Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
The Takeaway: Impeccable conditioning and tight corridors are the call of the day with towering pine trees framing fairways throughout. The classic routing would benefit from opening up the surrounding vistas with some tree removal. Grade B-
Quick Facts
Designer: Vernon Macan 1960
Cost: Private
Phone Number: 604.266.6248
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 4300 SW Marine Dr, Vancouver, British Columbia V6N 4A6 – CANADA
Photos: See additional photos of Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club
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What to Expect: Shaughnessy is one of those courses that impresses you in so many ways, while at the same time leaving you wondering what could be in others. The routing is seamless with easy transitions from green to tee, and terrain that provides a pleasant walk. The greens are absolutely top shelf with perfectly manicured surfaces paired with well-conceived shaping. In fact, Shaughnessy’s conditioning is among the best in all of Canada which makes playing there enjoyable throughout the entire round. On the flip side, the overgrowth of the trees is staggering. Not taking advantage of the views is tragic, and playing all round thinking, "What could have been" can override your mind. The hole shapes and strategies are fantastic but there would need to be a serious amount of tree removal to accomplish what this course could be. The narrow fairways are demanding but begin to burden the modern game and distance technology associated with it. The elevated greens put additional teeth in the layout, something that has helped Shaughnessy host several Canadian Opens over the years. In the end, it is an old-school course that will be a cerebral test to the modern player as they navigate the narrow fairways, overhanging branches, and dense forestry as they battle their mind as much as their swing.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 73 | 7045 | 74.8 | 134 |
| Blue | 73 | 6672 | 73.2 | 130 |
| White | 73 | 6344 | 71.4 | 128 |
| Green | 72 | 5775 | 68.9 | 123 |
| Red (Ladies) | 73 | 5431 | 71.8 | 126 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 11th Hole – 520 Yard Par 5 – Shaughnessy’s most iconic hole, is also the hole that would most benefit from opening up the vistas. Framed by towering Douglas Firs, this reachable par five asks players to keep their tee shot just inside the bunker on the right side of the fairway to have the best look at the green on the second shot. The hole bends left at the end of the fairway and asks players to hit a draw to split the bunkers and find the raised green. Missing either direction will get swatted by the branches of the trees that protect the vulnerability of the hole. The Fraser River parallels the hole and beautiful views of the Strait of Georgia could be afforded if trees along the left side were removed, but players are given just a glimpse of the sparkling water.
Best Par 3: 17th Hole – 158 Yards – A gem late in the round, the 17th is a beautiful hole where most of the trees in the background have been removed to open up the vistas of the water. The bunkerless hole asks you to remove any distractions and just hit the best golf shot you can at this subtly contoured green. The green surfaces at Shaughnessy are receptive, so take dead aim and try to card a birdie on this penultimate hole.
Best Par 4: 10th Hole – 453 Yards – The 10th begins the back nine with authority. A demanding tee shot through the trees sets up a long approach to a green protected in the front left by a bunker as well as along the right side of the putting surface. O.B. lines the left side of the hole for players that power one through the tree line, and the fairway bends slightly right. The Fraser River parallels this hole and offers some attractive vistas once you reach the putting surface.
Best Par 5: 15th Hole – 577 Yards – The longest hole at the course, the 15th is a true three-shot par five for most players. The tee shot must avoid the fairway bunker on the left side which will surely prevent players from taking a run at the green in two. 100 yards from the green, bunkers line up on each side of the fairway leading up to the putting surface and stand as the final defense to this lengthy offering. There isn't any elevation change on this hole, so the yardage will play straight-up and at sea level.
Birdie Time: 14th Hole – 315 Yard Par 4 – Right before Shaughnessy's longest hole is this short par four that is begging for you to take advantage of it. This straightaway offering features some bunkers up the left side, but tee shots that stay up the right will have a great look at the green with a scoring club in hand. Driving the green will almost guarantee birdie, but anything near it will give you an opportunity to go flag hunting no matter where the pin position is that day. Whether you go at it or lay up, this is your chance to go under par.
Bogey Beware: 4th Hole – 418 Yard Par 4 – The 4th hole epitomizes Shaughnessy’s defensive character. A sharp dogleg left framed by trees demands an exacting tee shot where going too long will have you running through the fairway into the deep rough and coming up short will leave a blind approach. Accuracy is everything here with overhanging branches hanging ready to quickly turn a routine par attempt into survival. The fairway itself is not overly long by modern standards, but it plays tighter than the yardage suggests. Positioning off the tee is critical, as the angle into the green can vary dramatically depending on where you land. The green is guarded on each side by bunkers, and approaches from the rough make holding the green difficult. This is everything Shaughnessy embraces; patience and accuracy over brute and length.
