About Quilchena

Play, Connect, and Belong at Quilchena Golf and Country Club

Nestled within 120 acres of natural beauty, Quilchena Golf and Country Club offers a premier golfing experience in Richmond. Our meticulously maintained course features tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and well-kept greens, providing both challenge and enjoyment for golfers of all skill levels. With a variety of tee options, players can tailor their experience to their preferences. Beyond the course, our vibrant community hosts a range of events, fostering camaraderie among Members. Whether you’re seeking competitive play or leisurely rounds, Quilchena provides an exceptional environment for all enthusiasts.

Our History

Honouring the past, embracing the future

The local First Nations peoples called the low lying land “Quilchena” meaning running water, sweet water, or many waters. On August 4, 1925, the evocative word was chosen as the name for the fledgling Golf Club. The popularity of the original nine-hole course at King Edward and 33rd Avenue on the edge of Vancouver was immediate. Within a year of opening day, plans to lease more land and build another nine holes were well underway. Over the decades, as the Club evolved and eventually moved in 1956 to its permanent home in Richmond, that popularity and sense of community has been nurtured by the Membership each step of the way.

Established in August 1925, Quilchena Golf and Country Club has been a cherished golf haven for over a century. Originally located in Vancouver, the Club later relocated to its current home in Richmond, where it continues to offer a welcoming community and an exceptional golfing experience rooted in tradition and excellence.

August 1925

The Beginning

A committee headed by Dr. G.F. Strong leased a portion of C.P.R land located between King Edwards and 33rd Ave to create a 9 hole golf course. Following a decision by Directors to proceed with the course, the services of Mr. Desmond Muirhead (then project manager), and Mr. G.F. Robinson (golf course architect) were retained. A cottage style clubhouse was built on the highest point of land by Mr. F. Gardner on the corner of 29th Ave. and East Blvd.

Vancouver Clubhouse

Quilchena’s first clubhouse, Vancouver, 1926

August 1925

September 1926

Official Opening

The first president of Quilchena Golf Club was named Dr. G.F. Strong, the Club’s first professional was named Arthur Sheppard, and first greenskeeper, Andy White.

Arthur Shepherd

Dr. G.F. Strong

Arthur Sheppard (left), Dr. G.F. Strong, 1930 (right)

September 1926

1927

Expansion

Membership increased rapidly and an adjacent piece of land was leased from the C.P.R. to create another nine holes, and was opened in June. The new nine was located to the west of West Boulevard, extending to West 33rd Avenue on the south.

Histrorical aerial photo of Quilchena Vancouver 1942-1945

Aerial view of Quilchena, Vancouver, between 1942-1945

1927

1945

New Golf Professional

Ernie Brown becomes head professional at Quilchena. A significant figure in British Columbia’s golf scene, Ernie Brown left a lasting impact on the province’s golfing community. Throughout his career, he took on numerous roles, beginning as a caddie and advancing to head professional, golf instructor, club maker, course designer, tournament organizer, rules official, and scorekeeper. At Quilchena, Ernie was instrumental in nurturing junior golf talent, helping to develop both junior and amateur champions. Known for his playing and teaching abilities, he stressed the adherence to the 10 principles of golf.
Quilchena Head Golf Professional, Ernie Brown, 1945

Ernie Brown – Head Professional at Quilchena, 1945

1945

1951

A Change in Location

Late in 1951, C.P.R. plans to subdivide and sell the land occupied by Quilchena were revealed which meant that leases held by the golf club would not be renewed effective December 31, 1953. All attempts to renegotiate the lease or purchase the land failed, however, it was agreed that Quilchena could continue to use the site on a year-to-year basis until the development was underway.

1951

October 1953

A New Agreement

Led by Jim Burgess, a tentative agreement was reached to purchase a 115 acre potato farm, west of No.1 Rd and north of Blundell from Ernest Garfield Sherwood for $72,000. This location was far different than the old Club. Instead of being hilly with many trees, the new fairways were flat with virtually no trees, allowing wind to sweep across the fairways unhindered.

October 1953

March 30, 1955

Private Membership

Quilchena would become a Private Members’ Club and the name would be changed from Quilchena Golf Club Ltd. to Quilchena Golf and Country Club Ltd.

March 30, 1955

Summer 1957

Reopening

Following the first Directors’ Meeting on September 4, 1956, the services of architect Desmond Muirhead were retained to design and lay out the new golf course. Construction started shortly thereafter, supported by numerous volunteers who utilized equipment from the original course. By the summer of 1957, The Quilchena Golf and Country Club Ltd. course was completed and ready for play. Additionally, volunteers constructed a pan-abode featuring a wood-burning stove alongside a storage shed. Trees were planted using cuttings from a large fallen poplar tree that member Milt McLean discovered across a road. Together with Superintendent Dave Tait, cuttings were gathered and planted around the course perimeter, supplemented by saplings from various other locations.

Trees planted, Blundell Rd, 1958

Summer 1957

1959

Clubhouse Built

A one-story clubhouse was constructed in 1959. Then in 1968, Quilchena was progressing after some tough years and a decision was made to add a second level to the clubhouse.

One Story Clubhouse, 1959

1959

1965/1966

Quilchena Named a Society

To keep control over the dilution of shares within the Club, Quilchena changed to a society. This meant that shareholders could no longer sell their shares privately. This enabled the Club to generate revenue for capital projects by enabling it to collect and retain all new entrance fees and also resulted in renaming the Club to “Quilchena Golf and Country Club”.

1965/1966

August 1976

Peter Jackson British Columbia Open

The Peter Jackson BC Open was a professional golf tournament on the Canadian Tour, sponsored by the Peter Jackson cigarette brand. From August 20-22, 1976, Quilchena Golf and Country Club hosted this prestigious event, one of several provincial “Open” tournaments that provided a competitive platform for both Canadian and international golfers. In a remarkable performance, amateur golfer Cec Ferguson emerged as the champion, finishing with a score of 206 (10 under par). His victory highlighted the depth of talent in Canadian golf and added to the legacy of the event.

Quilchena golf course in 1976

Head professional, President, and General Manager, 1976

August 1976

July 1981

Beginning of a Fine Golf Course

A $650,000 proposal was approved for several significant upgrades, including the installation of an automatic sprinkler system, a clubhouse renovation, and drainage improvements, among others. Membership quickly surged, leading to a waiting list for Club admission. Upon completion of the project in June 1984, on-course amenities were added to spruce things up.

July 1981

1988

Jennifer Wyatt Turns Pro

Quilchena Member Jennifer Wyatt earned her playing card to join the United States Ladies Professional Golf Tour, where she competed at the highest level for 10 years. Throughout her career, Jennifer has participated in tournaments around the globe, proudly showcasing her roots at Quilchena as she built an illustrious golf career.

Jennifer Wyatt bunker shot

Jennifer Wyatt

1988

July 30, 1990

CPGA Transamerica Championship

The CPGA Transamerica Championship was a significant tournament on the Canadian professional golf circuit in the late 1980s and early 1990s. From July 30 to August 2, 1990, Quilchena Golf and Country Club had the honour of hosting the event, where Rick Gibson claimed his second victory of the season. The championship’s reputation during this time played a key role in elevating the profile of professional golf in Canada.

Trans America PGA Championship at Quilchena (9th green), 1990

July 30, 1990

Summer 1992

Major Course Renovations

In 1992, the golf course underwent a comprehensive $1 million redesign to upgrade all 18 holes and was completed in the spring of 1993.

Summer 1992

January 1996

A Modern Clubhouse

In January 1996, the Club embarked on a transformative journey to modernize its clubhouse. Following a closely contested vote at a 1994 general meeting, a slim majority of Members supported the decision to build a new facility that would better serve the Club’s evolving needs. On February 14, 1995, Quilchena officially partnered with Thomas M. Morton Architect Inc. (Morton Ramsey Associates) to design a clubhouse that would blend modern amenities with the Club’s rich history. With plans finalized, construction commenced in 1996, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Club. Just over a year later, in March 1997, the doors to the new clubhouse opened, providing Members with an enhanced experience that combined elegance, comfort, and functionality. The new facility quickly became a central hub for social gatherings, dining, and golf events. Today, the clubhouse stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of the membership, a place where tradition meets innovation, and where Members continue to create lasting memories.

Quilchena Clubhouse

Quilchena Golf and Country Club, post 1996

January 1996

July 28, 2003

PGA of BC Championship

Quilchena Golf and Country Club proudly hosted the prestigious PGA of BC Championship from July 28 to 30, 2003, welcoming many of the province’s top professional golfers to its beautifully maintained and strategically designed course. The tournament provided a true test of skill, with competitors challenged by the exceptional course layout and playing conditions. Hosting this esteemed event reinforced Quilchena’s reputation as a premier championship venue in British Columbia, setting the stage for future high-profile tournaments.

July 28, 2003

2005

State Of The Art Turf Care Centre

In 2003, the new turf care building was proposed to the membership. In early 2005, one of the finest turf care buildings of its time was complete and ready for use by Quilchena’s turf care staff.

Turf Care Centre upon completion, 2005

2005

August 18, 2008

PGA of BC Championship

For the second time in five years, Quilchena Golf and Country Club had the honour of hosting the prestigious PGA of BC Championship from August 18 to 20, 2008. Yet again, Quilchena provided a true test of skill for competitors vying for the provincial title. The event showcased the Club’s commitment to excellence in golf, reinforcing its reputation as a premier championship venue in British Columbia.

August 18, 2008

2008/2009

Multi-Year Course Enhancement Project

In early 2004, planning began for a comprehensive course enhancement at Quilchena Golf and Country Club. This ambitious, multi-year $5.2 million initiative aimed to elevate golf operations and was completed by 2008/2009. The Membership committed to an extensive transformation, investing significant capital and careful deliberation into improving the course. Following a major drainage and irrigation overhaul, the course emerged with a fresh look, featuring substantial layout changes to multiple holes, enhanced cultural practices for healthier turf, and a renewed sense of pride within the Club.

Quilchena 2010 aerial

Quilchena after course enhancements, 2010

2008/2009

May 6, 2010

RCGA CN Canadian Women’s Tour

Quilchena Golf and Country Club had the pleasure of hosting one of the events on the RCGA CN Canadian Women’s Tour from May 6 to 7, 2010, which was a key part of the Canadian women’s golf circuit.

May 6, 2010

August 2, 2011

Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls’ Championship

Quilchena Golf and Country Club was honoured to host the Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls’ Championship August 2 to 5, 2011, a key event in nurturing junior girls’ talent since 1955. Local golfer Jennifer Yang emerged as champion.

2011 Royale Cup

Canadian Junior Girls Championship, 2011

August 2, 2011

2020/2021

COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, golf in the Lower Mainland experienced an unexpected surge in popularity. As one of the few recreational activities that allowed for natural social distancing, golf courses remained open for much of the pandemic, with safety protocols in place.

2020/2021

February 22, 2022

Cart Shed Fire

A large fire broke out inside of the cart shed at Quilchena, located on the north end of the property. Richmond Fire-Rescue quickly responded to extinguish the blaze near the first tee. Fortunately, there were no injuries to staff or to the public.

Burnt cart shed after a large fire, 2022

February 22, 2022

2025

Centennial Year

Quilchena Golf and Country Club proudly marked its 100th anniversary on August 4, 2025, a milestone that reflected a century of tradition, camaraderie, and a shared passion for the game. Members and their guests gathered on August 9, 2025, to commemorate this special occasion, celebrating the people, experiences, and enduring spirit that have shaped the Club over the years. Throughout the centennial year, a series of thoughtfully curated events brought the community together, including exclusive member interviews, signature golf tournaments, a Centennial Spring Fling, and a grand Centennial Gala. With more to come, plans for a commemorative history book and Centennial Clock were introduced as a lasting tribute to this milestone.

Quilchena Celebrating 100 Years

2025

July 7, 2025

BC Junior Boys Tournament

From July 7–11, Quilchena Golf and Country Club was proud to host the 2025 BC Junior Boys Championship, welcoming the province’s top young golfers for four days of high-level competition. The 72-hole stroke play event, organized by British Columbia Golf, showcased rising talent and fierce determination. Austin Krahn claimed a back to back Junior Boys title, finishing the tournament a remarkable 17-under par.

See BC Golf’s Website HERE

Austin Krahn, BC Junior Boys Tournament, 2025.

Austin Krahn, BC Junior Boys Champion, 2025

July 7, 2025

May 25, 2026

BC Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship

Looking ahead, Quilchena Golf and Country Club continues to host premier competitions, gearing up as the host venue for the 2026 British Columbia Men’s Mid-Amateur & Mid-Master Championship. Scheduled for May 25–28, the Club will welcome many of the province’s top amateur players competing over 54 holes of stroke play, further reinforcing Quilchena’s reputation as a championship-calibre course known for its exceptional conditions and playability.

May 25, 2026

Did you know?

1.
Quilchena was initially planned to relocate from the 33rd Ave location and to purchase land south of Macdonald St and Marine Drive where McCleery Golf Course is today, but were unsuccessful in raising funds.

2.
In early designs of the Richmond golf course, a plan to feature five tee positions on the dyke were approved, yet not incorporated due to the high cost of erecting bridges.

3.
Plans were envisioned for Quilchena, including a deluxe Clubhouse, swimming pool and tennis court. However, a pan-abode was brought for a clubhouse and a storage shed was built for volunteers.

4.
In the 60’s, “the unofficial practice of racial discrimination was abolished for all time when a prospective new Member by the name of Lee applied for membership.” Mr. Lee was Chinese-Canadian, becoming the first at Quilchena.

5.
In 1974, a proposition to relocate Quilchena to No. 7 Rd and Westminster Hwy in Richmond was voted on, and rejected by the Members.

6.
In 1977 and 1978, proposals from both Seafair and Richmond Curling Clubs to build a curling rink on Quilchena property were debated and rejected.