EBG CLUB History

The English Bay Golf Club had it’s first regular season matches in 1980 and has continued to this day with the help of many members and their complimentary efforts. Many of the current members, including myself did not have the occasion to play golf or even meet any of the pioneering members. This short biography is meant to document the beginnings of the English Bay Golf Club, appreciate the efforts of past members and enlighten any current or new members.

The initial members enjoyed playing golf regularly, were mainly of Irish and Scottish decent and enjoyed relaxing and discussing the finer points of the game over a pint at The Dover Arms Pub. Some of the pioneers were also connected through the Comox Racketball Club on Denman St. in Vancouver. The core group of players that pressed to create The English Bay Golf Club were Billy Dunlop, Davie McColl and Huey Miller (who’s brother Joe played music with the Irish Rovers). There were many other pioneers that made the club popular and pleasurable including Bert Unger, Davie Campbell, Shawn Carl, Stu McKlennett, Willie Burns, Stu MacLennan, and Keith Heald with the latter two still playing with the club.

One of the stories still laughed about is when _________ and _________ of Irish decent who after having driven past their tee box located down a hill were seen by __________ of Scottish decent sweating and pushing the golf cart backwards, back up the hill to the tee box, not realizing the cart had reverse. This was the butt of many jokes for many years.

Near the end of the nineties the membership began shrinking, and in just a few years the club membership had fallen to such a low level that it was time to decide on whether to continue or not. Luckily it was decided to push forward and drive for new members. If not for the efforts and hard work of Peter Price, Bob Cunningham, Stu McLennan and Keith Heald the club would have ended and disbanded.

The current club has retained it’s original format and constitution but has moved into the new millennium with a renewed vigor, a website, email and a strong membership. I’m sure the founders would be pleased with the changes. The club is pleased that some pioneering members are still active in the 2006 season, including Stuart MacLennan and Keith Heald.