Six decades ago, visitors to the Cedar Hill Golf Club could walk across the street to the pro shop, located within the club owner Lyle Barnes’ family home, and play a few slot machines – until police raided the pro shop and seized the slots.
The cops didn’t find one illegal machine, however. Lyle’s son Barney was a fan of the penny slot and had it hidden in his bedroom.
Barney, who later became the head greens superintendent for Cedar Hill golf course, hung on to that machine and rumour has it, he’ll bring it back to the club for the anniversary celebration set for this weekend.
“Cedar Hill is the story that won’t quit,” said Val Meiras, president of the Cedar Hill Golf Club. “It’s been a challenging year as Saanich closed down Cedar Hill restaurant. … For us, we’ve been through clubhouses and managers and the club has continued; we’ve actually added 47 new members this year.”
More than 180 golfers will tee off at 9 a.m. on Sunday (Aug. 12) to celebrate the Cedar Hill Golf Club’s 60th birthday.
While the tournament sold out quickly, there is additional capacity for anybody who has fond memories of the club to attend a post-tournament reunion barbecue and ceremony at 2 p.m.
Guests will also receive a copy of a book chronicling Cedar Hill Golf Club’s history, including details on the slot machine fiasco and Cedar Hill legends, such as junior champ and future pro golfer Gordie Scutt. The book, compiled by Aki Graber, has been in the works since the 50th anniversary of the club.
“There was a hurry to talk with the people who remember while they’re still here to tell us,” Meiras said. “(The club) does have a colourful history and people are very attached.”
Tickets to Sunday’s barbecue are $15 and available through the end of the day Saturday, at the golf club. For more information visit cedarhillgolfclub.com.
nnorth@saanichnews.com
