As the summer population of the 1000 Islands grew, so did interest in recreational activities beyond boating, fishing and swimming. In the summer of 1927, a group of summer residents met to discuss the viability of acquiring property at the head of Grenadier Island for the purpose of building a golf course. Seeing that the project was feasible, plans moved forward to purchase the property.

The following year, the golf course was constructed, using noted designer Arthur Tillinghast’s layout. Play began in late 1928. Soon to follow were docks, clubhouses, equipment sheds, etc., with maintenance and construction of new facilities continuing to the present. Har-tru tennis courts were added in 1975 and a challenging croquet pitch in 1986. In the late ‘80’s, 3 tee boxes were added, so the original 9-hole course could be played from 18 tees. The entire course benefited from improvements installed to the irrigation system in the ‘90’s.

Through the years, championships in golf, tennis and croquet have been contested, along with just-for-fun tournaments and outings. The vibrant social life of the Club dates to its beginnings, where picnics were frequent, and evolved into today’s themed weekly dinners, hosted by committees of members, with all manner of other social gatherings – masques, plays, dances, casino nights, etc. – held along the way.

Many current members of the Club trace their involvement with GICC as far back as 5 generations, and there are many members new to the region, so tradition blends smoothly with new ideas. In 2002, the Club hosted a gala celebration of its 75th anniversary, which drew 500+ people. GICC celebrated 80 year anniversary with a dinner toast at the Turkey Dinner during the summer of 2007.

Both current and past members have made the Club what it is today: a gathering place for friends with common interests and goals, all working to further those ends.