London Hunt And CC
| Location: | London, ON Canada |
| Year Opened: | 1885 |
| Society Delegate: | Douglas MacKenzie |
| Website: | londonhuntclub.com |
London Hunt Club’s history can be traced back to 1843 when British troops were stationed in London following the Upper Canada Rebellion. After many years of increased activity and with additions of tennis, shooting and golf, The London Hunt & Country Club was officially established in March of 1885.
The original George Cumming golf course was built on land leased from Western University. With the rapid growth of the University, it became evident a new location was needed. In 1957, land in nearby Byron was purchased and Robert Trent Jones, Sr. agreed to build a championship golf course.
The courses’ notoriety increased in 1969 when Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf hosted by Arnold Palmer and Jimmy Demaret came to the Club. It then hosted the 1970 Canadian Men’s Open, followed by Canadian Amateurs, as well as three LPGA Canadian Open events in 1993, 2006 and 2014.
The 7,200 yard course was completed in 1960, opening to much acclaim. The course was imposing, with classic RTJ design features – enormous greens, runway tees, water hazards and bunkering, and strategic routing. While grand in scale and challenging to the best players, its runway tee boxes allow players of all ages and abilities to enjoy the game.
The 10th hole at the Hunt Club is an imposing par five with water challenging the drive, second and third shots. Shortly after construction, Canadian Magazine dubbed the 10th one of its “Nightmare 18”. Running along the Thames River and bordered by Sycamore trees, the hole is challenging but allows the player to choose from a wide variety of shot options.
However, once you reach the 10,500 square foot green your challenge continues – all under the watchful eye of our resident Bald Eagles in the majestic pines overlooking the green.
The courses par 3’s are each unique, with varying hazards, challenges and running from 150 to 235 yards. While the 235 yard 17th is a challenge as matches wind down, the short 150 yard 8th might provide the greatest challenge with its 9,000 sq ft undulating green running back to front and requiring the player control their ball on both their approach and when putting.
Although the city has now grown around London Hunt, its large footprint allows it to remain an isolated haven for its members. It is unique, and being the only Robert Trent Jones championship course in Canada east of the Rockies, is something we cherish.
