“The new course is one of the finest on the continent, and Hamilton golfers have every reason to feel proud of their splendid new possession.”

—Canadian Golfer, 1915

A Rich History

1894

Hamilton Golf Club is founded on October 24, 1894. The initial course was a 12-hole, links-style course on what is currently the corner of Barton and Ottawa in Hamilton, adjoining the former Hamilton Jockey Club property.

1896

The Hamilton Golf Club moved to Paradise Farm on Aberdeen Avenue, the current location of Chedoke Civic Golf Course, and hired its first greenskeeper in 1901.

1914

The club purchases 200 acres of farmland called “The Grange,” in Ancaster for $40,000 and retains noted British designer Harry Colt to create a new course.

1916

The course opens on June 1, 1916. The cost? According to the club, the course, including the land, cost $108,000.

1919

The Canadian Open is held at Hamilton and includes greats like Bobby Jones (pictured on the 2nd hole) and Francis Ouimet in the field. J. Douglas Edgar is the winner.

1930

The Canadian Open returns to Hamilton and is won by Tommy Armour.

1974

The club hires Canadian architect, Robbie Robinson, to design nine new holes, which becomes the East Nine.

1994

The club hosts the Canadian Amateur to celebrate its 100th anniversary which is won by Warren Sye.

2003

After more than seven decades, the Canadian Open returns to Hamilton. Bob Tway defeats Brad Faxon in a playoff and the course is lauded by the PGA Tour’s best.

2006

The Canadian Open returns, this time won by former U.S. Open winner Jim Furyk.

2012

The RBC Canadian Open is contested, with Scott Piercy taking the victory.

2016

Hamilton celebrates the 100th anniversary of the opening of the club in Ancaster.

2019

The RBC Canadian Open is played at Hamilton. Rory McIlroy wins with a final round 61.

2019

Under the direction of renowned golf architect Martin Ebert, a massive $11-million restoration to all 27 holes begins.

2022

Hamilton reopens after its renovation. All 27 holes are finally opened in 2022. (18 holes opened in 2021, with the final 9 holes on East opened summer 2022.)

National & International Events

1919

United States vs. Canada Matches
Winner: United States
Runner-up: Canada

1919

Canadian Open Championship
Winner: J. Douglas Edgar
Runner-up: Bobby Jones, Karl Keffer, Jim Barnes

1920

Canadian Ladies’ Amateur Championship
Winner: Alexa Sterling
Runner-up: Kate Robertson

1922

Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship
Winner: Happy Fraser
Runner-up: Norman Scott

1924

Canadian Ladies’ Amateur Championship
Winner: Glenna Collett
Runner-up: Ada MacKenzie

1927

Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship
Winner: Donald Carrick
Runner-up: Frank Thompson

1927

First Willingdon Cup
Winner: Quebec
Runner-up: Manitoba

1929

Canadian Ladies’ Amateur Championship
Winner: Helen Hicks
Runner-up: Edith Quier

1930

Canadian Open Championship
Winner: Tommy Armour
Runner-up: Leo Diegel

1935

Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship
Winner: Sandy Somerville
Runner-up: Gordon Taylor

1935

Willingdon Cup
Winner: Ontario
Runner-up: British Columbia

1948

Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship
Winner: Frank Stranahan
Runner-up: Joe Stoddard

1948

Willingdon Cup
Winner: British Columbia
Runner-up: Ontario

1948

Canadian Junior Boys’ Championship
Winner: Bill Mawhinney
Runner-up: Bob Fair

1951

Canadian PGA Championship
Winner: Stan Leonard
Runner-up: Lloyd Tucker

1955

Canadian PGA Championship
Winner: Al Balding
Runner-up: Murray Tucker

1961

Seniors G.A. Championship with Brantford
Winner: Sandy Somerville
Runner-up: Jack Cameron

1967

Seniors G.A. Championship with Brantford
Winner: Phil Farley
Runner-up: George Hevenor

1967

Ladies’ Commonwealth Tournament
Winner: Great Britain
Runner-up: Canada

1970

Women’s Senior G.A. Championship
Winner: Dora Darling
Runner-up: Ada MacKenzie

1974

Seniors G.A. Championship with Brantford
Winner: Merle Noyes
Runner-up: Ed Ervasti, Hugh Calderwood

1977

Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship
Winner: Rod Spittle
Runner-up: Jim Nelford

1977

50th Willingdon Cup
Winner: Ontario
Runner-up: Alberta

1994

Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship
Winner: Warren Sye
Runner-up: Bryan DeCorso

1994

Willingdon Cup
Winner: Ontario
Runner-up: British Columbia

1996

Senior Canadian Open Championship
Winner: Charles Coody
Runner-up: Larry Mowry

2003

Canadian Open Championship
Winner: Bob Tway
Runner-up: Brad Faxon

2004

Canada vs. Ireland Junior Challenge
Winner: Ireland
Runner-up: Canada

2006

Canadian Open Championship
Winner: Jim Furyk
Runner-up: Bart Bryant

2012

Canadian Open Championship
Winner: Scott Piercy
Runner-up: Robert Garrigus, William McGirt

2019

Canadian Open Championship
Winner: Rory McIlroy
Runner-up: Shane Lowry, Webb Simpson