GC: What prompted Humber Valley Resort to host the CN Future Links Atlantic Championship?
HO: With a recommendation from Greg Hillier of Golf NL, we felt it was a great opportunity to welcome youth from the Atlantic Provinces to our golf facility. We’re excited for them to see the beauty of the course and the region.
GC: What preparations have went into hosting this championship?
HO: Our management, staff, and course crew have been busy preparing the course and clubhouse to welcome the athletes and their parents to the resort. It’s been a great experience working with Golf NL and Golf Canada to make the event come together.
GC: What can players expect when they arrive at your club?
HO: Humber Valley is a scenic course that is both forgiving and challenging to all skill levels. They can expect some holes that will seem short and simple while others will test their ability to read and play the course.
GC: What do you think will challenge competitors the most?
HO: The elevation changes on the course will be a challenge for some golfers and the greens are very large. The golfers will need a day to get used to the overall feel of the course layout and how to play it to their advantage.
GC: Are there any significant holes or sections of the golf course that should provide excitement for the tournament?
HO: Our signature Hole #10 is beautiful par 5, it’s a real treat but it’s also very deceiving for even the best golfers. Hole #5 on the beach is one of my favorite holes as it’s a little shorter and very picturesque.
GC: What does hosting an event like this do for your local community?
HO: The tournament will be great for tourism in the region and it’s an opportunity to showcase Humber Valley, Western Newfoundland, and it’s true beauty.
GC: What sets your club apart from others in the area, in terms of both the course and/or its membership?
HO: The course was designed by the one and only Doug Carrick, he really showcased all areas of the landscape. The mountain, lake and river views from most holes are incomparable to any course in Newfoundland. The resorts luxury chalets built around the course also add to the overall golf resort experience.
GC: What does your club do to encourage and engage your junior membership each season?
HO: We currently have a very small junior membership, since some younger athletes find the course very challenging. We’re working to increase interest and there are hopes in the future to complete a driving range and offer more programs to engage local juniors.
GC: Why is hosting this championship important to the club?
HO: It’s great exposure and it’s an important part of staying active with the golf membership in Canada. The future of golf lies in the athletes who compete in these tournaments and we want them to enjoy their golf experience here at Humber Valley.
GC: What is your club looking forward to the most in hosting this championship?
HO: We’re looking forward to welcoming both the athletes and their parents, who may not have normally traveled to Newfoundland if it hadn’t been for this event. We’re also looking forward to working with Golf Canada to put on a professional tournament. Our members have shown a great interest in volunteering and that’s a great feeling to know your local golfers are there to support these events. Overall we hope all athletes enjoy their rounds, form friendships with fellow competitors, and play the best they can.
Starting times, live scoring, and more information regarding the CN Future Links Atlantic Championship can be found online here.