The Royal Ashburn Golf Club, located in Whitby, Ontario stands as a significant contributor to the local golfing community and events scene. Canadian Golf Professionals Wilson Paterson and Bill Ogle envisioned creating a world-class golf club. In 1959, they acquired 225 acres of picturesque farmland in the Durham Region and immediately began developing it. Their goal was to establish an exceptional golf facility and event venue for the community to enjoy.
Opening in the spring of 1962, The Royal Ashburn Golf Club quickly established itself as an exceptional 18-hole facility renowned for its immaculate grounds and superior golfing experience. Initially named Whitby Golf Club, it soon became Thunderbird Golf Club, a name it carried for many years. Finally, in the spring of 2000, it adopted its current name, The Royal Ashburn Golf Club, symbolizing its celebrated legacy.
In recognition of its remarkable contributions to golf, The Royal Ashburn Golf Club was granted Armorial Bearings (Coat of Arms) on September 15, 2006. This esteemed honour, bestowed by the Governor General under the authority of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, stands as a symbol of the club’s commitment to excellence and its enduring legacy in Canadian golf.
A detailed view of Royal Ashburn’s official armorial bearings. From the Scottish thistle and maple leaves to the golf clubs, farmland and heraldic lions, each element represents a piece of the Club’s identity, heritage and connection to its community.
A piece of unmistakable Royal Ashburn history. This tartan jacket belonged to founder Wilson Paterson (1933 - 2022) and became closely associated with his personality and presence in the golf community. Today, it is preserved as part of the Club’s historical collection.
Royal Ashburn’s championship boards preserve decades of competitive golf at the Club, recognizing the members and players whose names have become part of our history.
A collection of photographs, letters, scorecards, awards and memorabilia documenting Royal Ashburn’s journey through the decades—from major golf moments and community recognition to milestones celebrated by the Paterson family.
A framed certificate recognizing Wilson Paterson in connection with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, commemorating service and contribution to Canada.
Golf legend Arnold Palmer (1929 – 2016) sent his congratulations to Royal Ashburn Golf Club in 2012 as the Club celebrated its 50th anniversary. In his letter, Palmer recognized founders Wilson Paterson and Bill Ogle and Royal Ashburn’s long-standing contribution to the game.
Recognition from the Whitby Chamber of Commerce celebrating Royal Ashburn Golf Club as a valued member of the Chamber since October 1, 1990, a reminder that our story extends well beyond the golf course.
A photograph from Royal Ashburn’s tournament history featuring Wilson Paterson, Herb Holzscheiter, Bill Ogle and Dick Eng during the 1975 Canadian Tour, capturing an important chapter in the Club’s longstanding connection to competitive golf.
A remarkable keepsake from 1971: an original wedding invoice from Royal Ashburn’s early years. Preserved decades later, it offers a glimpse into how long the Club has been part of celebrations and milestone moments, not just golf.
Royal Ashburn founder Wilson Paterson was recognized with the Peter Perry Award, honouring his contribution to Whitby and the surrounding community. The recognition reflects a philosophy that has remained part of Royal Ashburn throughout its history: being an active part of the community we call home.
Golf trophies, sculptures, keepsakes and awards collected throughout Royal Ashburn’s history. Each piece represents another tournament, relationship, achievement or story connected to the Club.
In celebration of Royal Ashburn’s 50th anniversary, Jack Nicklaus sent a personal letter to founder Wilson Paterson in 2012, recognizing the Club’s history of hosting significant golf events and wishing Royal Ashburn continued success.
A remarkable piece of golf history: framed official scorecards from the 1986 Masters Tournament, including scorecards bearing the name and signature of Jack Nicklaus. The 1986 Masters became one of the defining moments of Nicklaus’s career.
A congratulatory message from then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper, presented in 2012 to mark Royal Ashburn Golf Club’s 50th anniversary and recognize five decades of achievement, tradition and contribution to Canadian golf.
The Royal Ashburn Golf Club is a distinguished semi-private golf course that welcomes public play while offering exclusive memberships for those seeking an elevated experience. Membership options include flexible 5- and 7-day plans designed for full, weekday, and intermediate members, as well as junior and practice memberships. Setting Royal Ashburn apart are its innovative VIP Membership and Associate Membership options, tailored for golfers who play 4+ rounds. These memberships offer the perks of a traditional membership while maintaining the flexibility of a pay-as-you-play model. Recognizing the growth of the game in the Durham Region, Royal Ashburn introduced these adaptable membership options to provide players with the opportunity to enjoy the club’s exceptional course and services while still exploring other courses.
As the surrounding community flourished with growing businesses, new homes, and expanding families, Royal Ashburn adapted its services to meet the increasing demand for a premier event destination. Recognizing the need for a venue that combined exceptional food and beverage with a space to create lasting memories, the club established itself as the ideal venue for weddings and special events. By 1971, Royal Ashburn had become a distinguished choice for unforgettable celebrations in the Durham Region. The club’s indoor event venue, which accommodates smaller events of 20 guests or more for intimate celebrations and up to 220 guests for grand celebrations, offers breathtaking views of the golf course and surrounding landscapes. Guests are treated to a unique experience that goes beyond what is typically offered at traditional event venues. The picturesque backdrop creates the perfect setting for wedding photos, while the wetlands and lush gardens provide even more stunning photo opportunities, making Royal Ashburn a standout location for any celebration.
In 2020, during the challenging times of the pandemic, Royal Ashburn Golf Club remained committed to supporting the community by providing a safe and memorable experience for those wishing to celebrate life’s special moments. To adapt to the changing circumstances, the club introduced an innovative solution: a spacious outdoor tent venue that allowed guests to gather and celebrate in a safe, outdoor environment.
By embracing these changes and staying true to its dedication to exceptional service, Royal Ashburn ensured that guests could continue to create lasting memories in a safe and beautiful setting. The club was proud to be part of the community’s celebrations, even during the most difficult of times.
*photo credit: JDC Photography
The pandemic led to a surge in support for the game of golf, as it was the only sport that could be played safely outdoors during that time. This increase in interest brought many new individuals eager to learn and join the golfing community. The Royal Ashburn Performance Center quickly became a popular destination for these new golfers, offering them a welcoming and well-equipped place to begin their golf journey.
The Royal Ashburn Golf Club is committed to engaging the younger generation in golf, providing a space where they can learn the sport, enhance their skills, and experience its many benefits. The club’s Performance Center supports this mission, offering juniors the opportunity to develop their game while also helping amateur golfers refine their existing abilities. With the guidance of experienced PGA of Canada certified instructors, players of all skill levels receive personalized coaching and custom club fitting services tailored to their individual needs.
The Performance Center focuses on more than just technique. For junior golfers, it fosters physical fitness, social development, and mental discipline, teaching skills like focus, patience, and strategic thinking that extend beyond the course. Golf also builds confidence, self-esteem, and a positive mindset. Whether golfers are just starting or aiming to take their game to the next level, the Royal Ashburn Performance Centre provides the tools and support needed to achieve their full potential and play their best golf.
PERFORMANCE CENTRE JUNIOR GOLF GOLF EVENTS
Identifying the growing number of out-of-town visitors travelling long distances to experience Royal Ashburn’s services, the need for on-site accommodations became evident. In response, five modern golf cottages were constructed in 2019 to provide convenience and enhance the overall guest experience. These on-site cottages offer a comfortable and stylish retreat, featuring:
The cottages have quickly become a popular choice for Stay & Play packages, corporate retreats, and couples’ golf getaways, offering guests the chance to enjoy multiple rounds of golf while embracing all that Royal Ashburn has to offer. With the recent partnership with Thermëa spa village in Whitby, the cottages are now also ideal for Stay & Spa packages. This new offering combines the rejuvenation of a world-class spa experience with the comfort and charm of Royal Ashburn’s accommodations, providing guests with the ultimate blend of golf, luxury, and relaxation.
Royal Ashburn Golf Club is well-known for its exceptional services, including an unparalleled food and beverage experience. Recently, the club renovated its on-site restaurant, now known as The Farm & Founder Restaurant + Bar. The updated space was designed to provide an elevated dining experience for golfers, loyal customers and guests, while also attracting the public to enjoy its delicious cuisine. Aside from dining, The Farm & Founder Restaurant + Bar is an ideal venue for group bookings and special events, whether it’s birthday parties, corporate celebrations, holiday gatherings, anniversaries, or intimate wedding receptions. It offers a welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy great food and create lasting memories.
As a family-owned business, Royal Ashburn Golf Club has always prioritized the best interests of its customers. This dedication ensures that every experience at the club meets the highest standards of service, delivering nothing short of a Royal experience. Every guest who visits is treated with respect and receives exceptional customer service. The club is genuinely committed to supporting the growth and success of the community and will continue to evolve alongside it, this is a promise The Royal Ashburn Golf Club has maintained and will continue to honour.
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