Club History

The original golf course was designed by George B. Ferry, golf architect, in 1908 and was named Island Country Club. It was the first private golf club established on Grosse Ile on what was originally known as the Fox Farms property. A flagpole, donated by Mr. Charles E. Haisley on July 4, 1928 for W.M. Lacy, still remains as a reminder of the original golf club

During the ensuing years the property was purchased by William R. Stadler, renamed West Shore Golf & Country Club, and leased to the members. During World War II the course was closed, but used as a training camp for the Detroit Lions football team. The original clubhouse was a private three-story residence, which was torn down after acquisition of the club and property on December 19, 1972 by the present West Shore Golf & Country Club members. The purchase was made from the Stadler family after the death of Mr. Stadler.

After the purchase, various improvements were made to the course, including a new semi-automatic water system, new pump house, and improvements to the clubhouse and parking area. A new halfway house was erected on the golf course in 1986 and changes were made in the numbering of holes to accommodate this new location.

The present clubhouse was originally the men's locker room facility, later expanded to include dining room, clubroom, kitchen, men's and women's locker rooms, pro shop, shoe room, and shower facilities. A major expansion and refurbishing of the clubhouse and golf course renovation was started in 1986 and completed one year later. This included the addition of the second floor grillroom and modification of the ladies' locker room. A mixed grill and kitchen facility were added on the first floor level.

Additional properties were purchased along Ferry Road for future improvement of the golf course and to add protection to the Club's perimeter on the south boundary. One immediate improvement on the course after the acquisition was to lengthen and widen the existing teeing areas on several holes, re-measuring the course, and establishing a par 70 course for men based upon yardage guidelines adopted by the USGA.

In compliance with the USGA Handicap System, the Golf Association of Michigan measured the yardage of the golf course on June 24, 1983, resulting in the establishment of a 6,560-yard par 70 from the men's championship tees, and a 6,025-yard par 75 for women.

In late 1987, however, golf course renovation construction was started. This included the relocation of #12 and #17 tees and new greens for holes 3, 4, 11, 15, and 17. Par was changed from 70 to 71, necessitating a request for a revised USGA Course Rating to determine USGA Slope Ratings.

West Shore Golf & Country Club joined with other private clubs of Michigan by entering the Golf Association of Michigan in 1972. That same year, West Shore became the scene of the United States Open local qualifying rounds, which also included participation at the Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club.

The Golf Association of Michigan held their 57th annual Amateur Championship at West Shore in 1975. West Shore was once again the scene of the same event in 1981. West Shore hosted the USGA 1986 U.S. Amateur Public links Sectional Qualifying Rounds, and in July 1987, hosted the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship regional.

West Shore Golf & Country Club in conjunction with Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club, co-hosted the 1989 Michigan PGA Professional Championship, held Monday the 15th of May, 1989