January Newsletter 2012

History at Niagara On The Lake Golf Club

The Niagara On The Lake Golf Course had the distinction of being host to the first ever-international tournament held in North America. That event - the Niagara International - was held September 5-7, 1895.

At the first Niagara International, the first hole served as the host of the longest drive championship. The eventual winner of both the tournament and the longest drive was an individual named Charles B. Macdonald of the Chicago Golf Club. He later would lay claim to the first official U.S. Amateur championship at Newport Golf Club. On the first hole he blasted a drive 179 yards, one foot and 6 inches.

The Niagara On The Lake Golf Club has provided championship golf for the residents of the Niagara Peninsula since 1875. A men's winner has been officially proclaimed since 1927 when Walter Reid was crowned. Mark Derbyshire and his father Al have dominated the men's club championships at Niagara On The Lake Golf Club. Mark won a record 30 straight titles while Al claimed the award 17 times. Another Derbyshire - Vera - (Al's wife) has also visited the winner's circle a number of times. Vera won the ladies' club championship once in 1964 and then in the senior ranks posted 11 victories including 9 in a row.