The original Mount Brenton scorecard.
Thanks to Dale Neubauer and the BC Golf House Society.
The etiquette advice stands the test of time.
An ongoing history of Mount Brenton Golf Course
Mount Brenton Golf Club extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Coast Salish people for allowing us to live, work, and play golf on their traditional and unceded territories.
“Huychq’u”
This history is dedicated to the original members of Mount Brenton, who had a vision and stuck to it to make this course what it is today.
Mount Brenton Golf Club proudly stands as Vancouver Island’s Hidden Gem™, a testament to the vision and dedication of its original members.
The spirit of those early members remains, and there are always eager volunteers to help at club functions.
Thanks to Wref O’Hara and Carolyn Jansch, who compiled this brief history of Mount Brenton Golf Course for the 60th anniversary, and to Kath Burnell, who edited the original booklet.
Peter Collum added recent content and archival photographs.
A special kudos to all our past and present volunteers and board members for shepherding our course through good and bad times.
Thanks to all the guests who have visited and continue to flock to our course.
The name of the evil, ball-snatching trickle of water that wanders through the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth fairways is called,
in polite company, Matthew Creek.
Chris Fritsch photo
The following information was gathered from available minutes, correspondence, and oral histories and proofread by members for inaccuracies.
1947: Over 75 years ago, an enthusiastic group began the Mount Brenton Golf Club. The first organizational meeting of subscribers occurred in 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 in whole or part payments or work 100 hours on the course instead of a fee 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 required to assist in this work. John Parkinson was commended for his voluntary work in preparing the greens.
Harold Cliffe was the chairman of the committee, with Andrew E. Craig as secretary 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, and 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, a used D-4 cat, and a 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 general 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 to sell a series of 100 debentures of a par value of $100 without interest. Harry Heslip was chosen to become the committee chairman 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 in May 1948 indicated an expenditure of $5.25 for 6 golf balls and $12.96 for 6 dozen beers. The next time out, 3 golf balls, 3 dozen beers, and 1 bottle of rye were left for the work party.
This threesome had an interesting round. The player’s names were obscured to protect the innocent.
The first tee box on hole #3.
As it was then, golfers looking for balls in ‘real’ rough, 1952.
Relaxed “ready golf” 1952.
An invitation to lunch.
The original nine.
The first clubhouse.
1950/51: On Aug. 15, 1950, the first play was on six holes on the lower level of the course, and the entire nine holes were finished in 1951, and 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 (who owned the Clarke and Son hardware store in Chemainus) donated the trophy. The competition continues to this day.
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 was when the group merged 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.
There have always been “scribes” at Mount Brenton.
Ladies’ Day, circa 1952.
Dorothy Lawless, hole-in-one, 1957.
Gary Urton, hole-in-one, 1959.
1960 Junior Boys Club Champion Trevor Lawless, left, and runner-up Brian Urton.
Club championship runner-up June Cook, with champion Carol Jansch.
Carol Jansch, 1959 club champion and low medalist.
Sophie Harwood, 1958 low medallist.
Jean and Bill Foulds with Clarke & Son Trophy, 1958.
Junior golfers, circa 1962.
Fourth Green At Golf Course
Setting For Royal Luncheon Today
“Hosts to Her Majesty and Price Philip, will be MacMillan & Bloedel Ltd. The luncheon, on the setting of the fourth green the mountains in the background, overlooking Fuller’s Lake, will be a buffet with a marquee for the royal couple and smaller tables set about.
The menu will feature the seafoods for which B.C is famous.”
Newspaper clipping
1959: Royalty visited. The course was closed for several days to prepare for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s visit to Vancouver Island.
It was one of seven visits that the Royal Couple made to Vancouver Island.
Marquee tents were set up close to the green on the present 15th 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 18th green.
1971: Marlin Thompson, the pro from 1971 to 1976, organized the 1st 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.
There were several classes of membership, each with 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, honorary—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 club’s secretary/treasurer.
1975: Reg de L’Harwood became an honorary 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
Controversy arose in 1976, and no follow-up on what happened to the board members at the Nov. 15 meeting.
Grounds Superintendent Ernie Whitelaw, started in the pro shop as a youth. He’s still smiling after all these years.
Thanks for your service.
1980: Dave Sandulo was hired as greens superintendent in the fall. He had previously worked 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 will supervise construction, and Eric Veistrup will 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 five birdies
Leo Kossey was the chairman and continued in this role for many years.
The 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. Photo top left.
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 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 clearing 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 that 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 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 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 up to one million dollars for the project expansion, $100,000 of which was to be used to purchase property. Also approved was increasing 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 were 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. One hundred three shareholders with 129 proxy votes attended the meeting.
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 when 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, hoping 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 on the new nine in Earl McColl’s memory.
The Bronze Division for women began alternating off the front and back nines on Fridays.
Arrangements were made with Nanaimo and District Credit Union to finance the purchase of a property for $100,000. The Crozier Road property, which is 3.28 acres and includes a rental house, is on a level site that backs onto the golf course. The property was purchased for further development.
Assistant Grounds Superintendent Russ Eitner started work on the grounds crew.
Golf course architects Bill Robinson and Les Furber proposed an 18-hole layout for our current course. Robinson also designed Cowichan Golf Club and Arbutus Ridge Golf Club.
Peter Cain joined our grounds crew in 1988.
A magnificent dogwood bordered the west side of the present putting green. The tree died before 1987, and since then, many dogwoods have been planted on the course to join with the native specimens already present.
Assistant Grounds Superintendent Russ Eitner started work on the course in 1989 and is still knee-deep in making things work around our course.
Kudos to all our grounds crew workers from 1948 until now for keeping our course–through good times and bad—in the great shape it is in today.
Joe Kirkwood penned this gem many years ago, and it still holds today.
1990: By April, a cart shed, costing $2,900, was ready – spaces rented at $20 a month.
Blake Hodgson made ten 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 were Marion and Jim Eitner.
June 22 saw the first “Conquer Cancer Classic” tournament held at Arbutus Ridge, Cowichan, and Mount Brenton. The game continues to be a significant 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 used, 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 throughout the year, and a statement in the minutes of an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders on Dec. 15 stated 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 club’s responsibilities.
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, estimated to cost $10,500, was 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 honoured Blake Hodgson for his many contributions to the club by naming the pond on #18, Blake’s Lake. No other Mount Brenton member has had a physical feature of the course named after them.
1997: In January, the board decided 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 and have 20 years of membership in the Club. The cost is $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.
The final draft of the Rules and Regulations was approved and prepared for printing on Dec. 16. The pro shop will be renovated and expanded in the new year. Part of the lobby will become a pro shop to provide more space for merchandise and storage.
1998: 50th Anniversary Year of the Club.
Unique bag tags had been ordered for the members to mark the occasion.
January, A and A Contracting awarded the contract for a concrete retaining wall by #1 tee. Work was starting on a new policy book.
On June 7, a wine and cheese party was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary, and a membership tournament was held in August to celebrate.
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 and 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. Larry Keating will do new signs for tee boxes in the fall.
The junior program was successful, with 82 members and 119 on the waitlist.
2000: There was a plan to purchase the property behind the 14th green and the 15th tee and create a dogleg par 4 with 14 green turned into a pond, as it was a bog. This idea was roundly defeated at an AGM. Instead, the 14th green was elevated with better drainage to make it playable in winter for an estimated cost of $21,000.
“As for the 14 green, I do not know any plans to buy land behind 14 and 15 tees.
There was a plan to put a pond 80 yards off the tee to collect water around the fairway to help with the water problem in the winter.
The ladies were not in favour of this idea. So, we added the 14th fairway to our drainage project on just about seven acres around the course; it worked and is still working today.” – Ken Norman.
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, the decision was made to construct rock walls on the second, seventh, and 11th tee boxes, a retaining wall for the pond at the seventh green, and 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.
The Kodric property was purchased for expansion of the 8th tee. The remainder, including the house, was sold to current member Jack Henzie and his wife, Debbie. The property was subdivided to accommodate a new tee box costing $32,000 for the club.
“The property was offered to the club at a very excellent price along with property behind the 8th tee. The plan was to move the green back and make a par 4, but the main concerns were the neighbours and water problems in the winter months.
The cost to justify the idea was just not accepted, so the plan was dropped, and the property was put on hold for sale as an asset in the future. So just the black tee ground on eight was used to add to the 8th fairway.” Ken Norman
The school board property (old primary school) behind the 2nd green was initially leased and purchased for $300,000 and developed into a new maintenance facility in 2004. Our maintenance facility was eventually built there.
“The old maintenance shed was on the 18 fairway in the open area north of the 14th washroom. The wide open barn doors faced west; a sliced ball was known to enter and ricochet around the interior. The crew’s lunch area was at the back, and they wore hard hats while eating…no danger pay.” – Chris Fritsch.
2003: Parker McCarthy, from Ramsay Lampman and Rhodes, gave the board several options for new articles; the board chose Option #3 to follow in April.
In June, a new articles committee was struck 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 28th, in his age category, at the World Junior Championships.
Peggy Cavanaugh, the club secretary, was feted at a retirement party on Dec. 16 at the clubhouse. Everyone’s friend, she was missed. Brenda Clearwater is hired as Peggy’s replacement.
All club members received this skookum bag tag to celebrate the 50th anniversary.
Former club pro, Marc McAndrews and his wife Sheila had this metal sculpture installed in our pro shop for the 50th anniversary.
Our cart paths were dedicated in memory of Helen Dixon, who served as vice president of the board from 1992-1994 and was responsible for finance and contracts.
Howie Valleau joined our club in 1965. He later funded the Helen Dixon Trail in her memory, as she was a great friend. He also helped out with the junior program.
Jan Best took over as head professional in 2018.
2004: At the April 26 AGM, the shareholders approved by an 85% majority the cost of $220,000 for a new maintenance facility. In December, Gary Lowery, project head, reported on the price of the new facility. The old school building was demolished.
The year-end is recommended to be changed to Dec. 31 from Oct. 31.
Mount Brenton junior Kenzie Janzen was Vancouver Island’s Junior Girls Champion in 2004 and 2005.
2005: By February, the old school building had been removed, and work had begun on the new maintenance facility. Gary Lowery’s careful supervision of this project, which came in under budget, deserves great credit. An open house was held on Aug. 28.
Phase 1 of fairway construction planning started by renovating fairway #1 by removing roots. By late May, the contractor, Ross Rivers, had 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 restaurant contractors. Mike had previously worked at the Chateau Whistler and the Whistler Golf Course.
As of November 1, Dave Sandulo, the club’s greens superintendent, had been employed by 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, used for guest scorecards, was purchased and hung in the lobby.
In March, the board approved filing 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 comprised enhancing the #18 fairway by reclaiming the site of the old maintenance building and surrounding area and building a grounds and fairway storage shed behind the #11 tee box.
Pat Irwin and Ted Valleau resigned after 16 years of administering the club’s thriving junior program.
A tree risk assessment was done, and a report was given to the board. The board agreed that dangerous trees must 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 will begin in 2007 and 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 received the Marlene Streit Golf Scholarship from the RCGA and 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 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 restaurant’s back door. 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 60th anniversary with two events. First, a tea to honour the first volunteers and debenture holders was held on April 23 – the 60th anniversary of the club becoming a society. The second, held on the anniversary of the first time 18 holes were played on June 27, was a fun 18-hole scramble with over 140 members participating. Tom Alexander, board president then 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 with new rock retaining walls.
2009: The first section of the Cowichan Valley Trail in Chemainus was created 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: The most significant development at the course since its founding in 1948 was the board’s decision to alleviate some areas’ sogginess—some say swamp-like.
Holes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, the hill on 18, the upper practice area, and the 14th green were trenched with a three-inch channel, removing the soil and installing a slit drain (perforated 2″ pipe) on 6 feet spacing the length of the fairway, and then backfilled with sand.
Over 800 tonnes of sand and 100,000 linear feet of pipe were used.
Superintendent Ernie Whitelaw estimates the cost of the project was $300,000.
The completed project made Mount Brenton the “driest” course in the Cowichan Valley, allowing for – barring weather issues – year-round play.
2013: The Board of Directors does not renew the contract of head professional Marc McAndrews, who started the course in 1998 with his wife, Sheila.
2014: Monaghan Golf Inc. took over the day-to-day operation of the Mount Brenton Golf Shop, and Andrew Hajer took over as head pro.
2017: New Pump Station for the Irrigation system was installed for approximately $100,000.
2018: Jan Best took over as head pro after Monahan Golf’s contract wasn’t renewed. And former pro Andy Hajer moved to Arbutus Ridge.
2019 – 2022: Construction of the new cart shed began after the fire destroyed the old one in 2018.
Pat “Paddy” Irwin
Marc McAndrews, former pro, recalls Paddy fondly:
“From 1997-2013, the club had between 60 and 100 kids in the junior program each year. Paddy Irwin and Ted Valleau were our recruiters and excellent junior leaders.
Especially Paddy.
My pro shop team and I taught them all the fundamentals of the swing and the rules and etiquette of the game and coached some of them through scholarships.
Emily Adams, Kenzie Jensen, Neil Aucoin, Adrian Zuyderdyn, Dustin Yeager, Dallas Jones, Cash Reumkens, Aaron Frost, Todd Bissenden, Trevor & Craig Work, Neil Hemple, Matt Tomandl, Nick Mrus, and tons more. These and more worked as cart/club and back shop workers.”
In 2024, Paddy Irwin was asked about his history with our club and involvement with the junior program.
After a 16-year run, Pat (Paddy) Irwin and Ted Valleau resigned as heads of Mount Brenton’s successful junior program.
I joined Mt. Brenton 37 years ago. I had quit smoking at 50 and took up golf. I used the inheritance from my mother to join Mt. Brenton, buy second-hand clubs and take lessons at the driving range.
I am trying to remember when I got involved with the Juniors, but I do remember the reason. I watched a Junior Tournament on a Saturday at Mt. B run by Art and Alice Russel, Junior Chairs from Nanaimo Golf Club.
This didn’t strike me right, so I looked into what was happening. Tom Campion was the pro, and Gordie (I don’t remember his last name) had eight kids registered as juniors. With the help of Art and Alice, I formed a plan, got elected as Junior Chair, and within a year, went from 8 juniors to just over 90 boys and girls.
Junior night was Monday for a couple of hours after supper. Teachers were senior members of the club who gave their time to teach the game to the kids. Doug Cleogh was a prime teacher. These lessons ran from March until the end of the school year, and in later years, Marc McAndrews, pro and Jan Best did most of the teaching.
My game was such that no one should learn from me. My primary takeaway from all this was the kids themselves. They enjoyed the Mondays, followed the rules, and were embraced as equals on the golf course by the members of Mt. Brenton. Many thanks to Jack Adams and Ted Valleau, who assisted at different times, especially as I got more involved with BCGA Zone 6 Juniors.
The move to Zone 6 was through contact with the Russels. We started inter clubs with Nanaimo GC, and through those, I met Nanaimo member Gerry Walker and Zone 6 BCGA Junior Chair and his partner Lynn Benediction, then of Comox Golf Club and later Crown Isle. She took over for Gerry when he went provincial with BCGA. Lynn conned me into splitting Zone 6 into half; she would do the north end, and I would do Qualicum Golf Memorial south to Duncan Meadows and March Meadow in Honeymoon Bay. We instigated a spring and summer tournament schedule within the Zone.
A bit of history — Vancouver Island was Zone 5 at one time. Victoria split the Island into two Zones, making Mt. Brenton the northern part of Zone 5. Having been involved with Victoria in junior hockey, whenever an up-island team started winning too much, Victoria changed the rules.
We agreed that Zone 5 should end at Cowichan Golf Club, and Zone 6 was born. We added the Zone Junior Girls to our tournaments and spring camps, Lynn became a BCGA ‘Rules’ Official, and I got the whole Island and Powell River.
It was a great bunch of clubs to work with, and the office (BCGA) was a great help. Ultimately, I left the Junior Chair this year. I found three people who would run the program for the Juniors, not parents.
Mount Brenton Juniors:
When I took over the Juniors, the name of John Hicks came to my attention. I forget what John did for a living, but between John and his wife Kiki, they raised 13 children. John looked after an outstanding junior program. I only remember a little, except he would load his van with kids and drive up or down the Island for inter-club events. The fee was $2.00. I had the privilege of naming the then-new Mt. Brenton two-day junior tournament the ‘John Hicks Junior’ with him in attendance. The tournament still exists, although it has become a one-day event.
I hesitate to try to remember all my juniors. You mention Kenzie Jensen, granddaughter of senior member Olive Robson, a dancer, golfer, and all-around great person who went to UVic.
Another young lady, Emily Adams, is alive and doing well. She went to UBC Okanogan. An athlete during her teen years, she excelled at soccer and golf. In soccer, she and another young lady from Parksville/Qualicum would do all the scoring for their respective teams and were not-so-friendly rivals. Through golf, they became good buddies.
Others I remember are Jill, Jim, and Thomas Laird of Ladysmith. (Some of the best talent came to Mt. Brenton from the Ladysmith Golf Club.) Others included Todd Bissenden, Matt Oliphant, Adrian and Neil Zuyderduyn, Dustin Yeager, and Dallas Jones. I have the pleasure of knowing many more.
Awards:
The Most Treasured One:
Volunteer Recognition Award 2008
Anne Peabody, the First Female President of the British Columbia Golf Association, presented it to me.
Nanaimo — Sports Hero Award, I forget the Year
BCGA Volunteer of the Year 2012 or 13 (l don’t remember the date.)
Golf Canada — Volunteer of the Year —Award of Excellence — 2015
This was in Halifax, and I took my daughter with me. All expenses paid. My son was born in Halifax, and she was born in Port Alice, here on the Island. I saw some places where I met her mother at the presentation. We sat with Susan White, Rules and Competitions, BCGA and Mike Parker, BCGA Zone 6 Rules, both dear friends to this day.
There was no recognition at the club level, though I got a blurb in the local paper with Don Bodger and set the plaque to collect dust.
I have given up my membership at Mt. Brenton. A hip wants to avoid following me around the course. Since COVID-19, it and all other golf courses have changed, and I have also.
BC’s Pat Irwin Recognized As Golf Canada’s Volunteer Of The Year – British Columbia Golf
Ted Valleau
Alex Foston, who worked at Nanaimo Golf Club was a very accomplished junior.
Todd won our Club Championship in 2019 by a record 16 strokes.
Thomas Laird
MBGC Juniors with their trophies.
Tom, Jim, Neil, and Randy.
Garrett Margetts, Gavin Hollebaken, Jan Best, and Emily Adams. This photo was taken at the Pat Irwin Junior Pro-Am in about 2015. Jan won that year, and the team also captured the overall team event. Gavin got a hole-in-one on hole 16.
The late Sylvia Espey donated this junior boys’ trophy in memory of her 18-year-old son Kevin.
Junior practice night on the practice green with Marc McAndrews, Jan Best, and Cash Reumkens.
As it says in the photo, Todd, Jeff and Jim are on the tee.
Kenzie Janzen and Pat Irwin. Kenzie was an excellent junior golfer and probably one of our better-ever junior female golfers from the Duncan area.
Second from right, Emily Adams with other junior competitors at Pheasant Glen.
2020: The first COVID-19 case in Canada was reported on Jan. 25, 2020.
On March 17, provincial health officer Dr. 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, and in-house constructed ball lifters (controversial to some) were installed and activated by lifting the top to the device to retrieve the ball. Plastic ball lifters later replaced these.
Also, ball washers and hoses were removed to keep members safe. Some members grumbled.
2021: Arden Chailler took on the critical role of office manager at our club.
A three-year contract was signed with Julie Stevens to operate the Canteen on the Green in our clubhouse. The agreement was not renewed.
Before this, there had been at least four restaurant contractors after Mike Morgan’s contract wasn’t renewed.
Mount Brenton made its first donation to Harvest House, the Chemainus Food Bank. as an expression of thanks to the community for supporting our club for 70+ years.
2022: Club Pro Jan Best resurrected Mount Brenton’s Junior Golf Program
Board of Directors decisions implemented from 2022
- The new club logo was 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
- 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
- A mural by former member Cim MacDonald was added to the North Face clubhouse. The mural is part of the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society collection, which helps 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 10th 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)
Putter-operated ball lifers were all the rage and raged at during COVID-19.
Former member Cim MacDonald painted this mural on the North Face of the clubhouse. Cim used an earlier watercolour she painted as the basis for her artwork.
The mural is part of the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society collection, which helps make Chemainus the Mural Capital of Canada.
A split-rail cedar fence was added from the practice area down to the parking lot entrance.
The fountain in the 18th pond was captured at night by local photographer Art Carlyle.
Flood mitigation in the main parking lot.
One of the club’s many updated logos features the Dogwood flower.
The webcam on our website allows golfers who live farther from the course to check out conditions and decide whether on not they want to brave the conditions.
Head Pro Jan Best revived our moribund junior program in 2022.
In 2023, thanks to a grant from the Duncan Dabber Bingo Society, Club Pro Jan Best presents a set of clubs to a member of the 2023 Junior First Nations class. Youngsters from Malahat to Nanaimo take part in Mount Brenton’s junior program.
Yardage signs showing the distance to Marshall Creek were added to tee boxes as an aid to golfers.
2023: Mount Brenton celebrates its 75th anniversary on April 23 with the dedication and blessing of our Jubilee flagpole by Penelakut Elder Florence James and Mayor Rob Douglas of North Cowichan.
On July 8, there was also a full-field members-only scramble, 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.
Ron Rhode records his third hole-in-one for 2024. Ron golfs only on days that end in Y.
The board of directors members are 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
Penelaket Elder Florence James performs an Indigenous blessing on the club’s 75th-anniversary flagpole and dedication plaques on April 23, 2023.
Flagpole dedication plaques.
Irene and Sam Chan display their 75th-anniversary towels, gifts to every member.
Ferdie Hobson plays it where it lies during the 75th anniversary members-only scramble on July 8, 2023.
Mount Brenton’s Jubilee Flagpole.
A golf course for all seasons.
Some of the 2024 junior program participants.
More 2024 junior program participants.
Shelly Stouffer is our first special honorary member!
Mount Brenton Golf Club’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Shelly Stouffer has been awarded its first non-member honorary membership for her excellence as an amateur golfer and for her contribution to the promotion of women’s golf on Vancouver Island.
Stouffer, a four-time Mount Brenton Women’s Amateur champion, won Canada’s 2024 Mid-Amateur championship for women 25 and above. She is currently ranked 796th in the WAGR, 16th in the Senior Women’s ranking, and third in Canadian Senior Women, behind Terrill Samuel and Judith Kyrinis.
The board chose to follow the criteria set by The New Golf Club at St. Andrews to bestow this membership on Stouffer.
St. Andrews History, Honorary Members: “Honorary Membership is an honour which the Club does not bestow lightly. Restricted to ‘distinguished strangers,’ The New Golf Club has had only five Honorary Members in over a century of its existence – and never more than one at a time.”
When told of the board’s decision, Stouffer said, “I am happy to be given an honorary membership at Mt. Brenton GC. It is a fun course, and I look forward to playing there more often. Whenever I have played there, it has always been in great shape. I thank the Board of Directors for the honorary membership and look forward to meeting more members.”
The honorary membership is Stouffer’s first.
Stouffer’s two-round total of 144 in stroke play won her medalist honours at the recent USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship in Seattle, earning her the top seed for the six-round match-play portion of the championship. She lost the final 3-2 to Australia’s Nadene Gole. The second-place finish gives her access to the 2025 US LPGA Senior Championship.
Stouffer lives in Nanoose Bay and competes in tournaments throughout Canada and the US.
Next year, she will compete in Ireland and England at both those countries’ senior amateur women’s championships, among other events in 2025.
Stouffer, who currently plays out of and has a working relationship with Morningstar Golf Course in Parksville, visited MBGC recently.
She was impressed with the course and agreed to develop a relationship with our club.
The board and Shelly are working on opportunities for our members to meet and golf with her next season.
The board congratulates club member Chris Sherlock for suggesting Stouffer become an honorary member.
In 1975, Reg de L’Harwood was awarded the only other honorary membership for his work on the committee that brought life to the club.
Click here to learn more about Shelly on and off the course.
Click here for the story on her induction into the PNGA Hall of Fame.
Click here for the 2024 Canadian Mid-Amateur story.
The link below is to a list of members who dedicated their time and efforts to make our course Vancouver Island’s Hidden Gem. Unfortunately, it is incomplete.
Thanks to Kath Burnell for putting together the 60th-anniversary history and all she has done for our club. This project would not have been possible without her hard work and dedication. Kath is currently the club’s Handicap Chair.
