A short distance from the bustling Montreal, the peaceful Islesmere Golf Club has a rich history. It is a traditional forest-park route that offers a walk that is both pleasant and demanding.
Its original 18 holes – the club has 27 – were designed by Willie Park Jr., one of the most famous golf architects of his time. A narrow, tree-lined strategic course, Islesmere calls on the patience of the golfer. Renowned Quebec architect Howard Watson added the nine additional holes.
Islesmere has hosted numerous professional tournaments over the years, including the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Open, two Canadian PGA Championships, the Quebec Open and the Montreal Open. The champions of these tournaments include Willie Lamb, Bob Gray, Stan Leonard, Moe Norman, Doug Ford and Byron Nelson. The latter’s victory at the Montreal Open in 1945 established a course record with 63 strokes and was part of a record 11-game winning streak for Nelson that season.
The 5,110 m2 (55,000 ft2) pavilion is flanked by a huge terrace offering breathtaking panoramas and has several meeting rooms as well as three large spaces for weddings, banquets and other events of all kinds. The training facilities include an exercise green with sand pit and approach area, as well as a large exercise area.
