A Bit of History

The Island Brae Golf Club is situated on scenic Morrison's Island on property that has been owned by the Rogers family for over half a century.  At the head of Alumette Island, it was where Samuel de Champlain made contact with the local habitants over 400 years ago.  The golf course was established in the 1950's by Dean Rogers, assisted by local golf professional Al Hancock.  Following Mr. Hancock, Doug and Regine Oakley (and later Regine on her own) took over the operation and ran the Island Brae for 25 years.  In 1999, local CPGA Professional Dan Shields took over the daily operations.  Today, the golf course stretches over 3,000 yards with different tee blocks for the front nine and back nine rounds. There are four sets of tees for a variety of skill levels.

The Professional Staff

Dan Shields, CPGA Head Professional and Owner

Dan grew up in Pembroke and has been back in the area for 25 years. Dan has managed the Island Brae since 2000, and additionally, has operated the Pembroke Golf Club on the other side of the Ottawa River since 2005.

After completing his post-secondary education at McGill and Carleton Universities, Dan completed the requirements to become a Class A Head Golf Professional in the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association (CPGA).

He began working in the golf industry at 15 years of age and has been involved in the golf business for over 30 years.  He worked as an Associate Golf Professional at two of the most prestigious golf courses in the country – The Royal Ottawa Golf Club and the Thornhill Country Club.  He also spent five years as the Golf Professional/Manager at the Arnprior Golf Club prior to moving to the Island Brae Golf Club.

Dan has extensive experience in all areas of the business including:  teaching, tournament organization, merchandising, membership, promotion, accounting, human resources, food and beverage operations, golf course financing, golf course maintenance and more. He is an active, hands-own owner/operator.