Royal Montreal Golf Club

Royal Montreal Golf Club: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Royal Montreal Golf Club, founded in 1873, is recognized as the oldest golf club in North America and a bedrock of Canadian golf heritage. Established by Scottish expatriates, the club has grown from modest beginnings on Mount Royal to its current home on the picturesque Île Bizard, Montreal, Quebec. Over its rich history, Royal Montreal has been instrumental in the development of golf both in Canada and internationally, earning the “Royal” designation from Queen Victoria in 1884. Today, it is renowned not only for its championship courses and architectural pedigree, but also for its role in hosting world-class tournaments, such as the Presidents Cup and RBC Canadian Open. This guide details the club’s history, significance, visiting hours, ticketing processes, accessibility, facilities, and nearby Montreal attractions, ensuring visitors make the most of their experience at this iconic venue (PGA TOUR, GolfPass, Country Club Price).

Royal Montreal Golf Club chalet surrounded by greenery

Historic photograph of Royal Montreal Golf Club in 1882 showing golfers and the club building

Historical photograph of Royal Montreal Golf Club group in Dorval, Quebec from 1907

Introduction
Historical Significance and Course Evolution
Visiting the Royal Montreal Golf Club
Course Details and Facilities
- Blue Course
- Red and Dixie Courses
Club Atmosphere and Etiquette
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Recommendations
References

Historical Significance and Course Evolution

Founding and Early Years

Royal Montreal Golf Club was founded in 1873 by eight Scottish gentlemen inspired by their homeland’s golfing tradition. The club began with informal rounds on Mount Royal, quickly gaining prominence and soon laying out its first formal course at Fletcher’s Field. The “Royal” designation, granted by Queen Victoria in 1884, cemented its status and cultural importance in the British Empire and Canadian society (PGA TOUR).

Growth and Relocation

To accommodate increasing membership and demand, the club relocated to Dorval in 1896, and after flourishing for more than 60 years, settled on Île Bizard in 1959. The present location boasts 45 holes across three courses—Blue, Red, and Dixie—designed by renowned architects Dick Wilson, Rees Jones, and Stanley Thompson (Country Club Price).

Role in Golf History

Royal Montreal has played a pivotal role in shaping Canadian golf. It was a founding member of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada) in 1895 and hosted the first Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship in 1901. The club has been the site of numerous major tournaments, including the Canadian Open and the Presidents Cup, enhancing its reputation as a premier golf venue (PGA TOUR).

Visiting the Royal Montreal Golf Club

Visiting Hours and Access Policies

Royal Montreal is a private club with access primarily reserved for members and their invited guests. Standard visiting hours for guests align with scheduled tee times and club events, typically between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM during the golf season (late April to late October). Public access is granted during major tournaments and select special events; it is essential to confirm visiting hours and visitor policies directly with the club or via their official website (GolfPass).

Ticketing and Membership

There are no general public tickets for daily play. Non-members must be accompanied by a member or utilize reciprocal arrangements with other elite clubs. For major tournaments, such as the Presidents Cup or Canadian Open, tickets are sold in advance via official event websites. Membership categories include junior, intermediate, and full memberships, with prices and details available through the membership office (Country Club Price).

Guided Tours and Events

While regular public tours are rare, guided tours are sometimes offered during special events or through member arrangement. These tours provide insight into the club’s storied history, architectural highlights, and championship moments. The club also hosts various member events, charity tournaments, and international competitions throughout the year.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

Royal Montreal has made strides to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. Facilities include accessible parking, ramps, and golf carts upon request. The clubhouse features elegant dining rooms, lounges, and a pro shop with top-tier equipment and apparel. Practice areas include driving ranges, putting greens, and a state-of-the-art training center.

Course Details and Facilities

The Blue Course

The Blue Course is the club’s championship layout, designed by Dick Wilson and modernized by Rees Jones. Measuring 7,136 yards from the back tees (par 70), it features multi-tiered greens, challenging bunkers, and six water-hazard-laden holes on the back nine. The Blue Course has hosted the Presidents Cup and Canadian Open, earning a reputation for both beauty and difficulty (GolfPass).

The Red and Dixie Courses

The Red Course, also designed by Dick Wilson, offers a classic parkland style with tree-lined fairways and smaller greens, while the nine-hole Dixie Course provides a more relaxed round. Both courses are meticulously maintained and offer rewarding experiences for golfers of all skill levels (Top100GolfCourses).

Club Atmosphere and Etiquette

Royal Montreal maintains a formal and traditional atmosphere. Dress code requires collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, and soft-spiked golf shoes; denim, cargo shorts, and athletic wear are prohibited. Courteous greetings and respectful behavior are expected. English is widely spoken, though using French pleasantries is appreciated (GolfPass, Lonely Planet).

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Île Bizard: Offers parks and waterfront trails, perfect for a scenic stroll before or after golf.
Downtown Montreal: A 30–40 minute drive, featuring Old Montreal, Mount Royal Park, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and world-class dining.
Best Visiting Season: June through September, with mild weather and lush conditions.
Transport: The club is best reached by car or taxi due to limited public transit. Plan routes in advance and allow extra travel time during peak periods (Lonely Planet).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Royal Montreal Golf Club visiting hours?
A: Visiting hours for guests are typically 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM during golf season, by invitation only.

Q: How do I play or visit as a non-member?
A: Non-members must be accompanied by a member or have a special invitation, often through reciprocal club arrangements.

Q: Can the public attend tournaments?
A: Yes, major tournament tickets are available in advance through official event websites.

Q: What are the dress code requirements?
A: Collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, and soft-spiked golf shoes are mandatory. Denim and athletic wear are not permitted.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, during special events or via member arrangement.

Q: Is the club accessible?
A: Yes, there are accessible facilities for guests with mobility needs; contact the club in advance for specific arrangements.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Royal Montreal Golf Club stands as a testament to Canadian golfing tradition, architectural excellence, and sporting prestige. While access is primarily reserved for members and their guests, the club opens its doors to the public during major tournaments and select events, offering a rare chance to experience championship golf in a breathtaking setting. To maximize your visit, confirm all arrangements in advance, adhere to club policies, and explore the rich cultural offerings of Montreal. For the latest updates, exclusive tips, and event schedules, visit the official club website and consider downloading the Audiala app (PGA TOUR, GolfPass, MTL.org).