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.
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.
Join Quilchena in celebrating 100 years of golf and camaraderie at our Centennial Gala on August 9th 2025.
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 built on the highest point of land by Mr. F. Gardner on the corner of 29th Ave. and East Blvd.
Quilchena’s first clubhouse, Vancouver, 1926
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 Sheppard (left), Dr. G.F. Strong, 1930 (right)
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.
Aerial view of Quilchena, Vancouver, between 1942-1945
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.
Ernie Brown – Head Professional at Quilchena, 1945
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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”.
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.
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.
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
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
Plans for a $600,000 expenditure for a course improvement project was made to upgrade all 18 holes and was completed in the spring of 1993.
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 Golf and Country Club, post 1996
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.
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
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.
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 after course enhancements, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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
Quilchena Golf and Country Club turns 100 years on August 4, 2025 and celebrates a century of golf and camaraderie on August 9, 2025. To honour this milestone, Quilchena has planned a series of centennial festivities, including exclusive interviews, golf tournaments, a Centennial Spring Fling, the unveiling of a legacy clock, a grand Centennial Gala, and a commemorative history book to capture the Club’s rich heritage.
Quilchena is set to host the 2025 BC Junior Boys Championship on July 7 to 11, 2025. This prestigious event coincides with centennial celebrations held here at Quilchena, offering a fitting tribute to its rich history.
See BC Golf’s Website HERE
3551 Granville Avenue
Richmond BC Canada
V7C 1C8
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