What were you doing 100 years ago? If you were golfing in Winnipeg, you were probably at St. Charles.
In August of 1904, the first golf game was played at the brand new St. Charles Country Club. This summer, the club is celebrating its centennial in style.
Among the events planned for members include the president's reception on July 1, and a family day on August 18 where there will be a fair and games for kids. The club also recently released the hardcover book One Hundred Years at St. Charles Country Club which not only chronicles the history of the club, but also explores the city of Winnipeg at the turn of the century and beyond.
VIRTUAL MUSEUM
Inside the St. Charles clubhouse is a virtual museum of the club, its 27 holes, and its 1,200 members.
"What we undertook to do was pick out of our archives a lot of the historical information that would allow our members to be educated more about the history and traditions of the club," said general manager Cameron Gray.
Some of the club artifacts now enshrined on its walls include the original minutes played in 1904, architect Donald Ross' original drawings of the south course, a set of clubs made by golf pro Eric Bannister around 1930, and a timeline showcasing dozens of pictures of the course and its members over the years.
Gray said there was a large number of factors that have made the club the success it is today.
"The club has had a tremendously supportive membership for a lot of years," said Gray.
"It has great governance, great management, and (has made) great decisions over the years. The great golf course, course architecture, clubhouse, world-class staff, golf pros, course superintendents, (chefs), and management who have been here over the years are people who have distinguished themselves within their own disciplines and have been recognized at all different kinds of levels."
St. Charles has held numerous national and international events including Jack Nicklaus' visit during the AT&T Senior's tour stop in 2000.
It's also the oldest golf course in the province.
"It's been my second home," said Shirley Lush, one of the club's historians. "I've been there since 1945. I've enjoyed it all my life."
Lush, now 80, said she was most proud of having three ladies from the club recognized as Canadian champions.
Mauriel Rogers won the Canadian Ladies title in 1937, Brionie Brown took home the Canadian Junior Ladies crown in 1993, and Aileen Robertson won the Canadian Ladies championship in 1994.
Lush still golfs a couple of times a week even though both her hips have been replaced.
"I don't get around too well now but I still love being out there," said Lush.
Being out there golfing is something Manitobans do better than anybody.
"I suspect part of it is because we're cooped up so much in the winter, when the sun finally shines and things warm up, Manitobans are very keen about summer pursuit," said Gray.
"It doesn't matter whether it's cottage life, or boating, or golf. When you bring up golf in conversation, it doesn't matter where you are in Manitoba, you've got some common ground to discuss with others. It's pretty special in this province."
Could Winnipeggers expect St. Charles to be around for another hundred years?
"I see this club being positioned extremely well for many years of continued success," said Gray. As time progresses, the younger generation will be looking for more things that are family-oriented. I see the club continuing to evolve into more of a family environment but at the same time, there has to be space for mom and dad. We seem to be able to blend those together quite reasonably."
Source: Winnipeg Sun (Manitoba, Canada)
