Rossmere celebrates 75 years this season

East Kildonan

As it celebrates 75 years of supporting the community this summer, things have never been better at Rossmere Country Club. General manager Scott Parker said plans are well underway to make the 2026 season a memorable one.

Rossmere began its life as a nine-hole course which opened for play in 1952 on land that once stretched behind what is now the Curtis Hotel. In the late 1950s, the club and the City of East Kildonan traded that section of land for the golf course’s existing location. East Kildonan was planning housing developments and wanted to make Henderson Highway a main thoroughfare.

Rossmere’s 18-hole course was designed by Norman Woods in 1958, who also designed Falcon Lake Golf Course. Woods was a partner of famed golf-course architect Stanley Thompson. It opened for play in 1959, using three holes from the nine-hole layout.

In 1959, plans were approved to build a six-sheet curling rink attached to the clubhouse, which was a donated home that originally stood on the site of Lord Wolseley School at the northeast corner of Henderson Highway and Leighton Avenue. The curling rink opened in 1960 and suspended operations in 2018, when costly repairs to the ice plant proved prohibitive.

There have been changes to the course over the years, as groundskeepers have improved drainage, but Parker said they have always maintained Woods’ vision. After the curling rink closed, the club added simulated golf in the old rink, and it has taken off.

“That business is booming,” Parker said. “We have a lot of members who are interested.”

Plenty of history has been made on the course. Future PGA regular John Elliot, Jr. won the 1971 Manitoba Open at Rossmere, with Manitoba legend Dan Halldorson capturing the 1984 edition. Canadian golf legend Moe Norman played there, so did PGA notable John Mahaffey. Canadian Dave Barr holds the course record with a 61.

Five Rossmere members are in the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame — Marg Homenuik, Ted Homenuik, Gary Kullman, Tannys Aspevig and Steve Bannatyne.

Rossmere is the musician’s course of choice when they come to town. Notable artists to tee off there include Def Leppard, the Backstreet Boys, and Alice Cooper, who has played the course many times.

Jack Duncan joined Rossmere in 1959. He’s never left.

“I think it’s one of the best golf courses in Winnipeg,” Duncan said. “It’s very challenging. It’s not long but it’s very tight.

“The atmosphere here is second to none. It’s extremely friendly. If you are a new member, you’ll never have trouble getting games. The pro shop, management and members all welcome people with open arms.”

Rossmere’s membership has jumped from just under 500 before the pandemic to around 750 today. Parker said many people took up the game as it was one of the few safe activities during the pandemic, and they have kept going.

Rossmere has also worked hard to attract the next generation of golfers. Its junior program has 155 participants with a growing waiting list. Teaching pros Jeff Heiland and Darren McMillan work hard teaching skills at camps, clinics and indoor simulations.

Parker invites anyone with photographs or other mementos to contact him so they can be displayed in the lobby. Those interested are invited to view the displays, share memories in a registration book, and stay for lunch in the dining room.

Duncan and other members will share memories of the various eras in club history throughout the season. Plenty of items from the curling rink are also on display.

Contact Rossmere Golf and Country Club at 204-988-1530, visit the website at rossmere.ca or stop by the club 925 Watt St.