B10

PETER MCGUIRE
Tee to green

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It appears the idea of a new high-end golf course in Greater Saint John is alive and well but the investigation into who is behind the proposed development has taken a twist.

Craig Wilcox of Woodbury Homes was believed to be the man behind the buzz but he said that's not the case.

He did, however, confirm that he brought in world-renowned golf course architect Graham Cooke to walk a plot of land near the Westfield Road a couple of years ago.

"I did talk with him a couple of years ago," Wilcox said. "We did look at doing something but we couldn't secure the land."

The land in question is actually several different parcels owned by the John Law Corporation. The price tag is believed to be in the million-dollar range. Dave Wilson of Century 21 was the listing agent at the time but said the land is no longer officially on the market. He said he has heard of plans for a new course in the region but declined to elaborate.

When contacted this week, Cooke confirmed he's still in discussions with a Saint John developer but remained tight-lipped.

When asked what type of impact a new course might have on others in the area such as Hampton, Riverside, Rockwood Park, Westfield and Welsford, he said it would not be a threat.

"A place like Riverside has its membership, a great location and loyalty. I would see this (new course) as having very little in terms of membership. A new course would only have a positive impact on the industry.

"If it does go forward, it will be more aimed at tourism," Cooke said. "He's still looking at his options."

Cooke plans to make another visit to Saint John this summer.

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N.B. TIES: The 2009 U.S. Open had more interesting story lines than you could shake your putter at - from Phil Mickelson and his ailing wife Amy to David Duval coming back from the scrap heap to the once can't-miss prospect Ricky Barnes.

But there was one story line that many New Brunswickers were watching with great interest.

Twenty-two year-old Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. made the cut at his second U.S. Open appearance after a sizzling five-under 65 and would end up going on to finish tied for 36th, the best result by an amateur in the field.

His link to New Brunswick came back in 2006 when he captured the Canadian Junior Golf Championship at the Sussex Golf and Curling Club. He shot an opening-round one-under 71, which is impressive enough but when you consider he did it in 70-kilometre per hour winds and no one else in the field broke 76, you quickly had a feeling that this guy was something special.

He went on to win the 2007 Canadian amateur in Saskatoon and is a junior at the University of Washington.

His performance at Bethpage Black also makes him the No. 1 ranked amateur golfer, according to the Royal and Ancient World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Next stop? Undoubtedly the PGA Tour.

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GOLF FOR HEART: There are still openings for the third annual Golf for Heart tournament scheduled for July 10 at the Riverside Country Club. This event will be furthering the mission of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick with proceeds going towards vital research. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in New Brunswick as well as Canada. Registration fee is $900 for a team of four, which includes 18 holes of golf with a power cart, lunch, dinner and a StormTech jacket. There will also be a silent auction and a chance to win a car and $10,000 in cash should there be a hole-in-one. To register, contact Paula McKinley at 634-1620 or by email at pmckinley@hsf.nb.ca.

Peter McGuire is the city editor of the Telegraph-Journal. His Tee to Green column appears during golf season. He can be reached by email at mcguire.peter@telegraphjournal.com or by phone at (506) 645-3268.