THE HUGHES OF FERNIE & THE FERNIE GC

CAPSULE HISTORY OF THE FERNIE GOLF CLUB

What provided the impetus for the founding of the Fernie Golf Club is uncertain at this time. Perhaps some citizens visited Cranbrook and observed the game being played there. Research indicates Alex (Sandy) Watson arrived in Fernie in 1912 to work as a  BC Government Agent. In 1917 he changed to the Home Bank as their manager. With strong Scottish roots, Alex came with a golfing background. Perhaps he inspired the local citizens to add golf to their summer activities after the curling season ended.  The Fernie GC officially formed on April 5, 1918 when a group of citizens met. The group elected Alan Graham as President, RM Young as Vice-President, and Alex (Sandy) Watson as Secretary-Treasurer. S. Herchmer, Jas McLean, E. Daniels, E. K. Steward, and Thomas Prentice comprised the Executive Committee.  The Committee chose the land known as "Prentice Park" with a spur line of the Great Northern Railway forming the north boundary for the first golf course.