal.
Photo AFP
In summary, the 2024 Presidents Cup promises to be a spectacle of golf, fan engagement, and local pride, solidifying its place in the sports history of Montreal. With careful planning and passionate fans, this event aims to deliver experiences that resonate with spectators long after the last putt is sunk.
