Located in Scarborough, Ontario, near the eastern boundary of Toronto, is Scarboro Golf & Country Club. A club that stands as a unique and shining example of Canadian golf heritage, and one that is home to the only A.W. Tillinghast golf course in Canada.
Established in 1912, Scarboro blends history and golf design to create what might be a golfing experience that will rarely ever be matched again. Similar to other golf courses in urban settings, modern restrictions would almost never allow a location like Scarboro’s to be a golf course and, for that, it is an endangered species.
In 1924, A.W.Tillinghast (of Winged Foot and Baltusrol fame) was commissioned to redesign the original layout by George Cumming. His vision transformed the golf course into a classic masterpiece characterized by strategic bunkering, dramatic green contours, a harmonious integration with the natural landscape, and some of the best par-4’s to be found anywhere.
The layout meanders through the West Highland Creek Valley with the creek coming into play in numerous spots. The naturally undulated terrain creates a unique set of holes with interesting landforms and shapes. There is some definite quirkiness here, with little fear of blind drives or even a drive over a major roadway.
Scarboro’s history is punctuated by its role as a host of several prestigious tournaments including the Canadian Open on four separate occasions (1940, 1947, 1953, and 1963). These events saw legendary golfers such as Sam Snead, Bobby Locke, Dave Douglas, and Doug Ford (the golfer of course) grace its fairways.
Adding to Scarboro’s charm is a stately Edwardian-style clubhouse, which may very well be my favourite in all of Canada. Its classic design is a throwback to times gone by, and in my view serves only to enhance the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape while complimenting the feel of the golf course to a tee. I never miss an opportunity to sit on the clubhouse’s verandah, drink in hand, admiring the sweeping views across the course.
