UPLANDS HISTORY
TAKE A WALK INTO HISTORY
Established in 1922 by the United Services Club, the Uplands golf course has a rich history, originally starting in the early 1880s at Macaulay Point.
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Initially seen as agricultural real estate to feed Fort Victoria, it later became a classic parkland course. Golf enthusiasts seeing an ideal location for an 18-hole course were fortunate to find this idyllic spot.
UPLANDS CLUBHOUSES
Initially leasing from HBC, the Club, named Uplands, quickly attracted 400 members with a $100 entrance fee. Construction of a two-story Clubhouse began, and despite challenges, the golf course was ready in a year, hosting its first game in July 1922.
A setback in 1925 saw the Clubhouse destroyed by fire, but a replacement served members for 37 years. In the 1930s, economic hardships led to declining membership, reduced fees, and a new lease in 1932. The Club faced challenges during wartime, but in 1948, after negotiations, they purchased the property for $60,000, marking 26 years of growth.
The third Clubhouse, meeting the needs of over 750 members, opened in September 1963, standing until 1995 when the current building replaced it.
A setback in 1925 saw the Clubhouse destroyed by fire, but a replacement served members for 37 years. In the 1930s, economic hardships led to declining membership, reduced fees, and a new lease in 1932. The Club faced challenges during wartime, but in 1948, after negotiations, they purchased the property for $60,000, marking 26 years of growth.
The third Clubhouse, meeting the needs of over 750 members, opened in September 1963, standing until 1995 when the current building replaced it.
COURSE DEVELOPMENT
Over the years, Uplands golf course has undergone significant changes and improvements. In 1968/69, a major development altered the nature of four of the last six holes, enhancing the layout with new planting, sand bunkers, and contoured greens.
This transformation also included the creation of a long-awaited practice range and the installation of a quick coupler manual irrigation system. In 1985, further enhancements based on a Course Master Plan by Bill Robinson were implemented, solidifying the current layout. Ongoing improvements, guided by Cooke Carleton Architects and a hole-by-hole critique, have included the addition of sand bunkers, drainage work, tree planting, and an upgraded irrigation system, reducing water use by 38%. Upland continues to improve course layout and playability.
This transformation also included the creation of a long-awaited practice range and the installation of a quick coupler manual irrigation system. In 1985, further enhancements based on a Course Master Plan by Bill Robinson were implemented, solidifying the current layout. Ongoing improvements, guided by Cooke Carleton Architects and a hole-by-hole critique, have included the addition of sand bunkers, drainage work, tree planting, and an upgraded irrigation system, reducing water use by 38%. Upland continues to improve course layout and playability.
ALL IMPORTANT STAFF
The Club has been fortunate to have only four professionals, showcasing their loyalty. Walter Gravlin served for 40 years until 1963, succeeded by Johnny Wren for 10 more. Don Billsborough took over in 1973, joined by Bruce Rands in 1974, both retiring in 2014. Ian Stone, a home-grown talent, assumed the role.
Uplands Golf Club has many dedicated, long term members of staff in all departments including Administration, Greens, Food & Beverage and the Pro Shop. This continuity of service creates a welcoming, family feel to the Club and ensures consistent service excellence for members, guests, and visitors alike.
Uplands Golf Club has many dedicated, long term members of staff in all departments including Administration, Greens, Food & Beverage and the Pro Shop. This continuity of service creates a welcoming, family feel to the Club and ensures consistent service excellence for members, guests, and visitors alike.
