Celebrating 100 Years Fernie Golf Club
As World War I was drawing to a close Elk Valley residents were eager to build for the future. The spectacular surroundings provided much inspiration to locals, and photographer JF Spalding was actively documenting and promoting the valley as a tourist destination in the early 1900’ s. Inspiration led to many recreational pursuits including the Crow’ s Nest Pass Coal Company providing land in 1918 for a golf course at the current site of Prentice Park. The same year also brought forth the Michel-Natal Rod and Gun Club and the first women’ s hockey team.
The Superintendent of the Crow’ s Nest Coal Company was so keen to see the course built, he provided part of the funding himself to supplement other donations and membership fees. Volunteers cleared the land and started with just a few holes, but by 1921, a further 9 holes were added. The club was renamed the Fernie Golf & Country Club when it combined with the local tennis club in 1928. In 2018, the club has once again reverted to the original name of Fernie Golf Club.
The original greens were a mix of sand, oil and sawdust and a greenskeeper was employed at a rate of $ 100 per year plus accommodation in the clubhouse. Grass greens were first laid in 1968 but it wasn’ t until 1986 that the club finally achieved 18 holes, the current clubhouse and support buildings followed shortly after.
To celebrate this important landmark centenary, the Fernie Golf Club will hold celebrations July 3- 7. Events begin with a Ladies Tournament on Tuesday, a Mens Tournament on Wednesday, and the Tony Servello Senior Open on Thursday. On Saturday, a full day of festivities is planned including Golf Games, hosts in historical dress, displays charting the Club’ s progress and development, and a BBQ dinner with legacy awards.
201 Fairway Drive | 250-423-7773 golffernie. com
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