By the time it opened in 1990 I had worked with three different owners on the course that launched my career in the GTA. Since that time Carrick Design has evolved from a one-person practice into a thriving design firm, while King Valley is one of the flagship courses for ClubLink Corporation and a terrific success story.

When I first walked the property I knew it had all the hallmarks for an outstanding parkland design – a mature landscape with rolling terrain, well-established trees and diverse wetlands. I went back to my traditional roots as an apprentice for golf course architect Robbie Robinson to weave a captivating trail through tall pine forest that frames fairways that plunge, rise and roll through a lush 165-acre valley in King City just north of Toronto. It quickly earned a reputation as the premier course private club in the GTA and remains among the elite in Canada.

Our design team returned to King Valley in 2007 to carry out some bunker renovations and will continue to work there in 2008.

• 2nd Best New Course in Canada - Golf Digest Magazine