Rewriting the House Rules: Curling gets a Fresh Spin

At Dundas Valley, we’ve really shifted how we think about curling. Sure, it’s still a sport — but more than that, it’s a great excuse to bring people together. Around here, it’s just as much about who you’re playing with as what kind of shot you make.

We’ve changed how we approach the traditional structure of curling. Some of the fastest-growing formats right now are Doubles, Singles, and Triples — and we’ve leaned into all of them. Our Doubles League has taken off in a big way — we started with just one draw, and now we’re up to seven. Members love it because it’s fast-paced, it’s the same format they see in the Olympics, and it fits easily into a busy schedule. It’s also brought in a ton of new faces. Folks who used to curl once a week are now out there twice, and the Club has definitely felt a little livelier because of it.  We’ve even launched a Singles League — turning what might have just been a solo practice session into a bit of friendly competition. It’s been a great way to keep things fresh and give our members another fun option to stay engaged.

Our Friday Night Mixed Social League is a perfect example of how we like to keep things light, fun, and a little different. It’s six ends of curling followed by some laughs, some drinks, and more often than not… a little karaoke. It’s become one of our fastest-growing leagues, and not because the games are intense — it’s because it turns a regular Friday into a fun night out with friends. It’s less about who’s throwing the hammer and more about who’s getting to the Lounge first.

Our changes are working. In the last five years, our average curler’s age has dropped. That’s not by accident. We’ve made it a priority to offer more variety and flexibility — and the response has been fantastic.

At the same time, we’re making sure curling is still accessible to everyone. Our Two-Person Stick League has been a great option for members who want to stay active but don’t want to sweep end-to-end. It’s a shorter game, a little easier on the body, and still brings out that competitive edge.  And we must be on the right track — Curling Canada and the World Curling Federation even run world championships for this format.

Of course, we also like to keep things fun for member driven events that we run. Events like Rocks, Bags and Rolls, The Hunger Games, and Beerspiel have brought a great energy to the season. 

The Beerspiel is exactly what it sounds like — we partner with a local brewery, offer a few “incentives” throughout the day, and wrap it all up with a solid meal. It’s casual, social, and the kind of day that fills the place up.  

The Hunger Games is our biggest spiel of the year. Winners get surf and turf, and the team that finishes dead last? Chicken fingers and fries. It’s a playful take on competition that gets everyone involved and makes for a few good laughs (and rivalries) year after year.

Rocks, Bags and Rolls was a new one for us this past season. It’s a full-day, three-sport mash-up: 8 holes on our short course, 4 sheets of curling, and one transformed curling sheet that becomes 4 cornhole courts. It’s a high-energy kickoff to the year, and it does a great job of mixing people together and breaking the ice.

To close things out, we run the largest Club Doubles Bonspiel in the area — Doubles Mania. With 48 teams playing across two weeks, it’s the perfect way to end the season. It’s fun, competitive, and a nice break from the traditional four-person game we’ve all been playing all year long.

At the end of the day, what’s made the difference is being willing to try new things. Curling’s still curling — but when you mix in some creativity and community, it becomes something even better. It’s helped us grow the game, bring in new faces, and keep our members coming back season after season.

Rob Matheson is the Membership and Curling Manager at Dundas Valley Golf and Curling Club. For over 7 years, he’s brought a welcoming, community-first approach to the club—helping members feel at home whether they’re new to curling or seasoned on the golf course. Known for his thoughtful communication and passion for sport, Rob plays a key role in shaping the Club’s vibrant social and athletic culture.