Historic Renovation

Ross and MacKenzie. MacKenzie and Ross.

St. Charles has an incredible historic heritage, one founded on a course designed by two of the greatest names in golf—Alister MacKenzie, the designer behind Cypress Point, and Donald Ross, who created Pinehurst No.1, Oakland Hills and many other great championship facilities.

Starting in 2022, and continuing in 2023, the Ross/MacKenzie Nines at St. Charles will see a significant upgrade, with the club replacing its irrigation system, but also undergoing a renovation of its bunkers under the watchful eye of renowned golf designer Jim Urbina.

The Designer:

Jim Urbina

Links Magazine called Jim Urbina, “Golf’s rising star.” And there’s no question St. Charles’ historic course is in the hands of one of the game’s most celebrated architects.

Urbina started his career working with Pete Dye before moving to join Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf firm, where he had a hand in several great courses, including Pacific Dunes and Old Macdonald, two of the four designs at Bandon Dunes. More recently he’s worked on numerous MacKenzie projects, including the Valley Club of Monticetto, as well as Pasatiempo, and Claremont. He’s also worked at Donald Ross’ Essex near Boston, considered one of the best examples of the architect’s work.

“The good news with this project is we have one of the most unique courses anywhere to work with,” says Urbina, who is based in Denver, and has worked on many of the best courses in the world. “This is the only Alister MacKenzie course in Canada, and a great Ross. This is having a Rembrandt in your backyard for years and getting the chance to restore it.”

Proposed changes to the MacKenzie Nine

MacKenzie #8 before renovation

Proposed MacKenzie #8 after renovation

Proposed changes to the Ross Nine

Ross #1 before renovation

Proposed Ross #1 after renovation

Urbina Work: Pasatiempo

Urbina Work: The Valley Club of Montecito

Renovation Details

Access to the tee

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Timeline

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The Result

Already one of Canada’s most historic private golf clubs, with two nines designed by an unrivaled pedigree of great architects, once the renovation is complete, St. Charles will see its course elevated further. A great club with a golf course that’s without peer in the Winnipeg market—that’s St. Charles.