In the Beginning…..

Founded in 1989, Pointe West Golf Club was created with more than Fairways and Greens in mind. From the beginning, it was envisioned as a place where friendships would form, traditions would take root, and families would gather season after season.

The Golf Course itself was designed by Canadian Architect Thomas McBroom, whose philosophy honours the natural movement of the land. His design at Pointe West encourages thoughtful play and rewards creativity ~ offering a Golf Course which challenges, but always invites you back.

Over the years, what began as a vision has grown into a vibrant Club Community built on connection and shared experience.

The Players …..

The Subdivision …

In the early 1980s, a 200-acre parcel of land known as the Angstrom Farm in Anderdon Township became available for purchase. Louis Scodeller, Alfredo Gatti, Mario Fantin, Tony Cusinato, Mary Penfold, Ray Penfold, Julie Gauthier, Gary Gauthier and Orfeo Scodeller, acquired the farmland to subdivide and sell lots.

Mary Penfold became the General Manager for the development of the subdivision. This role continued throughout the future Golf Course construction, Clubhouse construction and the final creation of Pointe West Golf Club.

What began as an economical challenge, became the foundation of something lasting ~ built on trust, belief, and community.

The Development of a Dream …..

With the purchase of Angstrom Farm completed, development of the subdivision began during one of the most challenging housing markets in history.

As the Housing Market continued to decline and with the future of the development uncertain, the individuals involved made a pivotal decision. Determined to stem their losses, the group decided to move forward with the creation of an 18 Hole Golf Course, nestled in amongst the newly developed subdivision.

What started as a subdivision had evolved into something far greater … Pointe West Golf Club was becoming an unexpected ~ and welcomed ~ reality.

After construction of the Golf Course, but before construction of a Clubhouse, Louis Scodeller, Tony Cusinato, and Orfeo Scodeller, sold their interests in the Golf Course and subdivision to Don Hearn Sr.

The On Going Partners, Mary Penfold, Al Gatti, Ray Penfold, Julie and Gary Gauthier, Mario Fantin and Don Hearn Sr., continued with plans to build a Clubhouse and create an Equity Golf Club.

The building of the Golf Course, followed later by the creation of an Equity Golf Club, took two entirely different paths. The path in constructing the Golf Course was taken by the original partners to increase lot sales without thought of its eventual use. The path in creating Pointe West Golf Club was taken by the On Going Partners to remarkably finish what had been started.

A Timeline of How We Arrived at Today …..

1986 – 1987
Meetings were held with renowned Canadian Golf Course Architect Thomas McBroom, who envisioned a distinctive “links-style” Course. Construction was scheduled for spring 1987, with Thomas McBroom entrusted with full design authority.

As construction began, interest in the surrounding residential development accelerated. The Township of Anderdon (now Amherstburg) recognized the economic potential of the project and worked cooperatively with the Developers.

During construction of the first Nine Holes in 1987, Lamont (Monty) Anderson was appointed Golf Course Superintendent; a role he held with dedication until his retirement in 2017. No one grew grass better than Monty. In recognition of his 30 years of service, the Members came together and renamed the Men’s Locker Room Lounge …. The Anderson Den in his honour.

1988 – 1989

In the early months of 1988, construction began on the Back Nine, with Thomas McBroom once again entrusted with full control of the Course design. Louis Scodeller, who was still involved at this time, was appointed Golf Course General Contractor. No one moved earth more efficiently.

The Front Nine opened on May 18, 1989, and the Back Nine opened on August 18, 1989. A Construction Trailer served as the original Golf Shop, and a large White Tent became the Club’s first Clubhouse.

1991

Clubhouse construction began in the fall of 1991. The On Going Partners hired retired partner, Louis Scodeller, to supervise construction of the Clubhouse. The result was a 16,000 square foot Clubhouse, which was ready to provide a beautiful home for the new “Equity Owners”.

1992

On completion of the Clubhouse, early in 1992, the first 130 of 450 Equity Shares were issued to those who took the “leap of faith”. The On Going Partners retained control of Pointe West Golf Club under a Management Agreement.

In August 1992, more than 300 Members gathered to celebrate the Grand Opening. The occasion featured the welcoming sound of a Scottish Piper, complimentary cocktails, dinner, dancing, and an evening of camaraderie, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Pointe West history.

1994

Pointe West Golf Club was beginning to enjoy financial success. In a move to become more autonomous, Pointe West Golf Club bought all of the remaining Equity Shares owned by Don Hearn Sr.

1996

Sadly, Mary Penfold, the driving force and visionary, from start to finish, passed away at the very young age of 47 in 1996. Mary Penfold, who was an integral part of every step of this incredible journey, was the driving force behind the Club’s culture and governance. Under her leadership, Pointe West adopted an Equity based membership model and established a progressive standard of equal member rights for women ~ helping to shape the modern private club experience for future visionaries.

1997
On January 1, the Management Agreement with the On Going Partners came to an end. Full control of Pointe West Golf Club was transferred to the existing Equity Shareholder Members; solidifying the Club’s “Member Owned” future. All remaining Equity Shares held by the On Going Partners were sold and issued to new Shareholder Members soon after.

2022
The introduction of the “Class A Share” created a new opportunity to welcome the next generation of  Equity Shareholder Members, ensuring the continued growth and vitality of Pointe West Golf Club far into the future.

Our Story Continues …..

From Farmland to Fairways, from uncertainty to enduring success, the story of Pointe West Golf Club is one of courage, conviction, and community.

What began as a subdivision in the early 1980s has evolved into a thriving, Member-Owned Club ~ built not only on land, but on the belief, perseverance, and determination of a group of risk-takers who saw a bright future for an Equity Club.

Today, as we welcome new generations of Members, we honour those who embraced the challenges, made the sacrifices, and laid the foundation for the Club we proudly call home.

Their vision continues to shape Pointe West, reminding us the strongest communities are built not simply by what is created, but by the people who believe in it.

Interesting Facts About Our Club …..

  • What’s in a Name? …. Like many great stories, the origin of the name Pointe West Golf Club has become part of the Club’s History and Tradition. One account attributes the name to the Golf Course layout and location looking like a “finger pointing” at the westernmost point of Essex County, making “Point West” a fitting tribute to its unique setting. But what about the “e’ on Pointe? Our History Makers recall suggesting the addition of the “e” to Pointe to give the name a more distinguished and elegant character. Whether inspired by geography, a touch of creativity, or perhaps a little of both, the name has become synonymous with a Club built on “vision, perseverance, and community.”

  • On Saturday, October 15, 1988 at 1 p.m., five foursomes played the Front Nine for the very first time!… The groups went out for marketing purposes, public relations, fun and for a critical assessment of the Golf Course itself. Included in the five groups, from First Group to Final: Alfredo Gatti, Pitt Martin, Jack Probst and Ed Kulyk, Second Group: Tony Cusinato, Curtis Cusinato, Barry Zekelman, and Mike Saffran, Third Group: Gary Gauthier, Tony Willar, Paul Lepine, Don Hearn-cancelled at last minute, Fourth Group: Ray Penfold, Moe Drouillard, Jim Williams, Jerry Glos, and the Fifth and Final Group: Mary Penfold, Wally Robson, Andrew Bradie, Victor Vaseleniuck.

  • Mary Penfold was also an accomplished golfer, winning the first Club Championship contested at Pointe West Golf Club in 1990. She was also the Match Play Champion in 1991 and 1993. Mary’s incredible contributions to Pointe West Golf Club are honoured each year at the Club Championship, with a Closing Ceremony which includes a procession of Bag Pipers down the 18th Fairway to the 18th Green to close out Championship Weekend. A plaque has also been secured to the NorthEast Wall of the Clubhouse, recognizing Mary as the “Heart and Soul” of Pointe West Golf Club.