Issue link: http://pgaofcanada.uberflip.com/i/136264
Ont., the club became known for its remarkable service levels, palatial clubhouse and incredible amenities, as well as an initiation that exceeded $100,000 and annual dues that were rumored to be the highest in Canada. Much of that was true, but it meant the golf course, designed by Carrick on a tumbling site that featured wide expanses, wasn't discussed as frequently. Some of that was due to the fact the course was one of the most exclusive private clubs in Canada, and few had the privilege of playing there. And other than occasional television specials that showed some holes, few had the chance to test Carrick's grand vision. "PGA members aren't going to play many courses that are in better condition," says Roxborough, who joined the Magna staff when the course first opened and who credits superinten- dent Wayne Rath for the impeccable turf. While some questioned the width of Carrick's initial design, as Magna has matured, the architect and Rath have made subtle tweaks to the initial concept, narrowing some fairways, bringing some of the 89 bunkers more into the strategy. "We've made some changes in recent years," Roxborough says. "Those changes have been really positive for the course. It is a great golf course and we really want to see it tested by Canada's best players." As for the spectators who come to the championship, Roxborough says he expects they'll be impressed by the course and by the atmosphere around the club. "It isn't a stuffy place at all," he says. "People are going to be pleasantly surprised by that and blown away by the course."