Over 50 years in the making
In the late 1950s, Bruce McLaughlin purchased 180 acres of land in the picturesque rolling Caledon Hills – formerly the Wynn Standing Farm – with the vision of a resort and recreation centre on the site that would focus on providing facilities for the entire family. By November 1960, the Chinguacousy Country Club – (the club’s former name meaning “Land of Pines”) vision had taken shape and earth was being moved on the site of the golf course. Rene Muylaert was the golf course architect, this being his first golf course design.
In the summer of 1961, the first nine holes for golf had been completed, an equestrian riding academy was in full operation, a model farm had been set up for the children, the 25-metre swimming pool was open, the supervised children’s playground was in daily use, and the tennis courts were being finished. While construction of the remaining nine holes of the championship course was moving ahead as planned, memberships were flowing in. The Club members geared up for a winter season of wagon rides, skating, outdoor curling, horse-drawn sleigh rides, cross-country and slope skiing and fireside parties.
With memberships at more than 200 percent of the objective, the Board of Directors decided to increase the Club’s property holdings to more than 250 acres in 1962, and in 1965 the new clubhouse facilities next to the Credit River were opened.
Development of the property and the buildings continued year by year. The golf course was increased to 27 holes, including 9 holes for juniors, irrigation systems were installed, year-round chalets were built, roadways, landscaping and other improvements enhanced the beauty of the club grounds. Quartering facilities and riding arenas were constructed and the juniors were given their own clubhouse and social activities and planned programs were enjoyed by all.
A general meeting of the membership was held in February 1969 to consider the construction of additional clubhouse facilities which would bring the total square footage to 35,000. This would make Chinguacousy one of the largest private clubs of its kind and would allow the Club to cater to corporate parties, sales functions, etc., without disturbing the day-to-day tempo of membership activities. Overwhelming approval was given, and plans were laid for the new addition.
In the 1980s the club underwent many changes including the cessation of the riding component, the closure of the junior nine and the change from private to semi-private to fully public in 1988 as well as the acquisition of additional lands. In 1991 Chinguacousy changed its name to Caledon Country Club – (homage to its location) and many renovations and upgrades have been completed to the clubhouse and grounds. Presently the Club hosts many corporate and charity tournaments and weddings and welcomes public players daily.
