Steve Hardaker
Community Correspondent
After a three-year hiatus, the Double Eagle Lounge and Patio at the Royal Niagara Golf Club in NOTL’s Glendale community had its grand reopening last Friday evening.
And judging from the turnout of guests, its long-anticipated revival was well-received by the public and residents of the Niagara on the Green neighbourhood.
Guitarist Brad Battle provided live entertainment, something the club hopes to continue monthly.
There is lots new at the club, including the food and beverage team, the menu and some of the management staff.
Some of the favourite selections Friday evening included the ham and brie melt, beef tips, fish and chips, and the pulled pork sandwich.
Royal Niagara opened in 1999 and is one of six Kaneff courses in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area.
The 27-hole course is nestled between the historic Welland Canal, the beautiful Bruce Trail and the Niagara Escarpment – and is more than 7,000 yards long from the back tees.
In 2003, it hosted the Telus Skins match, featuring Vijay Singh, Sergio Garcia, John Daly and Canadian Ian Leggatt.
New on the management team is course superintendent John Chappell, who has a lofty goal for 2023.
“I want to make Royal Niagara the best Kaneff course,” he said.
To help achieve that, “the fairways and greens are being cut more frequently and the greens are being rolled every day.”
Chappell also said about 60 tonnes white sand from Ohio is being added to the bunkers in 2023.
“With time and care, Royal Niagara Golf Club will become a signature golf course.”
Cam Zeppa is the new assistant operations manager and a class A CPGA golf pro. He previously was associate pro at the NOTL Golf Club.
His goal for 2023 is to make his new club “the premiere Niagara golf course.”
“I want to bring this course back to what it was when it first opened,” he said. A tall order indeed.
That starts with good customer service from all staff, he said. “I want golfers to come back again after their round.”
He concedes “2023 will be the rebuilding year” but hopes to make Royal Niagara a destination course and one of Kaneff’s top courses.
The Double Eagle Lounge and Patio is an important part of that rebuilding process and visitors enjoyed a wonderful grand reopening last Friday evening.
For now, the lounge and patio will be open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If it proves a popular choice for restaurant-goers, it may open on other days during the week.
Steve Hardaker has lived in Glendale for more than 13 years and is active in many community organizations.
