From
the creation of the club in 1876 to this day including
its incorporation in 1894, the Murray Bay Golf Club has
managed to adjust to the passing of time. It is the third
oldest club in America and the oldest one still operating
in the same location.
The
first president of the club, Dr. D. M. Stimson, gave Jacques
Bouchard $20 to rent his land for the season. The course
area was a little smaller than the current one. Golfers
struggled not only to reduce their handicap but also against
the cows and sheep that grazed in this large field.
A
few highlights:
-
in 1905, the clubhouse was inaugurated, followed by the
tennis and croquet courts;
- in 1897, the first hole was listed;- in 1925, the course
was accredited by the "Canadian Golf Association";
- the cows disappeared en 1928, the watering systems right
after the First World War and the swimming pool in the
Mid 1960's.
The
club gradually welcomed local sportsmen. The creation
of the Charlevoix Open and the golfers' association helped
to make the sport more popular.
In
1972, Mr. Jean-Arthur Tremblay became the first president
native of the region. From 35 members when it was created,
the club membership has increased to almost 250 in 2002.
The
directors always made sure that the club adjusted to social
and economic changes; this determination lives on and
will guarantee the survival of the club.
