Established in 1928
The Salt Spring Island Golf Course is a beautiful, modestly challenging 9-hole, 3037 yard, par 36 course of undulating fairways, water features and mature forests, with the north east slopes of Mount Erskine providing the backdrop to many holes.
Consisting of two par 5 holes, two par 3 holes and the remainder par 4’s, the course covers 70 acres of rolling terrain. Alternate tees provide a full-length “Back 9” if you prefer to play 18 holes. A set of forward tees shortens the course to 2760 yards for a men’s par 35 and ladies par 37.
One of the oldest courses in western British Columbia
The Salt Spring Island Golf Club was established in 1928 by residents eager to have a course on the island. Before regular ferry service, reaching one of the three golf courses on lower Vancouver Island was a near impossibility for Salt Spring islanders. As one of the oldest courses in western British Columbia, and the longest operating course in the Southern Gulf Islands, the golf course exemplifies Salt Spring Island’s transition from agricultural outpost to a recreational and retirement haven.
Club house beyond the tennis court
The natural terrain from its days as Barnsbury, a sheep farm, are fundamental to the course. With basically the same layout since its inception, improvements were made over time. Wide open fairways cut by grazing sheep were improved with trees planted between fairways, greens transformed from sand to grass, and bunkers built. A reservoir was added and the course given more undulation.
The last decade has seen even more significant upgrades. Irrigation was installed for drier summers and drainage addressed for better year-round play. Mother Nature changed the course as well. During the winter of 2018, a windstorm tore through the course, uprooting mature Douglas Fir and cedar trees. After significant efforts by staff and members, the storm’s impact is evident only to long-term members.
Putting on No. 9
Intense concentration
The Clubhouse has changed, too. Originally only a farm shack behind the first tee was used for club storage. In time, the old farmhouse became the Clubhouse, until it was rebuilt in the mid-1900’s with locker rooms and in- dining facility. The last significant renovations to the Clubhouse were made in the early 1970s by noted architect Hank Schubart.
Original shack for storing clubs
When course play began October 19, 1928, President W.E. Scott spoke of its value to the island, saying he hoped that those who did not play would give it their “moral support.” The golf club has been central to the social life on the island. Additionally, the golf course has long been established as a venue for fund-raising on Salt Spring Island. In 2012, the Golf Club entered into a business relationship with the Salt Spring Tennis Association and in 2017 the Salt Spring Squash Association.
Salt Spring Island Golf and Country Club is on the way to its 100th birthday. Come visit and play this remarkable heritage course.
More Photos
Clubhouse in the early days.
Original clubhouse from the road access driveway
Overlooking hole No. 1
Overlooking hole No. 7
Score Card c.1949
Second shot on No. 1 fairway
Dress Code
At the Salt Spring Island Golf Club, our Dress Code goes like this. For golf, smart casual is all we ask and we are a soft spike facility. For the disc course, more casual attire is acceptable. For both courses, jeans are acceptable on the course and in the clubhouse. Tank tops, mid-riff or halter tops are not allowed for women; muscle shirts or tank tops are not allowed for men. For all players tee shirts with profane slogans or illustrations are not permitted. Shirts and proper footwear must always be worn. Any questions about acceptability of a garment should be directed to the Pro Shop Staff.
If you are looking for suggestions, try clothing that is stylish, loose-fitting and breathable. Since we are on an island and the edge of a rainforest, it is always good to have something waterproof on hand. In dress, deportment and attitude, we expect our members and guests to honor the game of golf and respect the golf course.
View Score Card
Featuring a very walkable course and a great place for a quick round of golf while you’re visiting Salt Spring Island.
Course walk-through
While most holes offer ample landing areas for your tee shots, careful placement will afford the best lies and angles for your second shot. Greens are maintained to be of average size with a medium roll; however, large breaks on many of the greens necessitate creative approaches that change with pin placement.
The most difficult holes are the 7th and 9th. The 7th hole is a long 437-yard par 4 with a water hazard and a tiered green that challenges even our most experienced members. The 9th, at 383 yards is reachable in two, but the left-to-right dogleg and the sloping green present a real challenge to finish with a par. The most picturesque hole is the par 4 4 th where one drives from an elevated tee across a long sloping fairway, to a second shot to an elevated two-tier green surrounded by mature fir trees.