I have lived in Vancouver for almost forty years. As a travel writer, I tend to think I know the city very well. So, when I learned the BC Golf Museum and the Golf Hall of Fame of BC are less than ten kilometres from my home, my curiosity was aroused.
I had never visited – let alone even heard of – both institutions, which are located at the University Golf Club in the University Endowment Lands. Although I have little knowledge of the game, I realize many adore it. Over six million Canadians play golf, including my son and many friends. I recognize golf is immensely popular. Operated by volunteers, the museum and hall of fame (www.bcgolfhouse.com) is located by the 7th green and 8th tee. It is described as the only independent golf museum and library in any province or state in North America. The driving force behind this unique enterprise is golf historian Mike Riste.
In addition to being an accomplished lifelong player, Riste’s life from an early age has been entrenched in golf culture. He says he began his love of golf in the 1950s by being a caddy for $1.00 a round on the North Shore. In the following years, he also caddied for Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, and Rod Laver amongst others.
In talking to Riste, it soon becomes apparent I have hit the jackpot. There seems to be nothing this wonderful, informed individual does not know about the game, which he explains in an engaging and entertaining way.
He begins by telling me about the history of the museum. The small, compact museum is over 30 years old, having opened on May 8, 1989 in the historic original 1930’s clubhouse owned by the University Golf Club.
In 1986, a new club house was constructed, after which the old club house remained unused. It rapidly became run-down and dilapidated as various individuals debated what to do with it, musing about whether to develop it into a restaurant and bar, a daycare, or even relocate it to Pacific Spirit Regional Park to be used as a visitors’ centre.
Riste had a vision for it to be used as a golf museum, and his dream was realised on November 11, 1986. Today, it is the oldest surviving clubhouse in the province.
The museum is packed with everything and anything related to golf. Many of the amazing and eclectic artifacts were discovered by Riste after visiting antique shops and markets across the globe, and by searching online for golf memorabilia. Other pieces have been donated by fellow golfers. Some were given to the museum by the widows of golfing enthusiasts who, upon the deaths of their beloved golf infatuated husbands, were at a loss of what to do with this paraphernalia.
An extensive library can also be found at the museum. Over eight thousand books are catalogued, including a copy of the first book on the subject of golf dating from 1743. The library also has a collection of videos and DVDs about the game.
In addition to balls, bags and clubs, there is also a vast array of golf-related artifacts such as Royal Doulton dinner plates made with a golf theme, and a golf pinball machine. Golf-themed jigsaw puzzles, board games, cookie jars, mugs, clothing, and a wide range of ornaments are also found at the museum.
A series of stylish, glass-fronted wooden cases contain information describing the history of the game, which Riste says was originally developed in Holland and was played on ice. Only after this time was it taken up by the Scottish and further developed.
One display illustrates the construction and composition of golf balls, which interestingly were initially made using goose down.
A section on golf fashion features a women’s golf bag from the 1950s, complete with matching purse, and includes some insight into the history of women playing the game. Some of the extensive collection of golf clubs on display date back to the 18th century.
One room in the museum is devoted to the Golf Hall of Fame of BC, where numerous plaques list the achievements of the most successful golfers from the province. Approximately 50 visitors a month visit the museum, including elementary school students, seniors, and golfers who find they have time to pass while waiting at the #8 tee.
The venue is also used to host birthday parties and functions for up to 50 people, making it a great place for golfers celebrating an event to mark an occasion.
(NOTE – The BC Golf Museum and the Golf Hall of Fame of BC is open Wednesday – Sunday, from 12–4 p.m. Entrance and parking are free. The writer acknowledges the assistance of Mike Riste, Volunteer Historian at the BC Golf House Society, and his colleagues at the University Golf Club in the researching and writing of this article).
JAYNE SEAGRAVE IS A B.C. RESIDENT AND BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF “CAMPING BRITISH COLUMBIA, THE ROCKIES AND THE YUKON”. SHE WRITES FICTION AND NON-FICTION, AND OCCASIONALLY TEACHES WRITING AND PUBLISHING COURSES.