British Columbia Golf House: A Museum For The Ages
By ALfie Lau
The BC Golf House, once the former clubhouse of the golf course, has been lovingly transformed into one of the most unique museums in the province.
The BC Golf House, once the former clubhouse of the golf course, has been lovingly transformed into one of the most unique museums in the province.
Curator Michael Riste is one of the original founders of the museum, having worked with the White brothers, Dick and Harry, in the mid-‘80s to renovate the province’s oldest building built for golf and turn it from a clubhouse into a museum.
Now open from noon to 4 p.m. six days a week (closed Monday), the Golf House features an extensive collection of clubs (dating back to 1790), bags and golf balls, more than 5,000 volumes of collectible books, reference books and general interest titles and there are 52 categories of collectibles on display throughout the museum.
Riste said he still remembers how Dick, who recently passed away, was instrumental in working with the provincial government to cut through all the red tape so that their newly-formed society could take possession of the old clubhouse and start renovations. Harry would use his many golf contacts to try to get much-need donations for the facility and Riste would use his real estate and renovation contacts to try and get more funding, volunteers and materials for the facility.
As the work progressed Dick and Harry attracted a group of fellow golf club members to the group: Mary Williams, the Vancouver Island liaison; accountant Ron Okada; lawyer Ken Atkinson; Joe Fast; and Michael Bentley, who would form the initial Board. At the same time, Dorothy Brown began working at the museum and helped create the vision for the museum as a fun place where golf aficionados could see, touch and feel the historical golf artifacts before them.
“We had a goal of preserving, recording and displaying the history of golf and the golfers of the province,” said Riste. “So many people have put in so much work into this museum.”
Walk through the museum with Riste and he can show you the reference library where he can give you info on virtually every golf course that has ever existed in British Columbia, along with more than 1,500 player biographies, and the tournament records from all events with a history of greater than 25 years.
One of the proudest moments for Riste came in May 1989, when PGA Tour star and BC resident, Dave Barr, used a ‘track iron’ from the late-1700s and a feathery ball to officially tee off and open the BC Golf House.
In 2001 the Golf Hall of Fame of BC was created to honour golfers whose competitive achievements brought pride and recognition to themselves and to British Columbia. Every odd numbered year, there is a Hall of Fame Induction and to date there are 34 Honoured Members and 1 team in the Hall of Fame. Since it’s an odd-numbered year this year, the Hall of Fame will be expanding this year so stay tuned for an announcement later this year.
What has Riste a little antsy these days is that the current lease for the facility runs out on May 22 and while he’s confident his landlord, David Ho, is working with the Musqueam Nation to extend that lease, he would like the certainty of a signed lease.
“I’m involved in commercial property rentals and I always like having signed contracts well in advance of the lease expiring,” said Riste. “I’ve been working with Michael Mather (Executive Professional at the University Golf Club) and I’ve been working on the assumption that we will continue to be here, but it would be nice to have a signed (renewal). We have a great facility here and we want to continue to be here.”
Even with that uncertainty, it’s still full steam ahead for Riste and his team as they prepare for the two biggest events on their calendar.
“Our annual general meeting is on Thursday, March 19 at
7 p.m.,” said Riste. “We’re encouraging our members to come, not only for the meeting, but to see our recently completed Pro-Made Golf Company exhibit and the Stan Leonard Room.”
And Riste is asking members to bring a friend because the price for individual memberships is only $25, with each member receiving a full $25 tax receipt for income tax purposes.
And on Monday, May 11, the 28th annual Tradition Golf Classic will be held at the University Golf Course.
“This is our major fundraiser each year,” said Riste. “We are also very fortunate that Mr. Ho has donated the course so that all proceeds from this event will be directed to the BC Golf House Society. We are also thankful for the generous support of Michael Mather and his team.”
Since 1987, the Tradition Golf Classic has raised more than $600,000, with all proceeds going back into the museum.
Early bird entries (fully paid by April 1) are only $200, with regular entry fees of $225.
Riste said the society’s guiding principle of turning one dollar of donations into two dollars of value still holds and the society has big plans for the future. This year’s plans include excavating the remaining 1,200 square foot basement to create new display space, new bathrooms and a new kitchen area. The displays will be upgraded focusing on golf after 1950, utilizing the museum’s vast collection of artifacts from 1950 - 2000.
“Come and visit us at 2545 Blanca Street,” said Riste. “I’m there most days and we have a student there when I’m not there. Since we are run by volunteers, it is best to call ahead. We are still the only stand-alone state or provincial golf museum in North America.”
For more information, call 604-222-4653 or email office@bcgolfhouse.com.