A key property at an iconic Greater Toronto Area public course has a renovation on the horizon. Architect Ian Andrew has been engaged to lead the enhancements of the North Course at the TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ontario.
A few years back, during a golf game with TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley President Chris Humeniuk, he happily talked about the future of the North course, it’s place within their portfolio of layouts (three-full size eighteens) and the plan for its suitability to host the best players. It was clear the visions were not only grand, but purposely intended to build on the legacy of the course to make it even more suitable for the future golfer.
That vision will now get started in earnest later this summer when Ian Andrew gets to moving earth on the golf course he previously worked on under original architect, Doug Carrick.
Not only will Andrew be focused on top level golfers, more importantly he will be working in considerations on the course of the majority of people who play rounds there, the everyday golfer. They may not want to play from the new tees that will measure some 7500 yards, but they are certain to appreciate the greater playability and shot options that Andrew has been planning for the design since last year.
The project, which will begin on the ground in early, August, is slated to be complete by the end of 2023, and will be the precursor to the unveiling of a new clubhouse for the course (plus another on another course). That is a project that is already underway and should be complete, along with new on-site accommodations and amenities some time in 2024.
The enhancements will key in on renovation of the green sites with larger run-off areas, more more closely to repel poor approach shots but to allow any golfer to choose a variety of shots to recover, even a scenario where a player could choose a putter. Some tee boxes and bunkers will also be re-located, and the practice facility will see a major upgrade. on the range turf itself, and with the construction of new shirt game and putting greens.
“For more than 20 years the North course has been known to golfers as a welcoming and wide modern course that players of all skill levels can enjoy,” said Chris Humeniuk “With this renovation, the course will be elevated into a compelling test for high level championship play while retaining its identity as fun, friendly and accessible for all players”
Originally designed by Doug Carrick, the 7,151-yard North course opened in 2001. Momentum to enhance the course to suit high level competition began in 2018, when Osprey Valley became the first Canadian facility to join the PGA TOUR’s TPC Network and launched the Osprey Valley Open, an annual PGA TOUR Canada event. In consultation with the PGA TOUR and TPC Network, a vision was forged to renovate the course as a venue for championship play.
Collaboration with Ian Andrew Golf Design began in 2022, with a focus on course changes to enhance competitive features, providing additional shotmaking options and strategic intrigue to the modern, parkland-style course. Following the completion of changes, the course will measure over 7,500 yards from the championship tees.
“Ian has presented us with a compelling approach to supercharge the course in a way that will test elite competitors and make the North a choice venue for high level competition while retaining the playability and fun factor that golfers have come to know and love,” said Humeniuk.
Andrew, who worked under Doug Carrick on original construction of the North course, including extensive work on design of the course’s green complexes, has an extensive portfolio of golf course design including renovations of St. George’s Golf and Country Club and Oakdale Golf and Country Club in preparation for the PGA TOUR’s RBC Canadian Open.
In addition to two original designs at Laval-sur-le-lac in Quebec (with Mike Weir) and Maple Downs in Toronto, the Brantford, Ontario resident has also been called upon for renovations to dozens of classic venues throughout North America designed by distinguished golden age architects such as Stanley Thompson, Seth Raynor, Walter J. Travis, A.W. Tillinghast, Willie Park Jr. and others.
With a focus on transforming the course for the modern competitive game, Andrew said golfers can expect to see course changes that intensify the challenges placed on elite competitors yet keep the fun factor for players of all abilities, such as strategically placed fairway bunkers confronting the longest hitters and runoff areas that offer multiple recovery shot options around the greens.
“This property, and the North course in particular, is a special place for me, having worked with Doug on the original design of this bold and truly fun golf course. With TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley at the forefront of so much excitement in Canadian golf, I’m thrilled to play a part in this project and look forward to continued collaboration with Chris and the Osprey Valley team,” said Andrew.
Following the 2023 August long weekend, renovation will begin and see the North course and practice facilities closed for the remainder of the 2023 season.
Opened in 2001, the parkland-style North (formerly known as Toot) course features wide fairways and dramatic green complexes protected by deep bunkers. The course has hosted several high-level competitive events, including PGA TOUR Canada’s Osprey Valley Open, RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifying and U.S. Open Local Qualifying.
