Ranked as Canada’s #1 Hidden Gem Golf Course in 2024 by 2024 NBC GolfPass’ annual Golfers’ Choice ranking list, The Sherwood Golf & Country Club opened to the public in 2012. A short drive along Hwy 14 (Windsor Rd) brings you to this secluded golf destination nestled among beautiful woodlands. A challenging 18-hole course, chalets, pro-shop, club house, and dining service are all available. We chatted to the current general manager Stephen Dowling.
Q1. Tell us the story behind Sherwood Golf & Country Club.
The Sherwood Golf Course was built privately by Jonathan Gwynne-Timothy starting in 1990. The course layout was completed in 1997. Richard Homburg then purchased the property in 2002. Since then, 16 chalets have been added, new roadways, and a lot of improvements. The most recent this year is a paved road to the course.
Q2. What makes Sherwood different from other golf courses in the region?
We do stay and play packages. With the 16 chalets on site, you can park your car on a Friday, play three rounds of golf, head home on Sunday and not touch your car. Golf during the day then head to your chalet to bbq, enjoy the firepit or eat at the clubhouse. The chalets are available all week.
Q4. Do you host any notable tournaments or special events throughout the season?
We have our own Napa Challenge Golf Tournament it is a four-person scramble with three divisions – male, female, and mixed. We host tournaments as well. With our stay and play option, many groups come in and host their own tournaments.
Q5. How long is your season?
We always open up the last Friday of April and we close the last Sunday of October. A six-month season.
Q6. During the season, how many people do you employ?
We have 26 on staff. We have part-time people as well.
Q7. Who is your typical visitor or member? Is it mostly locals, seasonal residents, or tourists?
We have 115 members this year. A lot of the members have a 40-to-60-minute drive to the course. It is a mix of locals and visitors. Through the week it is convenient to book a tee time.
Q8. What do you offer beyond golf?
We offer a fully stocked proshop along with bar and food service. The play and stay packages with the chalets are very popular. We have waiting lists on many weekends. You don’t have to golf to enjoy the chalets. You can book the chalets separately, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and watch the sunset from the deck.
Q9. What’s something people might not know about running a golf course?
It is very diversified. For example, the maintenance crew starts at 4 am making sure the course is clean and in great condition. Unique to Sherwood are the chalets, also maintaining those accommodations.
Q10. What are your goals for the future of Sherwood Golf & Country Club?
Always trying to get better, continue to improve the course and chalets. We would like to attract more visitors during the week as well as the weekends.
Q11. What’s one thing you’d love for everyone in the to know about Sherwood Golf & Country Club?
With our diversity of product on offer, Sherwood Golf & Country Club is a great spot for tournaments. Our staff is happy to help organize.
