History

From pastures to putting greens. The Bulkley Valley has a rich history when it comes to golf, and the Smithers Golf & Country Club is at the centre of that legacy. The Smithers Golf Club officially opened on May 17th, 1931 becoming BC’s most northerly golf course.

The Smithers Golf Club has relied upon the support and generosity of many volunteers over the years; however, the work of Bob Davidson and Norm Kilpartrick was integral to the creation and survival of the club. 

Born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland Bob Davidson arrived in Canada in 1908. Prior to WW1, he worked on the original surveying crew for the Grand Trunk Railway between Prince Rupert and Prince George. He served overseas with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the Battle of Ypres. His wounds cased him to transfer to the Artillery for the remainder of the War.

After his demobilization, He returned to his old job with the Grand Trunk Railway first at McBride then to Smithers in 1929 as Divisional Engineer. Like most Scots, he probably played golf in his childhood in Scotland. Likely he initiated the movement to build a golf course in Smithers. When the club required financial support for a project such as fencing around the property to prevent the local farmers cows from grazing on the fairways, Bob supplied the money. During other challenging periods he assumed the Presidency of the club to maintain its existence.

His greatest contribution came in 1953. Olof Hansen, the local Member of Parliament, had passed away. Hanson’s estate auctioned five parcels of land. Fortunately Bob Davidson purchased the one hundred fifty acre parcel adjoining the golf course. Immediately he donated this parcel to the club “to build a new eighteen hole golf course.”

The club recognized his contribution to the club by naming a tournament after him – the “Bob Davidson Championship” for the Bob Davidson Trophy. Robert “Bob” Davidson  died in Vancouver BC on February 14th, 1966.

Born in Elmsdale, Ontario, Norman Herbert (Norm) Kilpatrick was secretary/treasurer for 26 consecutive years from 1933 to 1959.

His family moved to Prince Rupert during the construction of the Grand Trunk Railway. His father served as the first superintendent of the Western Division of the railway. At the outbreak of WW1 Norman enlisted in the Royal Flying Corp. After the War he returned to Smithers to join his family. In 1928 he assumed the postmaster position in Smithers, retiring in 1963. Norm served his community in many capacities. While serving Smithers GC as its Secretary Treasurer he actively served the United Church in the same capacity.Working with Bob Davidson the two provided stability over many years to the Smithers GC. This stability probably contributes to the survival of the club during its formative difficult and challenging years.Norman Herbert (Norm) Kilpatrick died in Smithers, BC on December 27th, 1968.

For generations, local golfers have built, maintained and developed this visually-stunning facility, turning it into the exceptional course it is today. From its humble beginnings as a 5-hole course in the 1930s, to the full 18-hole championship course we have today, the Smithers Golf Club has been a cornerstone of the community for over 90 years.

With a passion for the sport and a commitment to excellence, generations of local golfers have worked tirelessly to create a course that is both challenging and captivating. Come and experience the history and legacy of golf in the Bulkley Valley at the Smithers Golf Club.