A century on the greens

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Windsor Park

St. Boniface

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/08/2025 (351 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Even after 100 rotations around the sun, the Windsor Park Golf Course, located at 10 Des Meurons St., remains one of Winnipeg’s most accessible and friendly — to both golfers and wildlife — courses in the city.

Only a short drive from downtown, it’s entirely sheltered from city life — save for a hole which can be viewed from Archibald Street — and is a prime example of the impact the game of golf had during the years 2020 to 2022, when it became one of the only activities one could play during lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to its central location and easy access for new and junior players.

To celebrate the milestone, the City of Winnipeg held an event on the morning of its anniversary, July 30, which marked the unveiling of a commemorative boulder and plaque acknowledging the anniversary and saw Mayor Scott Gillingham sink a ball in one of the course’s putting greens.

City of Winnipeg
                                The Windsor Park Golf Course opened to the public on July 30, 1925.

City of Winnipeg

The Windsor Park Golf Course opened to the public on July 30, 1925.

As well, the course lowered its booking price to $19.25 for August long weekend — which, at press time, had spots filling up as soon as they became available — and has come out with a new series of merchandise including hats, sweaters, and ball markers, to name a few, with 100-year anniversary designs.

“It’s such a cool spot,” said Ben Fey, general manager of golf services at the city. “Not only for golf, but for those that use the ski trails in the winter … the nature and the tree coverage and the wildlife that’s out there … it’s a pretty cool spot, for sure.”

Fey said the Windsor Park Golf Course remains one of the busiest courses in the city, and has retained a steady relevance over the years its been active. Last year, the course saw just over 33,000 rounds of golf.

“It’s a good venue for those that are learning the game or maybe new to golf, but it’s still relevant enough that it can challenge the seasoned golfer,” he explained, adding that it’s well taken care of by the maintenance team and has managed to stay in good shape over the years. It’s also remained a home to deer, foxes, and now urban coyotes, which Winnipeg has been seeing more and more of in recent years.

It hasn’t been without its share of upgrades, however. In the last century, layouts have been modernized, the clubhouse has been improved, and golf carts have made the switch from gas to electric to minimize carbon emissions.

Another valuable aspect about the course is its affordability.

“We understand there’s a market for entry-level players and beginners, and we fit into that fold,” Fey said, adding that it’s one of a few courses that operate with that in mind.

And, since the pandemic, people have been coming through that open door, clubs in hand, ready to go.

“There’s been some really nice retention coming out of the pandemic,” he said. “And on top of that, we’re seeing increased participation amongst junior golfers, young people and women in particular. We have a women’s golf league on Monday evenings at Windsor Park, and Kildonan as well, and they’re sold out. I mean, the registration for those leagues sells out over the winter before the courses even open, so it’s been really nice to see.”

“There’s not many, whether it’s a sport or a business or any type of operation, but that can remain relevant and a favourite amongst the citizens for a period of 100 years,” Fey continued. “But that’s the situation that the Windsor Park Golf Course is currently in and we’re looking forward to the next 100 years. It’s been a fun ride, for sure.”

Aside from buying merch and coming out to play, other ways to support the course include buying a tree, which would be planted by the city, or a commemorative, dedicated bench.

For more information, visit winnipeg.ca/recreation-leisure/golf-courses/windsor-park

Emma Honeybun

Emma Honeybun

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