Around Town: 125 Years Fore Royal Ottawa Golf Club

Over the years, the Royal Ottawa Golf Club has been the go-to greens for former prime ministers and governor generals, famous hockey players, successful business executives, and top lawyers and doctors.

On Wednesday, members came together at the private golf course, located across the river in Gatineau, for an elegant cocktail reception celebrating the Royal’s 125th anniversary. It was held on the clubhouse veranda and patio, under clear skies and alongside manicured gardens.

Town crier Daniel Richer, standing beneath the attractive new clock tower commemorating the club’s anniversary, grabbed everyone’s attention for the opening ceremony.

From left, Dr. Kathy Keely, a former president of the Royal Ottawa Golf Club, with club captain Kris Bulmer, current board president Tim Wardrop, and Jennifer Mirsky at the opening ceremony and cocktail reception in honour of the private golf club’s 125th anniversary, held Wednesday, June 29, 2016 in Gatineau, Quebec.

The mayors of Gatineau and Ottawa, as well as the local MP from that area, were unable to make it due to Barack Obama’s visit in the nation’s capital that day (club president Tim Wardrop was such a good sport, really, about being upstaged by another president).
The history of the Royal dates back to 1891 and includes among its founders a dry goods merchant, banker and real estate developer.

It was originally located near Strathcona Park in Sandy Hill but moved in 1902 to its current spot on Aylmer Road, where its course was designed by famous Scottish American golf course architect Tom Bendelow. The club was granted its Royal designation by King George V in 1912.

“I will say that what I most enjoy about this place is the camaraderie, strong friendships and great memories that come with being a member,” said 125th committee chair Michael Renaud, addressing a crowd that included Gavin Caldwell, chair of the governing body of golf, and representatives from Royal golf clubs around the world.

The Royal has seen clubhouses burn down and members go off to fight in the Great War. As well, it’s hosted many big tournaments. It’s welcoming the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship this August.

With history and tradition has also come evolution. Fashion police will be happy to know that golfers no longer have to wear shorts with knee socks. That’s such a hard look to pull off, anyway.

“Although it’s 125 years old, it has changed with the times,” said Dr. Kathy Keely. The pediatrician, who can recall a time when women were restricted from entering certain parts of the club. She holds the trailblazing title of first female president of the Royal Ottawa Golf Club.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca