Doon Valley Golf Course’s story began when Arnold Elmslie started construction of the 6,200-yard course, located next to the Grand River in the south end of Kitchener, in 1955.

The course architect was C. E. (Robbie) Robinson. A student of renowned golf course designer Stanley Thompson, Robinson moved on to become the premier golf course architects of his time, designing over 100 courses across Canada. Robinson was also a mentor to award-winning designer Doug Carrick. Elmslie operated it under private ownership until 1966, when it was purchased by the City of Kitchener for $340,000.