Walter Genge, a factory worker at the local Dupont plant and a part-time farmer, decided to build a golf course on a 100 acre portion of his land. He correctly identified golf as a growing sport and with very limited knowledge of the game and an even more limited amount of cash, he managed to build a short nine-hole course that quickly became popular. In the early 70's, Walter built an additional nine holes, which finally established his facility in the growing golf community. The course at that time was quite short at around 5200 yards and a very generous self-rated par of 70. It was called Martin Downs, named after the Purple Martin, a bird renowned for its insect-eating appetite. It was Walter's idea to have Martin bird houses located at every tee and green to help control these pests, particularly during the mosquito and black fly season.

The business grew steadily, but as nature would have it, so did Walter's age

In 1983, I became aware of his plan to sell the business by noticing a one-line ad in a 'green-thumb' magazine. Having lived in the Kingston, Ontario area as a young boy, I was immediately intrigued and purchased the business in February, 1984.

Immediately after the change in ownership, the name of the course became Westbrook because it sounded like a good name for the type of business and was situated in the tiny Kingston suburb of Westbrook.

In 1994, a large forested area of the back 9 was cleared and several hundred yards were added to our overall length. In 1995, another 100 acres of adjacent land was purchased and we managed to get it re-zoned for golf purposes.

By this time, we were also operating the area's only Par 3 golf course and we knew it would soon close to make room for a sub-division. It was time for Westbrook to bring in the earth-movers!

First off, we designed a challenging Par 3 course using much of the existing old front nine with a few added new tees and greens. At the same time, and all taking place with the original course in play, we built a much longer front nine, featuring more bunkers, added length, full irrigation, and creeks and ponds ominously located at curse-encouraging yardages.

While par from the white tees remained pretty much the same, the new yardage off the blue tees increased to over 6,000 yards, a closer testament to the course's true challenge. Westbrook's new 27-hole facility became an instant hit, providing a real test for the good golfer as well as a well-matured course for those seeking the fun and pleasure to be found in Par 3 golf.

My excellent, dedicated staff works hard to provide the best conditions which are always offered at very competitive rates.

The newest of new news happened in July, 1999, when we opened our new Driving Range located right next door to the golf course. At the busiest of times, we can handle almost 60 golfers at once, all aiming at very visible target greens located as far as 300 honest-to-god yards away.

We keep 20 sheltered driving bays open all year by enclosing them in a sheltered building. Each bay has its own gas powered heater, beaming down almost 40,000 BTU's of warmth for each player!

So now we're up to 2007, time to bring in the Pros. We've added some excitement to our already popular driving range.

Mike Roach, out head pro and other CPGA professionals are on duty at the range with expertly-run lessons, clinics and kids camps. Reasonable rates and always sound advice.

Brian Geddes custom-builds clubs specifically for you and your game. Brian is one of the best club specialists around. Many of the better golfers in the area come to him. I suggest you talk to Brian... You'll be amazed at how reasonable a top-quality set of personalized golf clubs can be!

I hope you have great golfing season and good health. We welcome your comments. Simply email us at the address on this website.

Sincerely,

Cec Harnden,
President