Summerheights Golf Links prides itself on being a family business.

The course is owned by Rory and Kathy MacLennan who took over the family business from the founder Dwayne MacLennan, Rory's father in 2009. Rory grew up on the course and remembers working in the proshop when he was 13 years old. The interest had held to the point where he went to the University of Guelph and obtained standing in turf management course. Kathy started working at the course in 1982 where she met Rory, got married and they have worked side by side to this day. The MacLennan Family is continuing the family business tradition along with the help of their daughter Katie, who now works in all aspects of the business as well.

The family brings a laid back attitude to the management of the course, because they feel it makes for a more relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere for the golfers. But that does not mean they do not pay attention to details, which is obvious in the way the course looks today and how it has developed over the years.

Forty eight years ago Dwayne and a brother inherited an uncle's farm and approached a lawyer about acting on their behalf as they set up a new golf course in the north end.

"The lawyer told us we were crazy," Dwayne quips. "He pointed out that we had 100 acres of good farm land and we shouldn't let it go to waste. We decided to find ourselves another lawyer."

Both Dwayne and Rory know what they want and have worked over the years to improve the course and the facilities.

Dwayne recalls that in the early years things slowly improved to the point where he bought out his brother and started working on the golf course in earnest, all the while doing other jobs to support his family.

"Back then, we didn't have as much money coming in and there certainly wasn't any profit in it," Dwayne says. "After all it was only nine holes, and it was only a little later that we purchased another farm and managed to start expanding the course."

The first of what would eventually be three expansions occured in 1976 when Quebec golf course designer Howard Watson visited the club and received approval to add an additional nine holes.

The new course was popular with area golfers, and a third nine was added in 1987. Ten years later the course expanded to two full 18 hole courses.

Along the way the facilities that support the golfers have also grown. A new clubhouse was added in 1979 and since then there have been yearly improvements including a new kitchen, a new banquet hall, a new pro shop, and expanded storage areas.

"It seems we're always adding something," Rory says "Whether it's improvements to the course or renovations to the facilities, we're busy year round. The hard work and investment pays off each summer, when we see the enjoyment the course offers to others."

The course has a significant impact on the local economy by drawing people to Cornwall and the Seaway Valley in the summer. People spend money eating and buying gas and perhaps even staying at a hotel - all of which help the hospitality industry and draws more money to the area.

Summerheights Golf Links
1160 South Branch Road Cornwall, Ontario K6H 5R6	Tel: (613) 938-8009 Fax: (613) 938-8019