History

Prior to 1926, golf in Antigonish was played on what was known as Whidden’s sheep pastureland.

 On March 19, 1926, Dr RF (Ronald Foley) McDonald chaired a meeting where it was decided to form a golf club. Here by-laws were submitted and approved. Later that year, the Antigonish Golf and Country Club was officially chartered and incorporated by an act of the Nova Scotia Legislature: “An Act to Incorporate the Antigonish Golf and Country Club”. The Club initially had 56 male charter members and 52 female associate members. Membership fees were set at $15 for men and $5 for women.

 The first Annual General Meeting was held on April 19, 1926, here the first officers of our Antigonish Golf Club were elected. A golf professional from the Riverside Club in Saint John, New Brunswick, was brought in to advise on the best site for the course. The chosen location was a former slaughterhouse site, which the professional described as “sporty and pretty.” A syndicate of 9 members purchased the land for $2,200, with an agreement that the club could buy it back within ten years.

 The first competition was held on a Wednesday afternoon of the last week of June (June 23rd) with 18 ladies and gentlemen participating in a two mixed two ball. The event was very successful and interest was keen; tea was served after by the lady members of the club.

 By June 1926, a small clubhouse measuring 16 by 24 feet, with a 10-foot veranda, was ready for use. By 1929, the clubhouse had been renovated, largely due to the efforts of the women’s members.

 1928 was the beginning MacDonald Shield competition, originally hosted in Antigonish and won by Abercrombie, this was the start of many years of friendly competition between local clubs that continue to this day with the ladies Nan Ross tournament and Men’s Home and home series.

In 1929, greens on holes 2, 6, and 8 became permanent, while others rotated throughout the season. In 1930, new tees were added, and hole #2 became permanent.

In 1931, the Governor General and Lady Willingdon visited Antigonish on September 29 and played at the club. That same year, a Greens Committee was formed to oversee course maintenance. In 1932, the club hired its first professional golfer.

The early 1940s were challenging. Land and lumber were sold in 1943 due to declining membership, and the club’s future was uncertain. In 1944, both golfers and non-golfers rallied to preserve the club, recognizing its importance to the community. A community-driven effort helped revive the club, preventing its closure due to unpaid taxes. By 1946, the club reopened with renewed energy. Repairs were carried out on the roads, drainage systems, and the clubhouse, which had fallen into poor condition.

In 1948, improvements continued, but low membership and revenue again threatened closure. Fortunately, by late August 1949, the club reported one of its best seasons in years, with increased membership and a clubhouse that had become a vibrant social hub.

By 1954, the club was enjoying continued success, with membership reaching new highs. In 1956, the club celebrated its 30th anniversary by hosting its first major tournament over Labour Day weekend, attracting participants from across the Maritimes. That November, unusually warm weather allowed for extended play, and the course was reported to be in excellent condition.

In 1957, a fire of unknown origin destroyed the clubhouse. Due to snow-blocked roads, firefighters were unable to reach the scene in time. At the time, the club had 150 members. A committee was formed to oversee construction of a new clubhouse, which began in April 1957. The new clubhouse officially opened in April 1958, complete with a television and new furnishings.

In March 1960, the club hired a full-time professional and purchased a small building to serve as a pro shop. Later that year, changes to the course layout were introduced, including a new #2 tee a 110-yard very picturesque hole and reconfiguration of several holes to improve flow and play.

In 1961, the club hosted the Highland Homecoming (now known as the Kilted tournament) which became one of the most unique events in Canada. This event marked the beginning of the now-famous Kilted Tournament, where all golfers were required to wear kilts. The event gained significant media attention, including coverage by the CBC in 1962.

Throughout the 1960s, the club continued to grow. Tournaments attracted players from across the province, and membership steadily increased. By 1965, membership had reached approximately 180.

In 1969, plans were proposed to add curling facilities to the clubhouse, but after consideration, the project was ultimately discontinued in 1970.

The course at this time was quite short, well under 3000 yards. It was decided that new holes should be added to modernize the layout, and Dr. J.J. MacDonald led the design and renovation, beginning in the late 1960’s, with the new holes opening in the very early 70’s. What was the short par 3 #2, was lengthened, with the tee box moved to the top of the hill where it is now situated, and a new green was built. Current holes 3, 4 and 17 were created from scratch, and hole 18 was given its current routing, making it into a right-hand dog leg and much longer. At that point the course became almost 3200 yards. Two other holes, routed in similar locations to the current holes 11 and 8 but much shorter, were discontinued at that time.

The early 1970s brought challenges once again, with declining membership and financial losses. In 1973, the club introduced discounted memberships for beginners to encourage growth. By 1975, these efforts paid off, and membership rose to approximately 250.

In 1977, the course underwent renovations, including improvements to the clubhouse and re-numbering of holes.

In 1981, the club introduced the Reverend Leo (Pops) McKenna Memorial Tournament, named in honour of a charter member. Membership continued to grow, reaching 275 that year. By 1983, membership had increased to approximately 360, with plans to reach 450. Course and clubhouse improvements continued, and the social aspect of the club became increasingly important.

In the mid 1080’s course was hit with Dutch Elm Disease that ravaged many lovely Elm trees over the next ten years and unfortunately hundreds of stately Elm trees had to be cut down to stop the spread of this disease.

In 1986, the club celebrated its 60th anniversary with a commemorative tournament and formal dinner.

In 1987, tee times were introduced to improve course flow, scheduled at eight-minute intervals.

A major milestone occurred in 1988 when members unanimously approved the expansion to 18 holes. It is with the hard work of many volunteers and committee members that this expansion occurred ( Ron Johnson) Construction began in 1989, including installation of an irrigation system that covered the tee boxes and green complexes.

In June 1991, the club officially opened its expanded 18-hole course, which consisted of ten new holes added to 8 from the previous design. The project was funded largely by members, with additional grant support. Membership reached approximately 550, and the club was now able to hold larger events and provincial championships.

Throughout the 1990s, the club continued to thrive. By 1996, membership had grown to approximately 600. New facilities, including equipment storage and course improvements followed. In 2005 the irrigation system was expanded to cover the fairways. In addition, new greens and surrounding complexes were built for holes 1,2, and 5.

Golf continued to flourish into the 21st century, building on a strong foundation of community support, growth, and a shared passion for the game. This allowed the course to build a new hole #15 in 2025, re-routing the par 3 more to the left, with a new raised green and bunker complex. In addition, tee boxes were added or improved on several holes.

As the Antigonish Golf and Country Club moves into its second century, it does so with strong membership numbers and a solid financial footing. The dream of those first few members back in 1926 lives on and has resulted in a golf experience that is often referred to as Nova Scotia’s best hidden gem. While this course has produced its share of champions, its true legacy has been the lifetime opportunity for Antigonishers to partake in what is one of the world’s greatest pastimes.