CPKC WOMEN’S OPEN UPDATE

Interesting facts and tidbits about the upcoming CPKC Women’s Open

Dear Shaughnessy members,

The 156-player field will be competing at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club (SGCC) for the first time in tournament history. This marks the first time the province of British Columbia has hosted the CPKC Women’s Open since 2015 (Vancouver Golf Club). Shaughnessy also becomes the only Canadian golf club to host both the Women’s and Men’s National Open Championships in the last twenty years, and one of six clubs in history to host all of the Professional Men’s and Women’s Canadian Opens and the Men’s and Women’s Canadian Amateur.

• 49th playing of the Canadian Women’s Open, Aug 22-27 at SGCC
• 2022 Canadian Women’s Open Champion at the Ottawa Hunt Club – Paula Reto
• Prize Money – $2.5 million (up from $2.0 million last year)
• 156 players – 72 holes with cut after 36 holes, top 65 players and ties
• Par 72, 6685 yards
• Shaughnessy now holds the record for most corporate hospitality products sold of any Canadian Women’s Open in history (includes Pro-Am)
• The field will be very strong. The final field will include 9 of the top 10 and 22 of the top 25 in the Race to the CME Standings. Eight past champions, and eight Canadians will be in the field. Notables include Canada’s very own Brooke Henderson, Lydia Ko, Celine Boutier, Rose Zhang, Jin Young Ko, Nelly Korda, and Shaughnessy’s Victoria Liu and Sonja Tang! Click here for the most recent press release regarding the field.
• Shaughnessy, in addition to being the only club in Canada to host both the Men’s and Women’s Open in the last 20 years, also joins an elite group of only six (6) clubs that have hosted each of the Men’s and Women’s Canadian Opens and Amateurs.

Interesting tidbits about 2023 CPKC Women’s Open and 2011 RBC Canadian Open events held at Shaughnessy

• In 2023, Golf Channel & TSN will broadcast during prime time (EST) all four days. Tee times have been adjusted to accommodate. In 2011, CBS & Golf Channel coverage meant the event reached approximately 400 million TV households (120 million in 2005).
• Charity component – In 2011, Royal Bank’s commitment to B.C. Children’s Hospital was $1 million; CPKC commitment to B.C. Children’s Hospital and Royal Inland Hospital in 2023 is expected to be $2.5 million. This is in addition to the nearly $3.5 million that was donated to these charities in 2020 and 2021 despite the postponement of the events.
• The 2005 edition of the Men’s Canadian Open was voted best course on tour (excluding Majors) by the players. The 2022 edition of the CPKC Women’s Open was voted LPGA Tournament of the Year in 2022, and we hope to repeat that feat again this year.
• This year there will be more on-course facilities – including the Rink on hole #17. The total build-out, including corporate hospitality, partner activations, and stands, is expected to be larger than 2011 in terms of square footage.
• We have nearly 1100 volunteers for this year’s event. 2011 saw us closer to 1500 volunteers.
• Cell phone policy. Cell phones were not permitted in 2011. Today, patrons are expected to bring their devices in order to access the Golf Canada App for tee times, scores, food ordering, etc.

History

Shaughnessy Heights was conceived in 1907 as an elite neighborhood by the Canadian Pacific Railway (near the current Van Dusen Gardens and Eric Hamber School). As part of the residential development, Shaughnessy Heights Golf Course was built (1911) and named after the company president, Thomas Shaughnessy. Note that many of the streets are named after former CP Rail officials: (Richard) Angus, (Richard) Marpole, (Charles) Hosmer, (Edmund) Osler, and (Augustus) Nanton. Marguerite Street is named after Thomas Shaughnessy’s daughter.

In 1960, the Club relocated to its current location on the traditional and ancestral lands of Musqueam. A.V. Macan was chosen as the course architect. His previous designs included Royal Colwood, Richmond GC, Marine Drive, University Golf Club, Stanley Park Pitch &Putt, and many others on the West Coast of Canada & the US. Shaughnessy was his last championship course design. All the learned knowledge and experience from his previous designs culminated into Shaughnessy, the masterpiece for which he wanted to be remembered for.

Final Thoughts

As we prepare to unveil the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, our anticipation is matched only by an important goal: to orchestrate the finest Canadian Women’s Open to date. This endeavor would not be possible without the collective efforts of Golf Canada, CP, our partners, dedicated staff, committed volunteers, valued members, and our invaluable relationship with the Musqueam.

Our aspiration extends beyond the competition itself. On Sunday, as the winner raises the trophy, we anticipate that players, patrons, volunteers, and Golf Canada officials alike will reflect on what we proudly refer to as “The Shaughnessy Experience.” It’s our sincerest hope that this unique blend of tradition, excellence, and community engagement will leave a lasting impression, one that resonates long after the final putt.

Thank you all for your unwavering commitment to this remarkable event. Here’s to an unforgettable CPKC Women’s Open, and we look forward to having all of you join us next week.

Sincerely,

Ken Woods, Ian McLean and Diana Maughan
Tournament Co-Chairs