Toronto, Ontario, Canada - A new clubhouse overlooking Stoney Lake will set the stage for Wildfire Golf Club's evolution into a full-service world-class golf facility over the next few months.
Construction is set to start in April on the last piece of the puzzle that will solidify Wildfire’s position as a premier private golf club in Kawartha cottage country. The foundation will be dug when the ground thaws from the winter freeze and the project will be complete by the end of the season with a formal grand opening in the spring of 2006.
"We have chosen a fantastic clubhouse site down by the water overlooking Gilchrist Bay and Stoney Lake," says golf course architect Tom McBroom.
Wildfire’s new owner, Toronto-businessman Glenn Stonehouse and McBroom handpicked the spot last fall.
"It's a stunning location and will elevate Wildfire's reputation as one of the finest clubs in Ontario," McBroom says. "The views of the finishing hole and the water make it a focal point and hub of activity for the membership,"
The 10,000-square-foot "graceful cottage" is being designed in traditional rustic character to capture the feeling of cottages that have dotted the Stoney Lake shoreline for decades. It is just steps from the club's docking facilities that allow members and guests to arrive by boat and even pontoon plane. The exterior will feature a combination wood and stone finish with a grand roofline, gabled accents and cedar shingles. The warming feeling of fireplaces and hewn timbers will highlight an elegant fine dining room and casual bar area. A screened outdoor patio area with a wood-burning fireplace will provide panoramic views of the water.
"We're giving it an old time cottage look that draws on the past and connects to the natural aspects of the property," says Toronto-based architect Richard Wengle. His other Ontario clubhouse work includes, Granite GC, Grandview Resort and Glencairn GC.
Stonehouse Group Inc. president and c.e.o. Glenn Stonehouse has taken an active leadership role in moving the club forward since taking control last fall of the management company that runs Wildfire GC. He’s an avid golfer and long-time Stoney Lake cottager who couldn't resist the opportunity to purchase Wildfire GC when it arose.
"I love golf and Wildfire ranks as one of the best golf courses I have played anywhere in the world," he says. "I truly love Stoney Lake, it's as simple as that,
"It's a sophisticated and elegant clubhouse that when complete will appear and feel as though it has been here for more than 100 years,"
Other club improvements include:
When operations are moved to the new clubhouse for the start of the 2006 season, the course will be slightly reconfigured. The current par-5 17th hole will be renumbered as No. 18 to finish at the clubhouse. The current par-4 18th hole has been shortened and becomes No. 1. The remainder of the routing follows from there;
The pond has been improved on what will be No. 18 and a waterfall feature will be added this spring;
The tee decks at the south end of the double-ended range have been expanded so it becomes the primary practice area, along with new putting and chipping greens and a practice sand bunker;
A halfway house will be built this summer at the new 12th tee off area; and
A split rail fence has been installed along the front of the property.
