Windermere Golf & Country Club

Created in 1957, the Club selected Clifford “Robbie” Robinson as the designer for its course. Robinson, a former associate for the legendary Canadian golf architect Stanley Thompson—the man behind Jasper and Banff—was thrilled by the fascinating land selected by the nascent club and was convinced he could create something timeless. It turned out he was correct. Two years later, with more than 250 new members anxiously awaiting the opening of the course, the first nine holes opened for play and Windermere built a new clubhouse, which would be destroyed in a fire in 1964. Over time Windermere became known as a “golfer’s club” in Edmonton, and its course, which stretches to nearly 6,800 yards from the tips, was recognized as one of the strongest in Western Canada. Now in the Top 100 in Canada, according to SCOREGolf magazine, Windermere has been tested regularly by the top golfers on PGA Tour Canada, and was one of the favourites of the players, many of whom now play on the PGA Tour. In recent years the course has been under the watchful eye of Doug Carrick, the Toronto architect known throughout for his smart designs in places ranging from Newfoundland to Scotland. Carrick is enthusiastic about Windermere’s future: “You’re always trying to make a course better, but that’s not easy with Windermere because it is already a very solid test of golf in a really incredible setting.” In 2009 members voted to support the creation of a new clubhouse where the traditions of the game were met with modern amenities. The clubhouse opened to much fanfare two years later. Throughout it all Windermere remains true to its roots. It is a golf club where the game is taken seriously, but where golf brings about fun and enjoyment. A place to test your abilities with friends in an atmosphere where members respect the sport and each other. Windermere—serious golf for serious golfers.