Beaconsfield taps Mingay/Fraser for master plan, future upgrades

Earlier this week, Beaconsfield Golf Club out of Pointe-Claire, Quebec announced the hiring of architects Jeff Mingay & Christine Fraser, with plans of putting together a master plan to provide future upgrades.

One of Quebec’s most storied clubs, Beaconsfield sits in on the west side of the island of Montreal. Dating back to 1904, Beaconsfield became a well-known club with the enhancements from Willie Park Jr. to the original six hole layout, and later Stanley Thompson, who built a new golf course over Willie Park’s old golf course following expansion of the current Highway 20 in the late 1940’s. More recently, Darrell & Warren Huxham renovated Beaconsfield, straying away from Thompson’s style and original layout. Currently, Beaconsfield sits at 100th in Canada on 2020 SCOREGolf list.

“I fell in love with the place” said Jeff Mingay, “Christine [Fraser] and I are excited to dust off the best elements of Mr. Thompson’s original design.” Mingay also mentioned a thoughtful approach to make sure the course functions in a modern context relate to contemporary golfers’ expectations.

The process to find the right architect started in the fall of 2020 with a list of eight architecture firms before narrowing it down to three, with the process wrapping up this spring. No timeline for the work was provided.

Originally getting his start with Rod Whitman at Blackhawk Golf Club outside of Edmonton, Jeff Mingay lent a helping hand to other world-renowned designs such as Cabot Links and Sagebrush Golf & Sporting Club before opening his own firm. Currently, Jeff sits on the Board of Directors as Vice-President for the Stanley Thompson Society, and leads renovation and restoration efforts at well-known clubs like Victoria (BC), Derrick (AB), and Cutten Fields (ON).

Christine Fraser originally started as a Division I golfer before transitioning to an interest in architecture. Prior to teaming up with Jeff Mingay, Christine worked for Martin Hawtree throughout Europe, as well as Toronto Golf Club’s Watson nine and practice area.

For more information on Beaconsfield Golf Club, visit their website here.