Where Tradition Meets Innovation — The Evolution of Canada’s Premier Private Club

A Legacy Born from Vision

The story of The Pulpit Club begins with two visionaries who set out to create something extraordinary. In the late 1980s, Chris Haney and Scott Abbott — the co-creators of the iconic board game Trivial Pursuit — turned their passion for golf into a bold project. Their dream was to design a private club unlike any other in Canada, where exceptional golf and stunning natural beauty would converge.

In 1990, that dream became reality with the opening of Devil’s Pulpit, a spectacular 18-hole championship course set in the rolling hills of Caledon, Ontario. Just two years later, they unveiled Devil’s Paintbrush, an inspired, links-style layout that brought a touch of the Scottish Highlands to southern Ontario. Both courses were immediately recognized as Best New Courses in Canada by Golf Digest, and within a few short years, the club earned a reputation as one of the finest private golf experiences in the country.

Together, The Pulpit and The Paintbrush set a new benchmark for Canadian golf — distinct, complementary courses designed by renowned architects Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, blending strategic brilliance with natural beauty. To this day, the two courses consistently rank among the Top 25 in Canada.

A New Era — The Pulpit Club

In 2020, the club began its next chapter when Longridge Partners, a forward-thinking Canadian ownership group, acquired the property. This transition brought a fresh vision — one that honoured the club’s legacy while embracing the future of private club living.

With new ownership came a new identity. The Pulpit Club was born, shedding the “Devil’s” moniker in favour of a brand that reflects a deeper connection to nature, adventure, and community.

The evolution was more than cosmetic. Significant investments were made to modernize infrastructure, including a full bunker renovation, new cart paths, and enhancements to both courses’ conditioning. At the same time, The Pulpit Club expanded its focus beyond golf, curating a year-round lifestyle experience for members and their families.

Canada’s Premier Two-Course Private Club

Today, The Pulpit Club is firmly established as one of Canada’s most prestigious private clubs, offering:

• Two Top-25 Golf Courses – The Pulpit, a bold, modern parkland design, and The Paintbrush, a playful, Old World links-inspired adventure.

• A Year-Round Outdoor Playground – Beyond championship golf, members enjoy a 12-month calendar of outdoor pursuits including hiking, cross-country skiing, skating, tobogganing, and more.

• Family-Friendly Club Culture – From kids’ summer camps to fireside après-ski evenings, The Pulpit Club offers unforgettable experiences for members of all ages.

• Luxury Private Accommodations – Members and their guests can extend their visits with stays in exclusive on-property guest houses, combining luxury living with private club access.

• Refined Dining & Hospitality – Seasonal menus and creative cuisine complement spectacular escarpment views, making dining at the club as memorable as the golf itself.

A Modern Membership Experience

The Pulpit Club also introduced a revolutionary Partner Membership model, offering members not just access to Canada’s top private club experience, but also an investment interest in the club’s real estate. This forward-thinking approach ensures members are directly connected to the club’s success — and have a membership they can pass to future generations.

This innovative membership model, combined with world-class facilities, has attracted a new generation of members — a vibrant, multi-generational community that values adventure, relaxation, and meaningful time spent outdoors.

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A Destination Recognized Among Canada’s Best

With continued recognition in SCOREGolf’s Top 100 and recent selections as the host venue for the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and the 2025 Canadian Open Men’s Qualifier, The Pulpit Club remains firmly at the forefront of Canadian golf.

Both courses are consistently ranked among the nation’s best, and the club’s unwavering commitment to exceptional course conditions, innovative programming, and outstanding hospitality ensures its place as a premier golf destination for years to come.

The Future is Here

While honouring its founding spirit, The Pulpit Club has evolved into something even greater — a private sanctuary where extraordinary golf, family adventure, and natural beauty come together year-round. Whether teeing off at sunrise, skating under a winter sky, or gathering with friends beside a crackling fire, The Pulpit Club is where lifelong memories are made — and where the best of the game, and life, comes together.