Over the course of history, sadly it is not unheard of for a a golf course clubhouse to experience a fire if it is around long enough. This is just one reason for the course histories reference library that is maintained at the BC Golf House. There are over 70 binders with clippings and photos of certainly most, if not all of the golf courses in the province, even the ones that no longer exist. Given that the first golf course built in BC was at Jericho Beach in 1892, that’s a lot of golf courses!
Interestingly enough, very few golf courses have a dedicated historian or committee responsible for the collection and preservation of their history. Point Grey G&CC and the Vancouver Golf Club are two exceptions for sure. Clare Cruse at Point Gey and Dr George Aitken at Vancouver GC are the reasons those two wonderful golf clubs have their extensive histories preserved. Vancouver Golf Club celebrated its centennial in 2010. Shaughnessy G&CC celebrates its centennial this year and in 2013 courses like Qualicum Beach Memorial GC and Royal Colwood G&CC, both on Vancouver Island, and Vernon G&CC in the Interior have their 100th birthdays. Qualicum Beach Memorial already has a committee hard at work planning their birthday and we have met with them to review how we may be of assistance. Hickory sets will most probably be part of the program.
Dick White, one of the founders of the BC Golf House, together with Bill Bains another member have spent considerable time piecing together the history of Beach Grove Golf & Country Club and through that effort a history book has been published. Much of their research was done in the BC Golf House reference library.
When significant dates come around it is always nice to have a resource to call upon for historical information. That is one very important reason for the BC Golf House!
The George and Sue Yen Reference Library
