HISTORY
of SUMMERLEA
You'll find here :
- Highlighting veteran members (& family)
- Articles by our Historian, Marion Dunn
- Our historical timeline
"First and foremost, a family oriented club."
Summerlea values camaraderie and friendship amongst our members as one of our defining characteristics.
![Image](/summerlea/images/2022/11/29/old-logo_transparent.png)
EST. 1921
Articles about Summerlea's HISTORY
Interesting snapshots in time from "our Historian", Mrs. Marion Dunn.
Over the years, one of our members, Mrs. Marion Dunn, meticulously documented Summerlea's history, and this dedication has earned her the respectful title of Summerlea's "official historian".
We are infinitely grateful to Mrs. Dunn for her contribution to Summerlea.
We hope you enjoy...
2002 - LPGA BMO Canadian Women's Open (Historical article)
Notable member: Doran "Duke" Doucet
Notable member: Graham Cooke
![Image](/summerlea/images/2023/10/24/train.png)
The Summerlea Story
The history of Summerlea, as is the case with so many older golf clubs in Canada, began in a location other than where it presently is situated. It was at its original site in Lachine that the club first gained the distinction as one of the finest in the country.
In 1920, the remnants of the First World War were all but forgotten. The recovery years brought prosperity as the revitalization of Montreal was just taking hold. At the same time, the game of golf was reaching a feverish pitch forcing the Montreal Golf Association to rename its banner as of The Province of Quebec Golf Association.
1921
1921
1922
Summerlea is incorporated and membership grows to 400+ shareholders and 200+ lady members. Temporary clubhouse & 9-holes used for 1st season. Expected completion June 1, 1923 for 27-holes.
1923
1923
1924
Completion of clubhouse, 2 1/2 stories high with verandas on 3 sides. Its large dining facility could accomodate 125 people.
1929
1935
1935
1944
In the midst of World War II, Summerlea was forced into bankruptcy.
DOCUMENT 1 - Notice of bankruptcy
DOCUMENT - 1944 Resignation of Club President
1944
1946
Senator Donat Raymond came into the picture and became the greatest benefactor of the club's history.
Unselfishly, Raymond purchased the property from the liquidators and leased the club back to the members. One year later, the members again resumed ownership, while Raymond held the mortgage and sat on the Board of Directors.
1946
Walter Lilly replaced Roland Huot as the head professional.
Born in Lachine, Lilly began his association with Summerlea at a very young age and rose through the caddie ranks to become assistant to Professional Jock Brown. His golf career had been temporarily interrupted by the outbreak of World War II in 1939.
1949
1949
1953
1961
1961
1962
While Cornish was busy shaping the land, the architects firm of Affleck, Desbarats, Dimakopoulas, Lebensold, Michaud & Sise was selected to design the clubhouse.
The proposal of a bright and airy contemporary style is well-received. Positioned at the highest point of a cliff, the clubhouse offered spectacular views from its balconies.
1963
Senator Donat Raymond dies, only a few months after the relocation of Summerlea to its new site after being totally consumed by fire.
Walter Lilly retired, in ill health.
1963
1964
1976
1979
Duke Doucet replaced Bruce Fry, becoming the sixth head professional at Summerlea.
Mr. Doucet first arrived at the Club as an assistant to Fry in 1976.
Not only was Mr. Doucet a successful amateur and professional golfer, he was voted "Professional of the Year" in 1990 and 1992, and also served the golfing community as President and Captain of the Quebec PGA as well as Director of the Canadian PGA.
TRULY, A SUMMERLEA HERO
AND LEGEND.
1979
1999
2006
WEB ARTICLE 1 - Canadian Press
PHOTO - Signed Commemorative poster
WEB ARTICLE 2 - Canadian Press
PHOTO - Golf bag signed by participants (located in Summerlea clubhouse)
2006
2008-2012
WEB PAGE - Golf Quebec
WEB ARTICLE by Rick Young - 2008 Fire in Summerlea clubhouse
March 2010 - Article Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
2012 - ARTICLE 1, GolfNewsNow - Ontario Golf Hall of Fame
2018
Tough financial years and industry-wide challenges caused Summerlea membership to decline due to fears of assessment and financial instability.
In August of 2018, Summerlea Golf & Country Club is sold to a group of local businessmen: Raymond Allard, Jean-Marie Bourassa, Marcel Bourassa, Bernard Lefebvre and Sylvain Ménard. The new owners commence clubhouse renovations, as well as bringing on board Mr. Marco Jetté as the new General Manager. Mr. Jetté’s experience and financial expertise, in combination with solid financial backing from the new owners, will help guide Summerlea into a sound future.
2022
2022