Stanley Thompson Society

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

The Society was founded in 1998 and is committed to education, research, advocacy and providing experiential opportunities. This is made possible through the support of our membership including: individuals, clubs/courses and corporate supporters. 

A classic Stanley design, Oakdale G&CC, is host of the 2023 and 2026 RBC Canadian Opens hosted the 2022 Stanley Thompson Classic. Read all about it here

 

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. 2022 events included: 
St. Thomas Golf & Country Club, St. Thomas, Ontario
Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club, Port Carling, Ontario
Waterton Lakes Golf Course, Waterton, Alberta
and the Stanley Thompson Classic held at Oakdale Golf & Country Club, Toronto, Ontario
 
2023 Events will be announced soon.  

Oakdale Field

News

Banff Springs Hole No. 4 ~ 'Devils Cauldren'

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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Banff Springs Hole No. 4 ~ 'Devils Cauldren'

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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Banff Springs Hole No. 4 ~ 'Devils Cauldren'

Dormie - Winter 2022

March 11, 2022 —     The Stanley Thompson Society issues newsletters several times (usually quarterly) each year. These are populated with past tidbits of information from the archives, new stories about Stanley's work and events related to the STS and other golf history.   Read the latest issue To see other back issues and many interesting articles on Stanley, check out the Newsletter Archive...

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Banff Springs Hole No. 4 ~ 'Devils Cauldren'

Thompson's Lakeside Landmark

August 9, 2021 —     Muskoka Lakes in Ontario cottage country kicked off a golden age for Canadian golf course design by Guy Nicholson “Stanley Thompson was a visionary genius right from the beginning. His vision included the wide sweep of Canada as a nation, the use of innovative ideas in design and the advancement of golf-course architecture as a profession. I would...

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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. 

St. Thomas Golf & Country Club

St. Thomas photo courtesy of John Morse

St. Thomas Golf and Country Club, founded as the Union Club, is located in the South Western region of Ontario and features great elements of Stanley's style. Founded in 1923 it is one of his early designs and retains many original features. Fore more information 

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.