Meadowbrook's History

Meadowbrook was founded in 1960 as a pay-as-you-play facility. In 1962, a group of golfers, many of whom had belonged to the Markham Golf Club, met together and arranged to purchase Meadowbrook from Arthur Latcham. Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club association was born.

The late 1960's were an era of do-it-yourself, improvise, and learn. The founding group of members made many improvements using their own labour, resources, and donations. By working together, the close fellowship which is seen today at Meadowbrook, was formulated. This was the era when the Club's foundation was laid and the character of Meadowbrook began to emerge.

The early 1970's was a period of slow but steady growth; a time when move and consolidate was the only feasible method of operation. Over this period, drainage improvements were systematically made, bunkers and tees were rebuilt and new equipment was purchased to upgrade course maintenance. A course improvement plan which focused on tree plantings and the development of a nursery was started in the late 70's and is ongoing. This has been a major contributor to the aesthetics and maturing of the course.

During the 1980's, Meadowbrook's improvement was recognized by the Ontario Professional Golfers Association. Twice we hosted the Ontario Professional Championship and hall-fame golfer Bob Panasik, the 1985 winner, pronounced Meadowbrook's greens to be among the finest he had played on.

Meadowbrook was host to the Canadian Tournament Players' Championship, won by Ernie Gonzales, in 1990. Throughout the 1990's we attracted new members and benefited from the enviable position of having a full membership and a large waiting list.

In 1994 Meadowbrook was one of the first golf clubs to change to non-gender membership classifications; allowing both women and men the same privileges for the same price.

On November 12, 1997 a devastating fire destroyed a large area of the clubhouse. The clubhouse was redesigned and reopened the following June without additional cost to our membership. The new design featured a lounge and balcony overlooking the 9th green and several adjacent holes - "what a spectacular view".

In the early 2000's, Meadowbrook undertook its' next challenge. Under the guidance of renowned course architect Graham Cook major changes to the championship course and practice areas were implemented. The 8th and 12th holes, driving range and practice green were completely reconstructed. Six holes were lengthened, stretching the course to almost 7,000 yards. Aesthetic changes were made to four holes, with new tee boxes and routing of cart paths out of players' sightlines.

Meadowbrook celebrated its' 45th Anniversary in 2005 and was granted the privilege of being the host course of the Toronto Star Women's Amateur Championship in 2006 and 2007. A testament and recognition that Meadowbrook is a "golfer's" course.

2007 brought with it significant changes to Meadowbrook. A major refurbishment to the clubhouse was completed to bring the entire facility inline with the needs of the membership. In addition, the parking lot was redesigned to improve traffic flow and completely repaved. Cart paths in and around the clubhouse, pro shop and extensive practice facility were paved as well.

Changes to the championship course in 2008 included the construction of a berm on the 11th hole to provide protection and privacy. Also, new bunkers and a fifth set of tees were added to provide greater variety and playability. The championship course now plays from 5,300 yards to almost 7,000 yards making it a true test for any handicap.

In 2010, Meadowbrook's 50th Anniversary season saw the construction of a new Golf Shop complex. Following the advice of a USGA agronomist several hundred trees were removed to improve the health of tees and greens. The 17^th hole was lengthened to 600 yards, with the course now stretching to 7,007 yards. The red tee set was completed, and a forward set of “purple” tees was introduced to enhance the golfing experience of beginner golfers.

Through 2020 to present day, Meadowbrook emerged from the COVID pandemic stronger than ever with a full membership and a lengthy waiting list.  An extensive patio was constructed on the south side of the club house which has been a huge success with the membership, allowing for post round gatherings in a safe environment.  The club renewed its relationship with architect Graham Cooke, who updated the club’s Master Plan, and as a result in 2024 all greenside bunkers were redesigned and rebuilt.

Meadowbrook is truly, a friendly club, operated by the members for the members! Our members are proud that their club has emerged as one of the only fully member owned clubs to succeed.