Archibald MacDonald

Mention the word “Archie’s” to residents of Cornwall and area and they immediately tink of golf. Archie’s Golf Range was started in 1955 by Glengarry native, Archie T. Macdonald, who next Wednesday will be inducted into the county’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Born in Glen Nevis to Archie John Rory Macdonald and his wife the former Annabel Montgomery, Archie J. and his family moved to Cornwall when he was just eight years of age. Archie’s athletic interests were two-fold. In the winter, hockey claimed his attention, while in summer he could be found as a young fellow, caddying at the Cornwall Golf and Country Club.

From caddying he moved to playing, and captured several club championships between the years of 1936 and 1954. During World War II, Archie enlisted in the Air Force and served his country from 1941 to 1945.

Throughout his hockey career, which was extensive, Archie’s play was of high calibre. During the 1946-47 season, he was a member of the Cornwall Falcons team which went to the Allan Cup playdowns.

In the decade between 1960 and 1970, Archie remained with the sport of hockey, acting as trainer for the Knoxville Knights and the Tulsa Oilers. Realizing the need for golfers to practice, Archie set up his driving range in 1955 and remained involved for 30 years, before selling the business in 1985.