History - Kelowna Golf and Country Club

Golf has been part of this city's fabric since 1899.

From a modest 9-hole course near City Hall to one of British Columbia's most respected private clubs, the story of KGCC is one of resilience, member commitment, and a quiet determination to get it right. Through two World Wars, a devastating clubhouse fire, and more than a century of seasons, the members of this club have continuously invested in the land, the course, and each other. What you play today, including six original greens from A.V. Macan's early design, is the result of over 125 years of stewardship.

A Brief History of Golf in Kelowna

1899–1924: The Early Years

Golf in Kelowna began in 1899 on a 9-hole course near today’s City Hall. The course relocated in 1914 but struggled during World War I. In 1920, members purchased the current Wolaston property, incorporated as the Kelowna Golf Club, and built a 9-hole course with sand greens and a lakeside clubhouse. By 1926, the course expanded to 18 holes.

1925–1954: Growth and Irrigation

Water access became a major focus. Agreements with the Glenmore Irrigation District eventually allowed irrigation from Eagle Pond. Financial pressures led to a temporary reduction to 9 holes in 1949–50, at which time grass greens were installed for the first time.

1955–1964: Return to 18 Holes

Membership growth prompted expansion. With additional land purchases and financing approved by members, a redesigned 18-hole course officially opened in 1962.

1965–1974

The clubhouse was destroyed by fire in 1966. A new clubhouse opened in 1967, followed by
construction of a separate Golf Shop in 1970.

1975–1984: Modernization

The Club upgraded facilities including locker rooms and maintenance buildings. In 1977, a fully automated underground irrigation system was installed, significantly improving course conditions.

1985–1998: City Expansion & Course Redesign

City plans to widen Glenmore Drive required acquisition of course land. After member approval in 1995, an agreement with the City of Kelowna led to the construction of new holes and major redesign work completed in 1998. During this period, members also approved a $2.1 million clubhouse renovation, completed in 1999.

2006–2016: Master Planning & Course Enhancements

The Club initiated a long-term Master Plan, engaging architects John Harbottle and later Jeff Mingay to guide course improvements. A new state-of-the-art irrigation system was installed in 2012.

2017–2020: Centennial & Resilience

For the Club’s Centennial in 2020, the Centennial Bridge and renovated signature 12th hole were completed. Six original greens from A.V. Macan’s early design remain in play. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a five-week closure in 2020, but the Club rebounded with strong member support and high demand.

2021–Present: Strategic Vision

The Club is committed to continually upgrading the Golf Course through its master planning process to ensure an enjoyable and challenging golf experience.

In 2023 the Club spent much of the year working with Global Golf Advisors developing and communicating a Strategic Plan that would see us take the Club through identified improvements from 2024 thru 2028.

2024 saw the Club in its first year of implementation of the Strategic Plan - which introduced the newly renovated Augusta Lounge, plans for a newly renovated Hole 4 and a beautiful new short game and range area. Under the umbrella of the Board of Directors, the Golf Shop Building Committee started the planning process and design work on the potential new Golf Shop.

In 2025 the new hole 4 was opened, as well as a new practice area with TopTracer technology, and the members voted in favour of a new Golf Operations Centre. Construction began once the course closed in November and will continue until complete in the fall of 2026. Very exciting times at Kelowna Golf & Country Club!

This calendar of events in the history and development of the golf course is abbreviated, but we hope you find it interesting. In reviewing the records of past years, it is very obvious that the members of today are indeed indebted to those members who, over the years since 1920, have devoted their time and money to purchase and improve the beautiful property we now own, enjoy and know as the Kelowna Golf and Country Club.