BRENDA GOUGH
NEWS Contributor
The Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Club celebrated 100 years of golf on July 20 with a fun filled birthday party that had guests take a stroll down memory land.
The festivities began with two shot gun Texas scramble golf games on the course which opened in 1913.
Sporting period costumes and using vintage hickory golf clubs members and guests played golf as it was meant to be played.
Some wondered how original golfers like Bobby Jones and Qualicum Beach’s own General Noel Money hit the ball ,let alone reach the greens but others still hit the ancient Gutta-Percha balls on the green and sunk their putts.
The hole-in-one contest went begging with no winners and throughout the day golfers and spectators were entertained by the Qualicum Seniors Ukulele Band and the Nanaimo Youth Fiddlers.
The festivities carried on into the evening with the 100th anniversary gala dinner which was held on the lawn outside the Thalassa Restaurant.
With a breathtaking ocean view as the backdrop and entertainment from Ron Hadley and his sextet accompanied by songstress Maureen Washington guests enjoyed a garden party that could easily rival the soirees put on at St. Andrews.
The menu included cold melon soup served in wine glasses and stuffed pork loin chops garnished with flower accents.
With white linen table clothes and napkins adorned with souvenir memorial golf clips the dining area was stunning and Oura Giakoumakis of Thalassa and her staff are to be commended for their impeccable service.
Some of the dignitaries at the event included former Qualicum Beach mayors.
Orlan Rye, looking spry, was a member of council for 17 years and Mayor from 1975 to 1977.
Another alumnus was Jack Collins who spent 18 years on the Town council including six in the mayors seat until 1996.
The Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course is the fourth oldest course in British Columbia. In 1981, the Town purchased the golf course from the late R. A. Brown of Calgary, Alberta.
Details of the history including photos can be found in the specially commissioned book 100 Years of Golf in Qualicum Beach.
Author Claud Buchanan who was at the gala said he was thrilled to be part of the project because he has a long history with the area.
“My uncle and aunt lived in Nanaimo after the first world war 100 years ago and my grandfather’s uncle came here as commercial traveler at the turn of the century so I have long connections with this place.”
He said he has received great feedback on the book and over 500 copies have been sold.
“I am so thankful to the Town for sponsoring the book which is now available at Chapters in Nanaimo and locally at the Mulberry Bush.”