75th Anniversary History of Mount Brenton Golf Course

75 Years of Mount Brenton Happenings 

This brief history of Mount Brenton Golf Course has information compiled by Wref O’Hara and Carolyn Jansch for the 60^th anniversary and edited by Kath Burnell. Peter Collum added subsequent content and archival photographs.

Today, Mount Brenton Golf Course, Vancouver Island’s Hidden Gem, remains a popular place for golfers and there is often a waiting list for membership.

The spirit of those early members remains and there are always eager volunteers to help at club functions.

The name of the evil, ball-snatching trickle of water that runs through the second, fourth, fifth and sixth fairways is called, in polite society, Matthew Creek.

The following information was gathered from available minutes, correspondence, and oral histories.

1947: Over 60 years ago, an enthusiastic group of people began the Mount Brenton Golf Club. The first organizational meeting of subscribers was held at Ladysmith, on May 9, 1947. Committee meetings were held at either the offices of the Comox Logging Company in Ladysmith or the Victoria Lumber Company Ltd. in Chemainus. Much had been accomplished by 1947; arrangements had been made to lease 55 acres of land from the Victoria Lumber Company for 20 years at $1.00 per year, five acres were purchased from the Bert Locke farm, plans for a nine-hole course finalized and construction had begun. Oral history tells us that subscribers could pay $100 either in full or part payments or work 100 hours on the course instead of a money payment to obtain a debenture.

The first general meeting of subscribers on Nov. 5, 1947, heard the following reports: A draft of organization plans for constitution and by-laws which included the powers and duties of the board of directors were completed, Andrew Bennett assumed chairmanship of the construction in place of Fred Clunk who resigned owing to other pressing business, all the fairways had been bulldozed, and trees were windrowed for burning, seven greens were seeded and growing well and the other two would be seeded in the spring of 1948, many trees needed to be bucked and member volunteers were needed to assist in this work. John Parkinson was commended for the voluntary work he had done in preparing the greens.

Harold Cliffe was the chairman of the committee, secretary, Andrew E. Craig and members, Andrew Bennett, Don V. Bellamy, George Hemmingsen, Reg de L’Harwood, Frank Biss, Charles C. Durant, Joseph Berto, Tom McPherson, M.A. Anthony, Joseph Johannson, J. Victor Dods. The records are incomplete.

On November 17, 1947, the bank balance was $5,826.03.

1948: March 31, permission was given to purchase a Toro green mower for $376. Fairway seed is to be planted 100 yards from tee to green approaches. The first 100 yards are to be rough seed. A letter of thanks is written to Jim Sheasgreen who donated a truck, and the use of a D-4 cat and grader.

The Secretary was to obtain a Club Seal bearing the words, “Mount Brenton Golf Club B.C., Incorporated April 23, 1948.”

On May 12, the first annual meeting of the Mount Brenton Golf Club was held in Chemainus. A motion was passed to borrow $10,000 for preparing and building, with clubhouse and necessary equipment, a golf course at Chemainus B.C. and for the sale of a series of 100 debentures of a par value of $100 without interest. Harry Heslip was chosen to become the chairman of the committee to raise the funds. A lease was to be completed with the Victoria Lumber Company Ltd. Work parties were to be organized for Thursday and Friday nights and Sunday mornings to pick up stones and roots.

Notes about work parties of May 1948 indicated an expenditure of $5.25 for 6 golf balls and $12.96 for 6 dozen beers. Left for the work party the next time out were 3 golf balls, 3 dozen beers and 1 bottle of rye.

1950/51:

On Aug. 15, 1950, the first play was on six holes on the lower level of the course, and the full nine holes were finished in 1951. Bert Beasley was the first golfer to tee off.

1955: The first clubhouse was created from surplus logging camp buildings, and the bunkhouses from Copper Canyon were purchased for $100. Two isolation huts from the Chemainus Hospital became change/washrooms. This served the members admirably for many years.  Many long-time members fondly reminisce about the wonderful parties held there. Kath Urton catered for some events in the early years. The location of the clubhouse was on the side of the present #18 green, next to Henry Road.

The first Clarke and Son mixed members 2-ball event began, and the winners were Elmer and Jeanette Hart. Bert Beasley (he owned the Clarke and Son hardware store in Chemainus) donated the trophy. The competition continues to this day and is usually played in May.

1956: Alex Wilkinson scored the men’s first hole-in-one.

The governing body for women’s golf was the Canadian Ladies Golf Union, which became the Canadian Ladies Golf Association. Another change in 2007, the group merged with and became part of the Royal Canadian Golf Association.

1957: The Jimmie Dobbs Memorial Trophy mixed 2-ball competition for members began. The first winners were Jack and Marjorie Ross. This event is held every July.

Dolly Lawless had the first women’s hole-in-one. She achieved the rare feat on what is now hole #14.

 1959: Royalty visited. The course was closed for several days preparing for a visit by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, who were touring Vancouver Island. Marquee tents were set up, close to the green on the present 15^th fairway, to offer a seafood lunch to the Queen and various dignitaries. The golf club members were tasked with feeding the 100 or more media people following the tour.

That year the Ladies split into two groups, Silver, and Bronze Divisions. Both groups played on the same day with the Bronze playing only nine holes and joining the Silver on the second nine holes. The Ladies’ Captain looked after both groups.

1961: Norm Boden, the Club’s first pro, lived with his wife in a small trailer close to the clubhouse and had a pet monkey, who stole golfer’s balls out of the hole on the now 18^th green.

1971: Marlin Thompson, the pro from 1971 to 1976, organized the 1^st Annual Open on Oct. 20. A popular event with 59 amateurs and 11 professionals competing. The winner was John Morgan, the pro from Golf Land in Victoria, shooting rounds of 67 and 75. After 1993 it became the two-day Mount Brenton Amateur.

The club had 190 active members. Frank Bayuk was the Zone 6 Jr Boys Champion.

1972: The first junior invitational open was held on July 19 – players 18 and under who were members of a club on Vancouver Island could enter.  This event was named after John Hicks.

Membership increased by 50 to 240 active members.

1973: On July 26, 1973, the golf club was incorporated under the B.C. 1960 Companies Act, Certificate #120,492. The new company acquired the assets of the Society and remained a not-for-profit entity. Signers for the application were: Harold Hagg, Chester R. Hatton, Gary Urton, J. Edmond Hess, and John E. Hicks.

Classes of membership. Each had a different dues structure.  Men, Ladies, Senior Men and Ladies – 65 and over, Intermediate – 18 and over holding a valid student’s card, Junior – under 18 and still in school, non-shareholders – dues plus set rate, social – no playing privileges, honourary – full privileges, no dues.

Peggy Cavanaugh began working for the club at a salary of $100 a month, working from home before the new clubhouse was built. Peggy replaced Frank Thurston as the secretary/treasurer of the club.

1975: Reg de L’Harwood became an honourary member.

Dues: Men – $90, Sr. Men – $70, Women – $85, Sr. Women – $65, Jr. – $30, Student – $50

Green Fees: 18 holes, weekdays – $4, weekends and holidays – $5

1976: Eleven couples played for the Clarke and Son Trophy. There were 300 active members. Ernie Tate became the pro and stayed until April of 1977.

1977: Brian Appleton was the pro in April, leaving in July of 1979.

1978: Ernie Whitelaw began working at Mount Brenton in the Pro Shop.

 1979: McDonalds Restaurant in Duncan donated the trophy for the members’ mixed 2-ball event played in September. Ursula and Albert Leaf were the first winners. Sara Clement and Jack Jameson partnered for many years, in this event.

In July, Doug Sinclair was the pro until 1980 or 1981.

1980: Dave Sandulo was hired as greens superintendent in the fall. He had worked previously for the Vancouver Golf and Country Club in Coquitlam, Nicowind Golf Club in White Rock, Fairview Golf Club in Peace River, Alberta, and Canadian Golf Club in Almonte, Ontario. Dave was also one of the founding members of the Vancouver Island Superintendents Golf Association.

1981: Planning began for a new clubhouse. Oral history has Vern Bennett as the club pro.

1983: Tom Campion was the club pro until 1997. Gordon Naylor to superintend construction and Eric Veistrup to design the clubhouse.

 1984: On April 7 an open house was held at the new clubhouse. The final cost was $200,000. This facility quickly became popular and the hub for many community activities.

Mount Brenton Open results were:

Amateur – Gord Kulai – score of 150

Professional – Bruce Tapp of Cowichan – score of 145 – 1 eagle and 5 birdies

Leo Kossey was the chairman and continued to do so for many years.

Club restaurant was called the Sand Trap and Bev Henry was the manager for several years.

Current Grounds Superintendent Ernie Whitelaw started work on the grounds crew in 1984.

1985: The first Mount Brenton Ladies Golf Tournament was held on Aug. 25, co-organized by Carolyn Jansch and Ida Wickham. The event drew 80 participants from Vancouver, Vancouver Island and Powell River.

Dues: Men – $250, Sr. Men – $220, Women – $235, Sr. Women – $215, Jr. – $45, Student – $90

Green Fees: 18 Holes – $13, 9 Holes – $8

1986: Negotiations were held to purchase the land currently leased from MacMillan Bloedel Ltd. for a parking lot. A purchase price of $29,460 was agreed upon with a down payment in 1987 and two-yearly payments. The Board discussed the clearing of the area and decided to leave and protect the arbutus trees, which are still there.

The beautiful flower of the dogwood has been part of the club’s logo from the beginning. This inspiration surely came from the magnificent specimen, which bordered the west side of the present putting green. The very large tree died before 1987, and since then many dogwoods have been planted on the course to join with the native specimens already present.

1987: At the AGM in January, Frank Thurston gave a presentation on expanding to 18 holes and purchasing property for this. Work began on a feasibility study headed by Blake Hodgson. On Oct. 5, 95% of the shareholders present at a special meeting, approved a land purchase and development of an 18-hole course.

1988: Bill Robinson and Les Furber, two golf course architects visited the course and proposed property acquisition in early February. The plan submitted by Bill Robinson of White Rock with the firm Cornish and Robinson Golf Course Designers Ltd. was accepted on Feb. 16.  Notification of a grant of $38,000 was received for the first phase of the plan.

A special meeting of the Board was held on Feb. 29, and the directors approved a motion to borrow for the project expansion up to one million dollars, $100,000 of which was to be used to purchase property. Also approved was to increase the membership by 135 members once the expansion to 18 holes was completed. In March, the land purchase and the $500 per year land lease from the school board had been finalized.

A special shareholder meeting on April 20, unanimously approved the development of the course as laid out by Bill Robinson and the authority to borrow up to $850,000. Attending the meeting were 103 shareholders with 129 proxy votes.

The Men’s Open had 120 amateurs, and eight professionals play. Ken and Carole ran the restaurant for the first part of the year, followed by Ed and Sharon Bricker.

Peter Cain started as a grounds crew member.

1989: On June 27 the first foursome to play the new 18 holes were: Blake Hodgson, project manager, Tom Alexander, club president, Art Green, vice-president at the time the expansion started and Frank Thurston, assistant project manager.

Green fees: 18 Holes – $20, 9 Holes – $12

The board decided on Aug. 21 that the pro could receive the right to golf balls in the pond on #18, with the hope some would go to the juniors.

A memorial garden to honour Fred Neeve (president during part of the 18-hole expansion) close to the pumphouse by the 18th green was established and completed in September.

A bench was installed, in the new nine, in the memory of Earl McColl.

The Bronze Division began alternating off the front and back nines on Fridays.

Arrangements were made with Nanaimo and District Credit Union for the financing of a purchase of a property for $100,000. The Crozier Road property of 3.28 acres, with a rental house, is a level site, which backs onto the golf course. The property was purchased for further development.

Assistant Grounds Superintendent Russ Eitner started work on the grounds crew.

1990: By April a cart shed, costing $2,900, was ready – spaces rented at $20 a month.

Blake Hodgson made 10 tables for the club for $50 per table.  Work on the Henry Road parking lot had been completed by March. The property taxes for the Club were $18,000.  A snack shack (concession stand) had been built; MacMillan and Bloedel donated the lumber for framing.

Eighty players participated in the Clark and Son 2-Ball, the winners – Marion and Jim Eitner.

June 22 saw the first “Conquer Cancer Classic” tournament held at Arbutus Ridge, Cowichan, and Mount Brenton. The tournament continues to be a major fundraiser for the Cancer Society and is now known as Golfers Against Cancer.

At the December AGM, a motion approved the rewrite of the rules and regulations of the golf course.

1991: Patricia Cocks, the club’s solicitor, reviewed share transfers and advised of the following: An “A” class holder could transfer to a spouse or child or will the share back to the Company at the existing share issue price.  Class “B” may sell shares back to the company and has no other rights.

Green fees were $20 for 18 holes.

1992: By the end of January, the practice area was almost ready. The new constitution and by-laws were being worked on, a computer to enter handicaps had been purchased and was in use, and a marshal had been hired.

The first invitational junior tournament was held on July 20 with 92 participants.

1993: A new addition to the cart shed was initiated.

A slope rating was introduced to the club’s handicap system.

The Open attracted 208 amateurs and 12 professionals.

1994: A committee met with Gerry S. Bergen of the MacIsaac Group of Law Firms regarding a proposed conversion of the Mount Brenton Golf Course from a corporation to a society. Meetings continued through the year and there was a statement, in the minutes of a special general meeting of the shareholders on Dec. 15 that they agreed to become a society.

1995: In January, the firm of Smith and Cameron was awarded the contract to build the new pump house. There was a demand for more golf cart storage and the board approved building an additional storage shed.

In March, the division captains were to elect a club captain from their group to assume all the responsibilities of the club.

Mount Brenton junior, Adrian Zuyderduyn was ranked 13 in the province.

Dues: Men – $650, Women – $650, Juniors – $100, Students – $200

Green Fees: 18 Holes – $27, 9 Holes – $18 (1994)

Initiation fee: $2,000 (In 1989, it was $200)

Taxes for the course: $40,092 (in1990, it was $18,000)

1996: In April there was a statement that the “Business Ladies be recognized as a division like the other clubs”. The league was for working women only, but members of their league who retired from their jobs could continue to play with them. The ladies followed the men’s club on Sunday mornings.

In May, a new washroom at an estimated cost of $10,500 had been constructed on the course. Letters of appreciation were sent to Art Green who had diligently kept water readings on Fuller Lake for years, and to Blake Hodgson for his detailed drawings of the new sprinkler system.

In August, the board decided to honour Blake Hodgson for his many contributions to the club, by naming the pond on #18, Blake’s Lake. No other Mount Brenton member before or since, has had a physical feature of the course named after them.

1997: The board decided in January, to purchase a heat pump for the upstairs of the clubhouse and a $40,000 Kubota tractor for the course.

In February, a new membership category, Senior Intermediate was established. The individual must be 75 years old with 20 years of membership in the Club. Cost of $250 per year for 20 rounds of 9 or 18.

April, a used golf cart, for marshalling and a Cushman, for the course, were purchased.

A contract was signed with the new pro, Marc McAndrews.

Dec. 16, the final draft of the Rules and Regulations was approved and prepared for printing. Renovation and addition to the pro shop to start in the new year. Part of the lobby became a pro shop to provide more room for merchandise and storage.

1998: 50^th Anniversary Year of the Club.

Special bag tags had been ordered for the members to mark the occasion.

January, the contract for a concrete retaining wall by #1 tee was awarded to A and A Contracting. Work was starting on a new policy book.

On June 7, a wine, and cheese party was held to commemorate the 50^th anniversary and a membership tournament was held in August to celebrate as well.

A generous donation was received from Howie Valleau to be used for the construction of cart paths. The cart paths were dedicated in memory of Helen Dixon who served on the board from 1992-1994, as vice-president, with responsibilities for finance and contracts.

1999: Bob and Tracy Lloyd with Peter Brady had the restaurant contract until 2001.

In March, the board decided to replace the snack shack with a permanent building, with construction to begin shortly. Kitchen cabinets were to be replaced and a new dishwasher was to be purchased.

Lee Winter is to start construction of cart paths on June 2 with construction complete by August. New signs for tee boxes to be done by Larry Keating in the fall.

The junior program was very successful with 82 junior members and 119 on the wait list.

2000: The board approved the raising of the green on #14, cost estimated at $21,000.

In January, new carpeting was installed downstairs in the clubhouse and 35 lodge pole pines were planted in rough areas.

Ed Clements, Club Captain, initiated the first captains’ meeting.

2001: In February, decisions were made for the construction work of rock walls on #2, 7, & 11 tee boxes and a retaining wall for the pond at the 7^th green, as well as a retaining wall for the pond on #18.

The organizers of the Men’s Amateur donated a new handicap computer and monitor.

September, for $5,000, power was made available in 14 slots in the cart shed.

Andrew and Maria Rose were the restaurant contractors until the fall of 2005.

Approval was given in November for a two-day Ladies Amateur tournament.

2002: A committee was needed to revamp the Articles of Association.

In March, Kath Burnell agreed to edit and produce a club newsletter.

A Cushman sprayer and Toro 5400 fairway mover were purchased.

At a special shareholders meeting, the purchase of the Kodric Property on Crozier Road behind the 8^th tee box was approved. The property was subdivided to accommodate a new tee box costing $32,000 for the club.  An offer at a fair market value of $300,000 was accepted by the school board for the property currently leased by the club. Our maintenance facility was eventually built there.

2003: Parker McCarthy, from Ramsay Lampman and Rhodes gave the board several options as to new articles, the board chose Option #3 to follow in April.

A new articles committee was struck in June to follow the lawyer’s suggestions. Its members were:  Billy Syme, Grahame Quakenbush, Ernie Wall, Gary Urton, Rick Michell, Fred Mater, and Rex Heeney.

Mount Brenton junior, Dustin Yeager represented Canada at St. Andrews, Scotland. Another junior, Todd Bissenden finished 28^th, in his age category, at the World Junior Championships.

Peggy Cavanaugh, the club secretary was feted with a retirement party on Dec. 16 at the clubhouse. Everyone’s friend, she was missed. Brenda Clearwater is hired as Peggy’s replacement.

2004: At the April 26 AGM, the shareholders approved by an 85% majority the construction cost of $220,000 for a new maintenance facility. In December, Gary Lowery, project head, reported on the cost of the new facility.  The old school building was demolished.

Recommended to change year-end to Dec. 31 from Oct. 31.

Mount Brenton junior Kenzie Janzen was Vancouver Island’s Junior Girls Champion.

2005: By February, the old school building had been removed and work had begun on the new maintenance facility. A great deal of credit is due to Gary Lowery for his careful supervision of this project, which came in under budget. An open house was held on Aug. 28.

Phase 1 of fairway construction planning started for the renovation of fairway #1 with the removal of roots from the fairway. By late May, the contractor, Ross Rivers started the main renovation from the green, back a distance of 600 feet, 135 feet wide (approx. 2 acres). A bunker change was also in the plan. An estimated cost for this project was $52,700. The old maintenance facility was to be levelled by September, and the new maintenance shop was built on the Crozier Road site.

At the July 26 AGM 163 shareholders attended, and 169 proxies were received.

The active membership was 518 with 70 on the waiting list.

November – the board approved the conversion to the new RCGA Handicap System, which offered many convenient features for the members, including internet access.

A welcome kit for new members was approved and was available early in 2006.

Mike and Shauna Morgan became contractors for the restaurant. Mike had been employed by the Chateau Whistler and the Whistler Golf Course.

As of Nov. 1, Dave Sandulo, greens superintendent had been an employee of the club for 25 years.

Dues:  Men – $750, Women – $750, Junior – $160, Student – $290

Green Fees: 18 Holes – $40, 9 Holes – $27

Initiation Fees: $1500

2006: In January, the Strategic Planning Committee presented to the board, a three-year revolving plan to be approved yearly at the AGM. An information meeting for shareholders was held in March to explain the concept of the new plan.

The watercolour painting by Cim McDonald, which had been used for guest scorecards, was purchased and hung in the lobby.

In March, the board approved the filing of a transition application containing a Notice of Articles with the BC Registrar of Companies. All board members reviewed a new draft of the articles. Ground projects consisted of #18 fairway enhancement by reclaiming the site of the old maintenance building and surrounding area, and the construction of a grounds and fairway storage shed behind the #11 tee box.

After 16 years of administering a very successful junior program for the Club, Pat Irwin and Ted Valleau offered their resignations.

A tree risk assessment was done, and a report was given to the board.  The board agreed that dangerous trees needed to be removed or pruned and the work should begin in 2007.

2007: Starting in February, an extensive inventory of club assets began for maintenance, pro shop, restaurant, clubhouse, cart sheds and club office.

A draft of the revised Articles of Association, and a draft of Mount Brenton Golf Course Ltd, Rules and Regulations were distributed to all shareholders. A shareholder information meeting was held in March to review both drafts.

Mount Brenton hosted the 2007 Vancouver Island Junior Girls Championship on June 10.

An information meeting for shareholders was held in October, to discuss dues increases and the recommendations of the Strategic Planning Committee. A five-year plan, with five phases, was presented with an estimated cost of $346,000. Phase 1 is to begin in 2007, and to finish in 2008, at an estimated cost of $71,000.

• Pave parking lot from Clubhouse to hill past cart sheds
• Curb bumpers for parking
• New fencing
• Landscaping

The Board approved a revised Policies and Procedures Manual on Nov. 19. A Mission Statement contained in the manual is as follows: “Mount Brenton Golf Course Ltd. is a non-profit company formed to foster the growth of golf, and to provide facilities for the playing of golf. The club welcomes players of all ages and abilities and strives to offer quality golf at an affordable price.”

Mount Brenton junior, Kenzie Janzen was the recipient of the Marlene Streit Golf Scholarship from the RCGA. She also was awarded a golf scholarship from the University of Victoria.

Ernie Whitelaw took over the superintendent’s position in 2007 from Dave Sandolo who had been superintendent for the previous 27 years. In the last 50 years, Whitelaw remembers three other head groundskeepers/Superintendents at Mount Brenton: Bob Lacroix, Keith Dewar, and Art Donaldson.

2008: On Jan. 18, a fire started in the storage area below the back door of the restaurant. With quick responses, it was contained, and damage was minimal.

Part of Phase 1 of the 2007 Plan was accomplished with the installation of a new fence along #18 to the cart sheds, landscaping, curb bumpers and paving of the parking lot near the clubhouse.

The club celebrated its 60^th anniversary with two events.  First, a tea, to honour the first volunteers and debenture holders, was held on April 23 – the 60^th anniversary of when the club became a society. The second, held on the anniversary of the first time 18 holes were played, June 27^th, was a fun 18-hole scramble with over 140 members participating. Tom Alexander, board president at the time and a member of the first foursome, sounded the horn to start the scramble. Also attending were the following members of the boards of 1988 and 1989: Frank Biss, Ron Deptford, Lyle Ehnes, Carolyn Jansch, Leo Kossey, Charles Metherwell and Jack Wright. Regrets were received from Frank Thurston and John Higgins.

The 12th green and 13th tee were rebuilt complete with new rock retaining walls.

2009: The first section of the Cowichan Valley Trail in Chemainus was created starting alongside holes one through three.

A new Irrigation Central Computer Controlled system was installed complete with radio-controlled irrigation satellites in the field. Total Capital purchases for 2009 were close to $60,000.

2011: Major drainage project completed on 10 holes, installing 100,000 feet of drainage pipe and over 800 tonnes of sand.

2017: New Pump Station for the Irrigation system was installed for approximately $100,000.

2019 – 2022: New cart shed construction began after the fire in 2018.

2020: The first COVID-19 case in Canada was reported on Jan. 25, 2020.

On March 17, provincial health officer Bonnie Henry declared it a provincial health emergency and ordered the closure of all dine-in establishments. On March 18, she ordered all personal service establishments, such as day spas, hair and beauty salons, and tattoo parlours, to close for the foreseeable future.

Mount Brenton was closed until June 30 when health authorities specified what could be done to host outside events/activities.

The club forbade members from touching or removing the pin on holes but in-house constructed ball lifters (controversial to some) were installed, and activated by lifting the top to the device to retrieve the ball. These were later replaced by plastic ball lifters.

Also to keep members safe ball washers and hoses were removed. Much grumbling ensued from some members.

2022: Club Pro Jan Best reinstituted Mount Brenton’s Junior Golf Program

 Board of Directors decisions implemented from 2022

• The new club logo unveiled
• Five-year strategic plan revived
• Landscaping and planting of cart shed hillside to Municipality of North Cowichan specs
• Sale of Crozier Road property
• Repatriated Pro shop operation with Jan Best named Club Pro
• A policy decision to mandate all electric rental and member power carts
• Purchase of 24 new rental carts (2020); addition of six new power carts (2021)
• New lower lounge furniture
• Storage shelving pump house
• Kitchen Veranda enclosure
• Paving cart marshalling area and landscaping with custom-built cedar planters
• Re-paving of #13 cart path
• Defined parking for cart shed and practice areas
• Modified rental cart storage bay to accommodate 24 electric carts
• Paving the south parking lot and club entrance
• Painting clubhouse exterior
• Mural by former member Cim MacDonald added to the North Face clubhouse. The mural is part of the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society collection helping make Chemainus the Mural Capital of Canada.
• Cedar rail fencing installed from the practice green to the clubhouse parking lot entrance
• Extensive work on the north parking lot for flood control, additional parking spaces and the unofficial Cowichan Trail extension
• After much consultation with the Municipality of North Cowichan, a solar-powered crosswalk was constructed between the north parking lot and clubhouse
• An electrified small cart shed built to hold eight power carts
• Added cedar siding to small shed for improved aesthetics and security
• Updated security system for all buildings
• CCTV coverage for clubhouse exterior and interior and maintenance building exterior
• Design and building of new #14 washroom; upgraded electrical supply
• Renovation, improved ventilation and painting of the #9 washroom
• Renovation and painting of Snack Shack; added security measures
• New siding and painting of Pump house; added security measures
• Renovation and remodelling of kitchen, bar and main dining room; addition of new dishwasher room and multi-purpose meeting/member lounge area.
• New food and beverage operation with 3-year contract signed by Julie Stevens
• Extensive replacement of kitchen and bar equipment; dining room furniture
• Developed new membership categories and introduced new percentage rate structure and dues payment methods
• Began major revision of club Policies and Procedures (Operations Manual)
• Design and prep work for clubhouse washroom renovation; pro shop storage
• Major improvements and upgrades for clubhouse electrical supply
• Early design planning for clubhouse remodelling and renovations with architects
• Fountain added to #18 pond: aeration system for #18 and #10 ponds
• Webcams at the clubhouse with a panoramic view of the first fairway, ninth green and the putting green as well views of the 10^th tee, hole 13 and the hill coming down 18 from the clubhouse
• Extension of #17 tee box; Preliminary work for #10 tee box extension
• Storage addition for the maintenance building
• Upgrading of clubhouse sewage system; exploration of new sewage system
• New course-wide alcohol and enforcement policy
• New staff and member memorial policy
• Club office procedural and finance redesign; addition of new staff member to create job-share
• Negotiated a new three-year contract for the Grounds Superintendent and Crew union contract
• Re-calibration of golf course length and hole handicaps; new tee signage and yardage markers; new tee blocks — black, gold and green
• Extensive work to replace aging fairway drainage and flood control
• Expansion of maintenance entrance and new gate
• Preliminary planning to upgrade aging irrigation system and course water supply (5-year plan)

2023: Mount Brenton celebrates its 75th anniversary on April 23 with the dedication of our jubilee flagpole by Penelakut Elder Florence James and Mayor Rob Andrews of North Cowichan.

There was also a full-field members-only scramble on July 8 followed by festivities in the Canteen on the Green.

Anniversary committee members were Iain and Sandi Stevenson, Sue Menzies, Kath Burnell, Donna Kendall, Arden Chailler, Laurie Taylor, and Peter Collum.

2024: Rachael Scott-Screaton signs a five-year contract to run the newly named Mount Brenton Pub.

Current members of the board of directors: Tom Andrews, Mike Dungey, Steve Smith, Leigh Bennett, Sue Menzies, Kirk Bellamy, Chris Hennessey, Chris Fritsch, Larry Kydd and Peter Collum.

Property taxes for 2024 was $25,763.16

MOUNT BRENTON LEGENDS

Course Record Holders:

Sept. 11, 1998, Janet Ruest shot 72 from the blue tees.

1999,  Greg Koster shot a 61 from the blue tees.

Aug. 16, 2008, Christina Proteau shot 69 from the white tees.

Club Champions:

Ross Cormack has won the Men’s Club Championship seven times

Carolyn Jansch has won the Ladies Club Championship 15 times.

Bob and Carolyn Jansch were both club champions in 1959 and 1972.  Bob has had 8 hole-in-ones on the course.

Junior Champions:

1965 – Doug Smart was the North American champion left-handed junior.

1966 – Jim Laird, from Ladysmith, won the BC junior 9-18 Handicap Championship, the only representative from the Club to win a BCGA provincial championship.

Singular Achievements:

1965 – The winner of the junior boy’s and men’s championships was 17-year-old Ken Foulds of Chemainus. To gain the men’s title, Ken defeated his cousin, Harold Hagg, a three-time men’s champion before 1965.

Aug. 18, 1996 – Dave Tipping had a hole-in-one on #6, followed by scores of two, three, four and five on the next four holes, a rare feat. This has never been duplicated.

2005 – Karen Shook won the BCLGA Pin Round for the 18-hole Ladies with a net 61, and took the honours for Zone 6, and for the province. This was the first time a player from Zone 6 won at the provincial level.

The Lakes of Mount Brenton

Blake’s Lake #18 – In 1998, the board honoured Blake Hodgson for his many years of commitment to the club, by naming this lake after him.

O-Kesha-Ona-Quat #12 – Sometime around 1991, Lloyd Harrala, an Ojibwa Native (from the Lake of the Woods area) while playing at the course suggested to some members the lake could be called O-Kesha-ona-Quat which means “Little Cloud that Flies Quickly” – also happened to be his Native name. His companions thought this was a good idea so Lloyd with the help of some local Salish participated in a naming ceremony at the lake. Later, the Board approved the name.

Petrie Lake #4 – The club, when expanding to 18 holes in 1988, purchased approximately 35 acres from Mrs. Petrie and the pond was dubbed Petrie Lake. The property purchased was everything south of #1 to the school property, stretching to the mid-point of #13.