8.17

Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club

ARCHITECTS

Course info

ACCESS
Private
EST.
1911
GRASS
Bentgrass
SEASON
April–October
CART TYPE
Electric
avg. Price
$
?
CADDIES
Unknown
Type
Parkland
Unknown
Par
73
Unknown
Holes
18
Stimpmeter
10.2
City
Vancouver

Score

8.17
Design
40%
8.3
Conditions
25%
8.2
Desirability
15%
8.2
Scenery
10%
8.4
Fun
5%
7.7
Uniqueness
5%
7.3

Difficulty

Overall
Moderate

Slope 131

75
155

Scratch Rating

-10
0
+10

Stimpmeter 10.2

7
15

Walkability Moderate

Easy
Brutal

Weather

Average Rain High

Low
Extreme

Average Wind Low

Low
Extreme

Price

?
?
?
$
$
$
Low
Average
High

Yearly Rounds

0
75,000

Course Report

Shaughnessy has hosted the Canadian Open multiple times, including the first one held west of Ontario in nearly 40 years in 2005, as well as the 2011 Canadian Open and 2023 Canadian Women’s Open.

About

Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, established in 1911 and designed by A.V. Macan, is a private, tour-tested championship course renowned for its lush parkland layout with mature trees, strategic bunkers, and immaculate fairways. Overlooking the Fraser River, the club features premium practice facilities and modern clubhouse amenities in a prestigious, scenic setting just minutes from downtown Vancouver.

Caddie Tip

Play for position off the tee, as tree-lined fairways demand accuracy rather than length. The greens feature subtle slopes—stay below the hole for uphill putts. On the par 5, 5th, consider laying up short of the creek unless you have a precise long game, as the approach is challenging and risk outweighs reward for most golfers.

The Main Challenge

The toughest challenge at Shaughnessy comes from its narrow, tree-lined fairways and small, well-bunkered greens—demanding both accuracy and strategic shot shaping throughout the round. Well-placed bunkers, elevation changes, and demanding approach shots make every hole a test, especially under tournament conditions.

The Good

Golfers rave about Shaughnessy's classic parkland design featuring towering, mature trees, tranquil setting, and beautiful views of the Fraser River. The course layout rewards precision and strategy, with several standout holes that are both scenic and challenging. The overall ambience and world-class clubhouse amenities create a memorable, exclusive experience.

The Not So Good

The biggest drawback for many is the density of trees, which can lead to slow play and difficult recovery shots for higher handicappers. The thick rough and strategically-placed hazards can result in lost balls and longer rounds. Some members would like to see more modernization in the technology of practice facilities.

Signature Hole:

#

5

No items found.

The par 5, 5th hole at Shaughnessy stretches 471 yards and is famed for its strategic challenge. Golfers must navigate fairway bunkers off the tee before facing an approach shot over a creek that guards the green, testing both distance and precision. It's a true risk-reward opportunity for long hitters, while most will treat it as a three-shot hole.

Clubhouse

No items found.

The elegant clubhouse features fine and casual dining, luxurious locker rooms, event spaces, a pro shop, and panoramic terrace seating overlooking the course. Additional amenities include a full-service tennis club with indoor and outdoor courts, wellness services, and year-round social programming.

Practice Facilities

No items found.

Shaughnessy offers a complete practice area with a modern driving range, extensive short-game chipping and bunker area, and a spacious putting green. These facilities allow players to work on all aspects of their game in a relaxed, uncrowded setting with professional instruction available.

Dress Code:

Prestigious

No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.

Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.

Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.

Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.

Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.

Canada