William Crooks
Former Director Bert Collins and current Director Ryan Smith stand together on the green of the 9th hole at the Old Lennoxville Golf Club, marking the start of a new season and the continuation of a proud local tradition

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

When Ryan Smith stepped into his new role as Director of the Old Lennoxville Golf & Ski (formerly the Old Lennoxville Golf Club), earlier this month, he was doing more than launching a new chapter for the course—he was continuing a deeply rooted family tradition. The clubhouse now bears the name of his grandfather, Garth Smith, a former head golf professional and longtime Bishop’s University coach and administrator remembered fondly throughout the community.

“The course just opened last Thursday,” Smith said in an interview April 30. “The rain helped clear the last patches of snow from the Orford Ski group, and now the course is in good shape—just waiting on some sun.”

Smith emphasized that his first year at the helm will be focused on enhancing the overall experience for players rather than making any major structural changes. “I just want to focus on how we can improve overall playing conditions and have a good experience on the course and in the clubhouse,” he said.

Garth Smith, who passed away in 2018, left a lasting mark not only on the golf course but on the local sports community more broadly. He served as the men’s basketball coach at Bishop’s University for 24 years and also held roles as Assistant Director of Athletics and Head Golf Professional. “He was a class act,” said former Gaiters coach Eddie Pomykala in The Record in 2018. “He taught us very well and left a great example showing us how to be an excellent human being.”

His contributions were officially recognized when the clubhouse at the Old Lennoxville Golf & Ski was named in his honour, a decision that came following his celebration of life in 2018. “I believe it was a Bishop’s initiative,” Ryan Smith explained, “and they reached out to my grandmother Sylvia [and family].”

Ryan credits both of his grandparents for their lasting impact on the local golf scene. “My grandmother was just as much a part of it,” he said. “There’s a long-standing tradition of golf in our family. My aunt’s a member here, another plays out of Milby, and my father plays out of Dufferin Heights.”

He also acknowledged the work of his predecessor, Bert Collins, who served as Director of the course for nearly 20 years. “Bert did an exceptional job,” Smith said. “He came in at a time when the course was in a tough spot and really turned it around—building up membership and keeping green fee traffic steady. We’re definitely benefiting from that today.”

Looking ahead to the season, Smith said the club’s calendar is already filling up. The Men’s Calcutta league kicks off on May 8, followed by the Ladies’ League on May 13. An Opening Tournament is slated for May 18, and the Couples Tournament will be held June 20. Summer highlights also include The Breal men’s event on July 12 and the prestigious Men’s “A” Interclub competition on July 13, which Old Lennoxville will host this year.

“We had 65 women sign up for the Ladies’ League,” said Smith. “It’s open to both members and non-members, and players can come when it works for them—it’s not as rigid as the Calcutta.”

The club also plans to revive a pre-pandemic favourite: the summer golf camp for juniors. “We used to run a really fun summer camp before COVID. Now that I’m here, I think it’s something we’d like to bring back,” Smith said.

And while Bishop’s University’s Gaiters golf team currently practices at Milby, Smith said he hopes to see them more often at Old Lennoxville. “We have a good relationship, and I’d love to get them practicing here more—whether it’s in the fall, for junior clinics, or summer camps.”

With longtime superintendent Gary LaBrecque returning for his 13th season and a team of full-time and student staff already hard at work, Smith is optimistic about the months ahead. “Golf’s growing fast,” he said. “A lot of people picked it up during the pandemic and stuck with it. Whether it’s your first round or your thousandth, we want people to feel welcome here.”