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Writer's Cup 2005 @ The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort
Invite 10 golf media and writers to Whistler B.C. for a 5 night / 4 round golf event, mix in some old fashioned bantering between Canucks and Yanks, play in a Ryder Cup format and what do you have? The Writer's Cup 2005 - Hosted by the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and a myriad of golf, dining, and activity partners.
Whistler Golf Packages
I can recall listening to Hal Quinn at a media event well over a year ago raving about this event in Whistler called the Writer's Cup, a play on the Ryder Cup format with the spin that the event pits Canadians against Americans golf writers in match play and scramble formats.
Fast forward to July - An email invite from Shawna Merrell, Public Relations for the Fairmont Chateau Whistler to attend the 2005 Writer's Cup festivities.
The itinerary was something out of an episode from Robin Leach's �Life Styles of the Rich and Famous�. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler hosts this annual event that consists of playing Chateau Whistler Golf Club, Big Sky Golf Golf & Country Club in Pemberton, The Whistler Golf Club and The Nicklaus North Golf Course. In between the golf, the days are filled with fine dining, outdoor activities and 1st class accommodations in the Fairmont Gold rooms.
Saturday Sept 3rd � The Arrival
The teams gathered for an introduction reception with a gourmet meal to follow in The Wildflower Restaurant - Whistler's only 4-Diamond rating by AAA/CAA and Wine Spectator's - 'Best Of, Award of Excellence' for 2004. I had the pleasure of sampling some of the Southern Okanagan's Nk'Mip Cellars Merlot. The body and flavor of this vintage was the perfect accompaniment to the New Zealand Rack of Lamb. This evening definitely set the tone for what was to come.
Sunday Sept 4th - Day 2
Team Rooster
Team USA consisted of Jim Gullo, Bruce Selcraig and Jason Deegan, all of which are free lance writers, Steve Turcotte works for Inside Golf (Washington) and Jim Moore for the Seattle P.I.
Team Canada consisted of Donna Carter and Ian Cruickshank, both free lance writers, Hal Quinn from Score Golf, Scott Sumner from Northwest Golfing News and Ross Marrington publisher for BCgolfguide.com
Scott Holdon at the David LeadBetter Academy
The morning consisted of a continental breakfast and a visit to the only David Leadbetter Academy in Canada. Golf Professional Scott Holden found some flaws in my posture that have since proven very beneficial. The video analysis revealed so much in my swing, I highly recommend any kind of video capture of your swing and let the pro�s make some simple changes. Scott�s philosophy on golf improvement is to implement small changes over time. As you become accustom to the changes, introduce another simple change.
Round One commenced at the Chateau Whistler Golf Club. The "Chateau" - A masterpiece by Robert Trent Jones Jr - sculpted out of rugged slopes of Blackcomb Mountain that utilizes all the terrain where possible. Dramatic rock faces, ravines, waterfalls and the abundance of wildlife truly emerses you into one of British Columbia's premier mountain golf settings.
Our day was cloudy and it rained continuously from start to finish however that did not discourage anyone. My Canadian partner Hal Quinn and I were paired with Jason Deegan from Michigan and Bruce Selcraig from Houston Texas - Match Play format. Hal was shut down around the 14th hole. Jason and I dueled down to the very last putt on 18 to 1/2 the hole. The clubs were so wet; it was near impossible to hit anything straight.
Monday�s dinner was hosted by Big Sky and the Director of Marketing Dean Larsen at Hy�s Steakhouse, famous for great Alberta Steaks and Cheese Toast - mmmmmmm!
Signature Hole #8 @ Chateau Whistler
Enjoy the Photo gallery below � Please note the photos were taken a few days later when I had the opportunity to play again and experience "The Chateau" as it should be. If you want to experience Mountain Golf - You must play here - You will not be disappointed. Compliments to Rod Cochrane, Director of Golf for creating an extremely pleasant day despite the weather.
Photo Gallery of the Chateau Whistler Golf Club
Monday Sept 5th - Day 3
Is there really any other way to be chauffeured from Whistler to Pemberton to play the ever-pristine Bob Cupp creation - Big Sky Golf and Country Club? Two helicopters were provided by Blackcomb Helicopters to create one unforgettable trip over top of the 8450-foot Mount Currie to arrive on the driving range / learning academy at Big Sky.
Service with style from the Chateau Golf Club to Big Sky
The weather today changed all for the better, a glorious Indian Summer Day, Pro V1's set against the backdrop of Mount Currie, this is paradise! Partner Donna Carter from Ontario and I were paired with Jason Deggan and Jeff Ciecko (General Manager & Executive Professional of the flagship GolfBC course, Nicklaus North) for the U.S. Team. Format for the day - Modified 2-Man Scramble - Each player tees off, then each golfer plays each other�s ball. After both players have played each other's ball, it is then decided which would be the more favorable choice to complete the hole (alternating stokes). One-up for Team Canada.
Big Sky with Mnt. Currie Backdrop - Wow!
The evening was topped off with another wonderful gourmet meal at the Bear Foot Bistro hosted by Ro Davies and the Whistler Golf Club. Looking for a dinner experience with every detail meticulously displayed for a first class dining experience? This is it.
Photo Gallery of Big Sky Golf and Country Club
Tuesday Sept 6th - Day 4
Whistler Golf Club - Ski Runs in the distance
The Whistler Golf Club designed by Arnold Palmer and nestled in the Whistler Valley just minutes from the Village. Nine lakes, two winding creeks and mountain vistas at every turn. This is a course that can be enjoyed either in a cart or walking. This was the 1st course built in Whistler and has had extensive fairway renovations performed. It seems that the run-off from the mountains come spring create a problem under the fairways, with eventual erosion occurring with renovations slatted again but not for some 20 years!
Rod Cochrane (Dir. of Golf at the Chateau Course) and myself were teamed in a traditional Texas Scramble format between Jeff Ciecko and Jim Gullo. There was serious work to be had on day 4. The U.S. were not letting up at all. The matches were literally straight up thru to #17. Rod hit an amazing tee shot on the par 3 - 181 yard hole dubbed "Bird Bath". The ball landed above the hole about 6 feet past. I sank the putt and closed the match.
Photo Gallery of Whistler Golf Club
Later that afternoon, Rod, Scott and myself paid a visit to Canadian Snowmobile for a 2 hr 6000ft climb and tour of Blackcomb Mountain. This was a riot. My first time trying this sport out, and definitely will not be my last.
This evening we were treated to a fine feast prepared by Executive Chef Troy Fogarty at the faboulous Nicklaus North Golf Course, the restaurant that features much more then your typical golf and dine experience. After a wine selection by Sommelier David Foran, we were treated to a fabulous three-course dinner that exceeded the typical golf course fare.
The Den Restaurant on Lake at Nicklaus North features a charming dining room on the shores of Green Lake, an intimate fireplace lounge, a den for private meetings, and a patio with an extraordinary panoramic mountain view. In the winter months guests to Whistler can enjoy a great Sleigh Ride and Fondue Dinner experience.
The Den Restaurant on the Lake features a full menu of fine west coast cuisine and is the perfect place to refuel before another round or to relax at the end of another beautiful day of golf in the Whistler Valley, or stop in while walking along Whistler's Valley Trail.
Photo of Ross Marrington - 1st time ATV'ing
Wednesday Sept 7th - Day 5
Nicklaus North Golf Club proved to be the icing on the cake for the last leg of the Writer's Cup. The course was in mint shape, greens fast and true. With Holes 15, 16 and 17 set along Green Lake and the uniquely shaped bunkers, Nicklaus North is a true "Golden Bear" Design. Nicklaus North is also proud to have hosted the 1997 and 2005 Skins Game.
Scott Sumner and myself were matched up for the final match play event, and again Jason Deegan was my opponent. This was a battle. After 4 holes I was 1 up, after 7 it was even, something very bad happened, the wheels came completely off. The table turned completely the other way. Jason was now up by 1, then 2, then 3, finally by 4 by hole #12! I managed to scrap back 2 but by hole #16 it was all over. Team U.S.A won that match, and playing partner Scott shut down his opponent by hole #11.
Although the U.S. won the cup in 2004, we emerged victorious with a 1 point advantage (12 1/2 vs 11 1/2). The Writer�s Cup home for 2005-06 hinged on the last 4 matches and literally came down to the finishing holes. Team Canada sang Oh Canada proudly to our American counterparts.
The day was wrapped up by a Tappas tower feast on the finest patio in Whistler at the Nicklaus North Golf Course.
A big Thank You to Shawna Merrell and the entire staff at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for a truly memorable experience.
Hole #13 at Nicklaus North
Photo Gallery of Nicklaus North Golf Course
Related Links
Whistler Golfing
Big Sky Golf and Country Club
Chateau Whistler Golf Club
Nicklaus North
Whistler Golf Club
Watch for Whistler Golf Packages for 2006. If you would like to be kept informed of these packages and others please go to our E-Newsletter signup page.
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