We once again turn our spotlight to one of the many groups, clubs, committees and non-profit societies that make our island community so special. Find this month’s Pender Island Golf Club update on page ##. For more information, contact president@penderislandgolf.ca.
First, can you tell us what your group is about, and what you do?
As our name suggests, our major focus is on the game of golf. Member volunteers help our full-time course superintendent and four part-time employees provide an excellent opportunity for an outdoor recreational activity. We most warmly welcome residents and visitors on a casual green fee basis. We also provide a junior program for younger members of our community. Members enjoy the opportunity to be part of social events and activities.
When was the Pender Island Golf Club started, and what sparked it?
The Pender Island Golf and Country Club (or Pender Island Golf Club) has been in existence since 1937 and, except for a period during the Second World War, the golf course has been in operation ever since. The Golf Course and Club was started by Pender residents who had a love of the game of golf and were willing to volunteer their time and resources to create a course and club.
The original club members each contributed money and raised a mortgage to purchase the land, which was evenly divided by South Otter Bay Road. The east side was mainly in pasture and the west side in heavy forest. The plan had been to add four holes on the west to the existing five holes on the east but poor economic post-war conditions delayed these plans.
Even though the game of golf had come to a standstill, that same group of volunteers managed to keep the club solvent. By selling saw logs and firewood from the west side and occasionally renting out the east side for pasture, they managed to pay the taxes and keep up the interest payments on the mortgage. Their foresight and determination were critical to the success of our club today.
Do you produce any community events or initiate special projects? If so, what do you typically sponsor or promote?
We regularly host a number of events that support community groups such as Junior sailing, the Lions Club “Big Divot” fundraiser, and Pender Island Pride to name a few. In past years we have raised monies for the medical clinic and the Coleman/Rogers bursary fund. We even host an annual Disc Golf tournament.
How often do you get together, and typically when? Can new members join anytime?
Although the course is open year round, the club’s organized season usually starts at the beginning of April, providing members with a number of competitive tournaments as well as social events until the fall. New members are welcome anytime. We currently have a special spring promotion to encourage new members to join.
Are any of the original founders still taking part, or still on Pender?
Although we have members who are still golfing in their 90s, none of our original founders are golfing anymore.
What gets your members most excited in your meetings or activities?
Usually a controversial issue will get the excitement level somewhat elevated at meetings but getting that elusive “hole in one” out on the course is probably one of the more popular ways to stir up a sense of excitement for our members.
Is there a story or anecdote about Pender Golf you’d like to share with readers?
Over an 80-year period, many stories and legends have emerged that would take a number of pages to recount.
What’s in the future for your organization? Anything exciting in the works, or dreams you would like to fulfill?
Our club is focusing on the future with plans to upgrade our facilities to enable our superintendent to provide the best possible course conditions for golfers. We need proper maintenance and storage facilities for our machinery so we have started a project to achieve this.
Are there any special contributions you would like to highlight?
The contributions of our member volunteers have been awesome!
How can people get in touch with you?
Our welcoming golf shop staff are very helpful in providing information or you can contact our president at president@penderislandgolf.ca. Also, just Google “Pender Island golf club”.