NANAIMO – Nanaimo Golf Club is preparing approaching a century of bringing people together.
In 2020, the club will reflect on 100 years of serving their community, serving as a gathering places for generations of Nanaimo residents.
The club boasts one of the best semi-private golf courses on Vancouver Island, with a clubhouse that hosts countless wedding receptions, parties, business meetings, and more.
“Being in a smaller community like Nanaimo is, the club has positioned itself as a trusted venue among community members,” says Ryan Woods, General Manager at Nanaimo Golf Club.
Countless community organizations use the course and clubhouse for their events, partnering with flexible staff who are able to customize services to meet the needs of their clients.
Notably, Nanaimo Golf Club hosted the First Annual Tom Harris Charity Classic on June 15th. The tournament was organized by Tony Harris, son of the late community leader, Tom Harris.
“Tony approached us saying he wanted to showcase Tom’s legacy and honor his memory by bringing the community together and raising awareness for some charitable causes,” says Woods.
“We were proud to support him and his family as they organized the tournament, and are looking forward to hosting it against next year.”
The second annual event will be held at the Nanaimo Golf Club on June 21st, 2019, and all proceeds from the tournament will go to the Tom Harris Community Endowment Fund, which will provide grants to a variety of local charitable causes.
“We host a great deal of community events,” says Woods. “We have many community partners who come to us to facilitate tournaments, fundraisers, and parties, and we’re happy to support them.”
The club also invests in local athletes, hosting the VIU Mariners golf team, which practices and plays on their course, as well as the Dover Bay High School team.
“We have a thriving junior program here,” says Woods. “Our team recently won the Jack McLaughlin Memorial PGA of BC Pro-Junior Championship. Our Professional, Chris Martens, did a great job leading our juniors, and they were very excited with the win.”
The golf course is complemented by a food services staff that is comprised of top-level talent, constantly working to perfect their menu for the restaurant and for catered events.
According to Woods, Nanaimo Golf Club has successfully established itself as a community organization thanks to tenured management and deep community roots.
The club began in 1920 as Nanaimo Golf Links, and operated as a 9-hole course on Wakesiah Avenue until 1962.
The course was designed by A.G. Meakin, on 86 acres of land leased from Western Fuel Company until the club purchased it in 1946.
Until the clubhouse was built, the building now known as Quarterway Hotel served as the first clubhouse.
In 1962, the Wakesiah Avenue course was closed, and the club moved to their current location on Highland Boulevard, which had been under construction since 1953.
“The construction was completed by BC Vocational Training School, who used it to teach students various skills,” says Woods.
All 18 holes were finally completed by 1968. Since then, the course has undergone several major renovations, including the recent renovation of their clubhouse.
“We have an extremely attractive course,” says Woods. “Our course conditioning is some of the best on the mid-Island, and ur drainage makes the course playable 12 months of the year. This is coupled with the course’s stunning view of Departure Bay.
“With the beautiful grounds and a tenured staff who love the place and uphold standards of excellence, I’m confident the Nanaimo Golf Club will remain an important organization for members and guests for years to come.”