When a golf course isn’t just a golf course

Founded in 1946 by a group of Jewish businessmen, Glendale has historically been known as Winnipeg’s Jewish club, since most of its founding fathers and members were Jewish. While the club continues to recognize its Jewish heritage, it also welcomes members of all denominations, with about 30 or 40 per cent of the current membership non-Jewish.

Situated along the banks of the Assiniboine River, the facility offers world-class golf to Winnipeggers⎯and also a prime location for weddings, banquets and just about any other type of event imaginable.

While throwing an event at a golf course is not a new concept by any means, few realize just how many options are available at Glendale. With a 100-seat dining area offering patrons a scenic view, a lounge that is an ideal spot to relax with a cool beverage or a light snack, a multi-purpose banquet room that can accommodate up to 200 people and a smaller card/meeting room, the club plays host to every type of event from bar/bat mitzvahs to retirement functions to business meetings. And on top of the site itself, Glendale offers a variety of catering options to its guests. “We have a terrific culinary staff here,” says Jim Steep, the club’s chief operating officer and director of golf.

In recent years, the club has also seen an explosion of couples who have decided to recite their wedding vows in a unique venue. “When everything’s in full bloom, it makes for a wonderful setting for guests and, most importantly, the wedding party,” says Don Bain, chair of the club’s membership and marketing committee. What’s more, he adds, is the club is a one-stop shop on the big day. “You can have your ceremony here, you can take your pictures here and you can hold your reception here. It allows everyone to remain on-site and take advantage of everything.”

In addition to its event hosting services, Glendale is renowned across the city for its Pro Shop. Carrying all of the latest golf equipment, clothing and accessories, the shop offers lessons and expert advice from members of the professional staff⎯all certified by the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association, including Steep, who has worked as a CPGA professional at the club for more than 30 years. Continually recognized as one of the top fitters in Canada, the shop specializes in club fitting and golf swing analysis, custom-fitting the equipment sold to each individual.

But what arguably remains Glendale’s biggest draw is its golf course, considered by many to rank among the top three courses in Winnipeg as well as the surrounding area. Given the number of prestigious tournaments the club has hosted throughout the years, that reputation is well deserved. The course layout has a big emphasis on tee shots, with accuracy a premium, given the many hazards throughout the course.

The course also features exceptional⎯and accessible⎯practice facilities, where novices and experienced players alike can hone their skills. “At other courses, you sometimes have to make a fairly lengthy trek to go up to the driving range or putting green,” says Bain. “Here, everything is literally at your fingertips and within a 100-yard radius. You don’t see that at a lot of courses.”

Furthermore, the club boasts three championship-level tennis courts⎯the only 18-hole private country club in the city to offer tennis as part of its membership package⎯where enthusiasts can enjoy a slew of activities, lessons and tournaments in a beautiful setting overlooking the river. Social events like barbecues, bridge nights, family and themed dinners, and other programs are also open to all members.

Both Steep and Bain credit much of Glendale’s success to the hardworking staff, many of whom have worked there for years. “One of the great things about this club is the staff retention,” says Steep.

And that commitment from the employees has ensured the club’s members feel welcome and at home, whether golfing, dining or just enjoying the facility. “You see the same people here year after year, and you become comfortable with them,” says Bain of the relationship between members and employees. “The personalized service is arguably unequalled.” The number of second- and third-generation members⎯as well as the growing number of newcomers to the club each year⎯ is certainly a testament to that.

For more information about Glendale Golf and Country Club, visit www.glendalegolf.ca.