Written By Jeffrey Reed
LondonOntarioGolf.com (est. 2004), the Voice of Golf in Southwestern Ontario, announces Sifton Properties’ RiverBend Golf Community as winner of the 2026 Best of London Golf Award.
When Sifton opened its 18-hole, Doug Carrick-designed golf course for play in 2002, it did so with much fanfare–and deservedly so. In fact, today, with its twinning of community luxury homes and championship golf course, beautiful Kains Woods plus a myriad of first-rate course and clubhouse amenities, the RiverBend gated golf community is still unique to this part of Canada.
RiverBend offers some of the finest golf amenities and all-around customer service anywhere in Canada. The RiverBend community has become an important part of our local golf fabric, and it’s one of the reasons London is the Golf Capital of Canada.
Per capita, Southwestern Ontario is home to the most golf courses in North America. In London and surrounding counties, local golfers have access to 13 private golf clubs, 112 semi-private and public clubs, 20 stand-alone outdoor golf practice centres, numerous golf ranges housed at local clubs and public venues, plus a growing number of indoor golf simulators and practice centres.
At RiverBend GC, an important part of the unique lifestyle includes the 28,000-square-foot clubhouse–the social hub of the RiverBend community. Here residents enjoy fitness classes, an indoor pool, casual and fine dining plus a number of social activities designed to bring neighbours together. RiverBend rests in the shadows of London Hunt & Country Club, but it deserves the spotlight alone for its unique offerings. And with multiple tee blocks accommodating every level of golfer, the RiverBend golf course is an exquisite, all-inclusive oasis within the city limits.
The real beauty of RiverBend Golf Community, though, is its staff who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to day-to-day operations. They include general manager Simon Bevan; head golf professional Tyler Vaillant; golf course superintendent Kevin Collier; business services manager Tara Reycraft; food and beverage manager Shawn Greco; executive chef Kyle Nichol; food and beverage event coordinator Alyssia Johnston; and food and beverage supervisors Lesley White and Emily Lankin.
“The Best of London Golf Award means a great deal to our entire RiverBend family,” said RiverBend GC General Manager Simon Bevan. “Our staff take immense pride in creating an outstanding experience both on and off the golf course, and I am grateful for their unwavering commitment. This recognition truly belongs to them and to the wonderful community we serve.
“We are honoured to play a role in shaping a place our residents are proud to call home,” added Bevan, “and this award motivates us to continue elevating the RiverBend experience in every way we can.”
Award-winning writer Jeffrey Reed has covered Middlesex County sports since 1980. He is publisher and editor of
LondonOntarioSports.com.
Reach him at
jeff@londonontariosports.com.
