The Links are open

April 15th, 2021 1 Minutes

*Cranbrook Golf & Country Club Dec. 16, 1925, #0040.0026 – Image courtesy of the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History*

As golfers around the Kootenays eagerly await the opening of their favourite golf courses, here is something from the past that may bring a smile. On May 10th, 1904, a group of men gathered at the busy offices of Beale & Elwell on Baker Street to form a club. They decided to name it ‘The Kootenay Golf Club, of Cranbrook.’

Baker Street in Cranbrook, B.C. ca., 1905, #0017.0005
The offices of Beale & Elwell Insurance are featured on the corner, right-hand side – Image courtesy of the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History

It is of interest that at that time, with women not even having secured the franchise, two women – Mrs. S.F. Morley (Honorary President) and Mrs. Malpas (Honorary Vice president) were appointed to the Board alongside male counterparts. The executive elected covered Cranbrook’s business and professional community. G.T. Rogers was named President; R.T. Brymner, Secretary-Treasurer, and J.A. Motherwell was named to the curious position of Captain. A working committee composed of Messrs. Morley, Beale, and Dunbar was also established.

*Cranbrook. Interior of Beale & Elwell office #0018.0024 – Image courtesy of the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History*

Events moved quickly as the course had already been laid out, taking advantage of “the best natural facilities for first-class links.” The course was in working order, and duffers of every description poured onto the greens by the following week. The new club looked to be an outstanding success.