Sudbury country club open to hosting events: Idylwylde Golf and Country Club makes it easy to book events.

• Author: McKinley, Karen
• Position: BUSINESS TRAVEL & CONFERENCES

Nestled in the heart of Sudbury sits a country club that has served the city's celebration needs for nearly a century.

While the sign at Idylwylde Golf and Country Club says "members only," anyone who books an event automatically becomes a member.

Over its history, the country club has been host to countless events ranging from golf tournaments to curling bonspiels, weddings, showers, retirements, business meetings and birthdays.

The year-round facility boasts an 18-hole golf course and five-sheet curling rink, along with two dining areas and a bar, kitchen, boardroom and balconies offering panoramic views of the course and Nepahwin Lake beyond. The back greens also offer up a view of Lake Ramsay.

The club has been a popular spot for events, said executive manager and chief operating officer Tom Arnott, for both its facilities and location, as well as the ease and low cost of booking and hosting.

"We want to make this an accessible place for anyone who wants to come out and enjoy our club," he said.

When someone books an event, they automatically get a one-year social and dining membership, Arnott explained. They are charged the annual fee of $450, which allows them access to the clubhouse and they can play five rounds of golf that year, with additional green fees.

Sasha Bruno, food and beverage manager, said the club is extremely popular for weddings, with the club booked into 2020 for summer weddings. However, between January and March, it can be slow, so the club's management is seeking ways to attract weekend events.

"During the week we have regular programming for members, like games and brunches, but Saturdays and Sundays are usually open for us and we want to let people know this is a great place to book an event like showers, birthdays or meetings," she said.

She added, overall, they still have some of the lowest prices in the city, when membership perks are factored in, as well as a great location and ample parking.

A popular spot to host outdoor weddings is the Peninsula ceremony venue on the shores of Nepahwin Lake.

Bruno said it is one of the city's few all-in-one venues for weddings. Idylwylde can host the ceremony, pictures and reception all in one place rather than splitting up the group while the wedding party poses for their pictures.

"There have been many times when wedding guests will come to the bar in between the ceremony and pictures," she said. "They can enjoy a drink and sit on the balconies or the patio, which I...