Where History meets the Love of the Game.
St. Thomas Golf & Country Club is dedicated to the delivery of exceptional golf and social experiences for our members, their families, and guests through the fiscally responsible evolution of the facilities, course, programs, and customer service that is consistent with one of the finest clubs in Canada and with our unique history.
Vision Statement:
The St. Thomas Golf & Country Club will be an outstanding private golf club, steeped in tradition and pride and committed to excellence through passion and innovation.
Core Values:
The core values of the Club are:
• Sustainability
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Collegiality
• Passion
Club History
1899
Founded in Pinafore Park
A group of local golfers formed the Club on April 6, 1899, establishing a nine-hole course near Pinafore Park with 30 members and 20 associate ladies.
1908
Time to Relocate
Plans for a racetrack forced the Club to seek a new site. After reviewing several properties, golf professional George Cummings recommended the Hughes property.
1909
Elgin Golf & Country Club Opens
The Club rebranded as Elgin Golf and Country Club. A new nine-hole course opened on July 1, 1909, funded through member investment and a mortgage.
1912
Membership Cap Introduced
Membership was capped at 80, but growing interest in golf led to future expansion plans.
1922
Stanley Thompson Engaged
The Club hired Stanley Thompson & Co. to design a full 18-hole course. His plans recommended the Whaley Farm in Union as the ideal site.
1923
A New Era Begins
On January 2, 1923, the Club was officially incorporated as St. Thomas Golf and Country Club. The first nine holes opened in June.
1949
The First Invitational
On July 13, 1949, the first large-scale invitational which later evolved into the Early Bird Tournament
1950s
Robbie Robinson
Thompson’s protégé, enhances several holes to modernize course playability.
1978
Ontario Open
St. Thomas hosts the Ontario Open; George Knudson dominates with a final-round 67 to claim the title and secure Canadian Open entry.
1982
Ontario Amateur
The Ontario Amateur Championship takes place at the club, with Bill Swartz emerging victorious.
1985
Ontario Ladies Amateur
Host to the Ontario Ladies Amateur, where Ann Lavis earns the championship honours.
1989
Canadian Senior Men’s Championship
Hosts the Canadian Senior Men’s Championship, capturing national attention when Keith Alexander wins.
1992
Ontario Amateur
Another Ontario Amateur Championship held at the course, with Mike Weir taking top honours before his rise in professional ranks.
1996
Ontario Open
Ontario Open returns; a dramatic sudden-death playoff secures victory for Martin Prince.
1999
Audubon Certification
Recognized as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, marking its environmental stewardship and commitment to sustainable practices.
2005
Ontario Junior
Hosts the Ontario Junior Championship, where Matt Graham distinguishes himself on the junior stage.
2010
Canadian Senior Men’s Championship
Welcomes the Canadian Senior Men’s Championship; Paul Simson captures the senior national title.
2015
Ontario Women’s Amateur
Hosts the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship during its centenary season; Maddie Szeryk lifts the trophy in a landmark event.
2018
Ontario Amateur
The Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship is held at the club, where Garrett Rank dominates from start to finish.
2024
125th Anniversary
Marks its 125th anniversary, and the following summer the course is ranked the 35th Best Golf Course in Canada by SCOREGolf.