We chatted with Chad at the Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club.
You may have seen this guy holding either a golf club or a guitar. Chad Townsend, born and raised in the City of / Ville de Bathurst, is a PGA of Canada golf professional and a retail manager at Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club. He is also a performing musician.
We caught up with him to learn more about an important event coming up soon in our region and, naturally, ask him: “Why do you 
Chaleur?”
Chaleur?”So, Chad, what’s your favorite spot in the region?
C: I know it’s the obvious answer for me on this one, but even when I’m not working I spend most of my time at Gowan Brae. There’s no better place to take in the sights of the city and the Baie des Chaleurs – from the 14th hole you grasp pretty quickly just how beautiful our city really is. I spend more waking hours here than anywhere else, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Youghall Beach on a peaceful summer day.
Could you give us a few spots you would recommend to tourists?
C: Youghall beach is a wonderful spot to spend an afternoon soaking up the sun with family and friends. La Promenade Waterfront is a beautiful spot to walk around in the summertime, and the live music most nights is a great touch. Also, I may be a little biased here, but tourists should definitely check out Gowan Brae Golf Club. The course is a hidden gem to most, and is one of the most picturesque courses in Atlantic Canada.
Vino Wine Bar in Bathurst
Where do you love eating in the region?
C: My go-to restaurant in Bathurst is Fresco kitchen hands down. The amazing quality of food and the menu options never disappoints. If I’m looking for something smaller, I’ll head down the street to Vino wine bar – they’ve got a great tapas menu to pair with a diverse wine list. Shoot-out to Joeys Pub & Eatery too – amazing staff and atmosphere!
What do you love about your hometown, Bathurst?
C: I love that it’s going through a revitalization of sorts right now. The resilience of a new wave of young entrepreneurs is inspiring, and really brings a new energy into the downtown core.
What do you love about the Chaleur Region?
C: The best part of the region is most definitely the people. It might sound cliché, but the Chaleur region mentality is the perfect medley of friendly, easy-going, and welcoming. I believe our residents take great pride in where we live, and it definitely comes across to those visiting our area!
Photo credit : Acadie-Bathurst Titan
What should people experience when they come here?
C: People visiting the region should definitely take advantage of the outdoors! We have an extensive trail system (Sentiers Verts Chaleur Green Trails) for walking, biking and hiking during the summer, and during the winter we’re one of the biggest snowmobile hubs in Atlantic Canada. While you’re in the region, check out an Titan Acadie-Bathurst (Officiel/Official) game, or Journées Hospitalité Bathurst Hospitality Days if the timing’s right.
[Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club]
Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club will host the 2018 Canadian Senior Men’s Championship.
There’s a major golf tournament coming up at Gowan Brae. Can you tell us about it?
C: We’re very proud to be hosting the 2018 Canadian Senior Men’s Championship at Gowan Brae this upcoming September 3-7th. We’ll be playing host to 156 of the best golfers 55+ from not only Canada, but from all across the USA and abroad as well.
This event will be a huge benefit to not only the golf course, but to the entire Chaleur region. We can’t wait to show off Bathurst and the surrounding areas to the players, many of which are visiting New Brunswick for the first time.
The public is certainly most welcome to come out and watch some high-caliber golf. See you in September!
