Stanley Thompson Society

Celebrating and preserving the legacy of Canada's renowned golf course architect Stanley Thompson!

The Stanley Thompson Society was founded in 1998. Through education, advocacy, research and experiences, the Society is dedicated to the celebration and preservation of the legacy of Canada's iconic golf course architect, Stanley Thompson.

This is made possible through the support of our membership including: individuals, clubs/courses and corporate supporters.

NEW MEMBER BENEFIT

The Society introduced a number of new, smaller, member only events called the Stanley Thompson Series. These are fabulous opportunities to play Thompson designs and meet other people committed to Stanley's legacy.

2024 Events:

Islington Golf Club - May 13, 2024

Royal Mayfair Golf Club - June 3, 2024

Ladies Golf Club of Toronto - August 15, 2024

Cape Breton Highlands Links - September 8, 2024

Recap of 2023 Events:

St. George's Golf and Country Club - May 15, 2023

Cataraqui Golf and Country Club - June 12, 2023

Western Classic - Waskesiu Golf Course - July 15, 2023

Westmount Golf and Country Club - September 18, 2023

Oakdale Field

News

Banff Springs Hole No. 4 ~ 'Devils Cauldren'

Stanley Thompson Award winner continues her success

July 14, 2023 — The PGA Magazine featured 2013 Stanley Thompson Award winner, Christine Fraser, in April 2023. Bringing a breath of fresh air

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Waterton Lakes Article Wins 1st place

July 14, 2023 — A panel of judges has examined nearly 130 stories, photos, videos, and podcasts to identify the finest content created by members of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) in 2022. There was an astonishing variety of content produced across many platforms in 2022 in the world of Canadian golf journalism. The judges faced a difficult task but managed to...

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Score Golf Top 100 (2022)

February 8, 2023 — This annual review of golf courses in Canada again features a large number of Stanley's designs. Over 16 courses are in the top 100, and fully five courses in the top 10! Read more

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Parks Canada Feature

November 28, 2022 — On November 28, 2005, the Government of Canada designated Stanley Thompson as a national historic person for the significant contributions he made to the development of golf course architecture in Canada, introducing challenging new . . . Read More

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Dormie - Autumn 2022

October 14, 2022 — The Stanley Thompson Society issues newsletters several times each year. These are populated with current events, both upcoming and recently past, historical information on Stanley and Stanley's courses and other interesting and relevant news.... READ MORE

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Stanley Thompson

Stanley Thompson and Icons of Canada

Now Available

Dr. Jamie Harris’ latest book focuses on none other than Stanley Thompson and how his fortunes were intricately woven within the development of Canada. Much more than a review of Stanley’s work, this extensively researched publication is introspective and eminently readable! From the foundations of this country and the building of the national railroads to how Stanley’s involvement at Vimy Ridge impacted the rest of his career, it is a pleasure to read. Every golf course architecture fan, Stanley Thompson fan and anyone interested in Canadian history will not want to miss Stanley Thompson and Icons of Canada: A History and a Biography. The publication is available at some Stanley Thompson clubs, as well as through the Stanley Thompson store.

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Featured Clubs

Oakdale Golf & Country Club

Oakdale photo courtesy of Howie Alter

Founded in 1926, Oakdale Golf and Country Club is tucked into the north western corner of Toronto. 27 holes in total, 18 designed by Stanley and 9 designed by his protege, Oakdale is a full country club in every sense of the word.

Cataraqui Golf and Country Club

One of Canada’s most celebrated courses, for the last two decades, Cataraqui has stood the test of time when it comes to SCOREGolf’s biennial ranking of Canada’s top courses. Over that period, other Eastern Ontario courses have come and gone — but Cataraqui has held its spot on the country’s most prestigious golf course ranking for past 20 years and ranked as high as #52.

Head Golf Professional Iain Reston displays the Stanley Thompson signature flag on the 18th - right in the site line of Cataraqui's signature logo tree! The flag was presented at the 2023 Stanley Thompson Series event in June.

Waterton Lakes Golf Course

Islington

Waterton Lakes in one of several golf courses designed by Stanley within the National Parks. Waterton offers stunning mountain views and a real Thompson design challenge for golfers. While off the beaten path for most, it is well worth the drive. For a comprehensive history, check out the Winter 2022 Dormie.