BRINGING THE PAST TO THE PRESENT

“This is the first, significant, renovation of Eden Smith’s 1914 Clubhouse design, since completion in 1920. Summit’s ‘New’ Clubhouse will be a refreshing space that exudes history with a modern appeal. You will be proud to bring your family and friends to show off the new Summit.”

Bryan Picard, member

A Legacy Since 1912

Founded in May 1912, Summit became Toronto’s ninth golf club, born from the vision of members determined to create something enduring. Even as the construction of its Eden Smith–designed clubhouse was delayed by the outbreak of the First World War, that vision never wavered.

In July 1919, Summit’s inaugural round was played, marking the beginning of organized play. That same year, Stanley Thompson was hired to develop the permanent course, which officially opened on July 21, 1921, nine long years after the club’s founding. Through war and uncertainty, Summit’s founders remained steadfast in their original vision.

Summit quickly established itself within the competitive golf landscape. In 1923, the club hosted its first significant tournament. Over the past century, Summit has welcomed more than 20 notable championships, reinforcing its place in Canadian golf history.

The resilience of our membership has been evident throughout its history. During the Second World War, when financial resources were scarce, dedicated members personally maintained the course to ensure its survival. The culture has also evolved alongside its traditions. In its early years, women faced significant barriers to participation, even arranging overnight stays to access the course. Unrestricted access to the tee was granted in 1997, marking a meaningful milestone in the club’s progression.

For more than a century, Summit’s story has been one of perseverance, camaraderie and respect for the game. The legacy continues to shape its future.

Our Designers

Summit’s tradition of golf excellence is rooted in extraordinary design. In 1912, legendary Scottish professional George Cumming laid out the original routing, recognizing both the strategic integrity of the land and its striking natural beauty. He was joined by founding member George S. Lyon, marking the only course design of Lyon’s career.

Following the First World War, Summit was transformed by Stanley Thompson, widely regarded as Canada’s greatest golf architect. Commissioned to elevate the course to championship stature, Thompson’s bold bunkering and masterful routing defined Summit’s character and established it among the country’s premier tests of golf.

In recent decades, acclaimed modern designer and long-time member Doug Carrick has guided Summit’s evolution. Carrick rebuilt every green to modern standards, enhanced playing corridors, added new championship tees, and reimagined the par-4 seventh hole, now known as Carrick’s Corner.

Today, Summit stands as a seamless blend of heritage and thoughtful renewal, honouring its architectural legacy while presenting its finest test of golf yet.

Where Champions Have Played

Long recognized as a premier championship venue, Summit has provided a stage worthy of the game’s finest players. Its enduring design and exacting test have welcomed competitions of national distinction.

Tournaments of note:

Champions of note:

Elevating the Experience

As Summit entered its second century, the club embraced a thoughtful evolution of both its course and member experience. The 100th anniversary in 2012 marked a celebration of legacy, highlighted by its Centennial Gala and special exhibition featuring some of the game’s finest professionals.

In the years that followed, Summit enhanced every touchpoint of the member journey. The opening of a dedicated pro shop in 2013 was more than a renewed retail space; it improved cart staging, bag drop, traffic flow, and practice access, creating a welcoming first impression while protecting the club’s southern boundaries. In 2015, Summit undertook an extensive reconstruction of 14 of its 18 greens, a transformative investment that elevated conditioning and playability. The results were immediate: a dramatic rise in national recognition, with the course climbing from 80th to 32nd in SCOREGolf’s Canadian rankings within just four years.

Today, that spirit of renewal continues with a transformative clubhouse renovation, which includes reimagining locker rooms, dining spaces, and the iconic patio overlooking the 18th green. With completion anticipated in Fall 2026, Summit’s next chapter reflects its enduring commitment to golf excellence and genuine hospitality, and it promises an elevated experience worthy of its remarkable history.