Thompson Okanagan Golf Guide 2014

Thompson Okanagan Golf Guide 2014 thompsonokanaganvisitor.com

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Kelowna Hotel & Suites 2402 Hwy 97 N, Kelowna, BC V1X 4J1 • Tel (250) 860.1212 info@bwkelowna.com • bestwesternkelowna.com

For Reservations Call 1.888.860.1212

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CONTENTS 12 18

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Osoyoos Golf Club

Golf in the Thompson Okanagan…… 4 Directory of Golf………………………….…. 7 Regional Course Map…......................... 9 Golf Kelowna……………………………....…. 10 The Top 10 Holes to Play…………........ 12 Golf Kamloops.......................................... 16 Après Golf................................................... 18 Stay & Play in Vernon …….................... 20 Did You Know............................................ 22

©2014 Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association [the “Region”].

This Guide does not constitute, and should not be construed as, an endorsement or recommendation of any carrier, hotel, restaurant or any other facility, attraction or activity in British Columbia, for which neither the Province of British Columbia nor the Region assumes any responsibility.

COVER PHOTO

The Golf Club at The Rise

PUBLISHED BY

Okanagan Visitor Publications

Super, Natural British Columbia®, Hello BC®, Visitor Centre and all associated trademarks are official marks of the Province of British Columbia. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. Admission fees and other terms and conditions may apply to attractions and facilities referenced in this Guide. Errors and omissions expected.

PRINTED IN CANADA. | 3

GOLF

IN THE THOMPSON OKANAGAN

by Steven Fable

How many times have you read or heard about how the Thompson Okanagan is a golfing Mecca? It seems to me that every article features how ideal the weather is, how long warm days that last for months at a time and are perfect for swinging the clubs. And, that the playing season is so long here that in a good golfing season you can play a round every month of the year! Playing golf with Santa in Canada can be done!

Much of the allure to this region is the physical surroundings. Scenic beauty is what distinguishes us as a region. Lush manicured fairways winding their way through ponderosa forests, sagebrush covered hillsides and canyons and epic views from up high or a lengthy

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par 4 flanking a massive lake or river.

Regardless of what your backdrop is, it is always in your best interest to hit the ball straight. Most holes on these courses will reward you with a shorter straight shot than a longer drive that waivers from the meticulously groomed fairways.

Golf has a mystical power that is hard to find in anything else in the world.

Having trouble at home, a round at the links will quickly teach you that working on something makes you better. Need to get a little more exercise, leave the cart behind and drag your bag around the course the old fashioned way.

Looking to meet people or connect with other professionals, golf can help with

that too. There are few things that are so versatile, if any‌ Golf has the ability to bring people together, help people get out and enjoy the outdoors and put smiles (and some frowns) on faces worldwide! The soothing affect of the golf course has long been a medium to solidifying business deals over a long putt and a handshake and developing new social contacts, also over a long putt and a handshake!

holds over us is that it has the ability to combat stress. By combining all of the aforementioned qualities that this great game provides us, you will likely live a longer, happier life. The bottom line is, it gives us an active social schedule and a regular physical regiment.

Likeminded people enjoy similar things, like travel, sport, food, mental and physical conditioning, and of course clothing and equipment. Is it possible that golf has the additional power to bring these people together too?

One of the other influences that golf

Locally, there are over 70 golf courses from Valemount to Osoyoos and along the US border. That’s just within a 600km stretch of the Thompson Okanagan.

There are amazing courses as you wind your way through the region, most are located around city centers and some

To help you fight the daily stresses of life, this quick little tour will keep your game, mind and health all in check.

Osoyoos Golf Club | 5

are truly out of the way and are real destinations. One of the beauties of having so many golf courses to choose from is that there is something for every skill level. There is everything from pitch and putt to long par 72 championship courses.

Some highlights along the way include Talking Rock Golf Course, Tobiano, Predator Ridge, Gallagher’s Canyon, Fairview Mountain Golf Club, Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course and Osoyoos Golf Club. Keep in mind that these are

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just a few of the highlights, there are so many other courses that are equally challenging, beautiful and fun.

So keep in mind that golf’s mystical powers unite us. Whether you are visiting or taking a ‘local’ trip, get out there and enjoy yourself, get a deep breath of clean mountain, desert or lakeside air.

Enjoy the Thompson Okanagan golf courses and all that they have to offer.

You won’t regret your choice to golf here!

Predator Ridge Golf Resort

Directory of Golf 5

Boundary

Christina Lake

2

Greenwood

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Rock Creek

Kettle Valley Golf Club (250) 446-2826

Kelowna

Black Mountain Golf Club 1-800-930-4622 golfkelowna.com Gallagher’s Canyon Golf & Country Club 1-800-930-4622 golfkelowna.com The Harvest Golf Club 1-800-930-4622 golfkelowna.com

Ponderosa Golf Club (250) 767-2148

GOLD COUNTRY

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Cache Creek

8

Logan Lake

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Armstrong

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Cherryville

Central Okanagan

4

Peachland

Semlin Valley Golf Club (250) 457-6666 Meadow Creek Golf Club (250) 523-6666

NORTH OKANAGAN

Royal York Golf & RV (250) 546-9700 Cherryville Golf & Roadhouse Café (250) 547-9660

Kelowna Golf & Country Club 1-800-930-4622 golfkelowna.com

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Kelowna Springs Golf Club 1-800-930-4622 golfkelowna.com

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Lumby

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Vernon

Michaelbrook Ranch Golf Club (250) 763-7888

Coldstream

Highlands Golf (250) 545-5300

Mission Creek Golf Club (250) 860-0777

Coldstream Golf Course (250) 547-6048 Hillview Golf Club (250) 549-4653 Predator Ridge Resort - The Predator - The Ridge (250) 542-3436 predatorridge.com

GOLF IN

Okanagan Golf Club - The Bear - The Quail 1-800-930-4622 golfkelowna.com

KAMLOOPS

Orchard Greens Golf Club (250) 763-2447

Spallumcheen Golf & Country Club (250) 545-5824

The Pinnacle Course At Gallagher’s Canyon 1-800-930-4622 golfkelowna.com

The Golf Club At The Rise (250) 545-7425 therise.ca Lipsett Photography Group

Shadow Ridge Golf Club (250) 765-7777 golfkelowna.com

Vernon Golf & Country Club (250) 542-0151 14

Barriere

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Clearwater

Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club 1-800-930-4622 golfkelowna.com Tower Ranch Golf & Country Club 1-800-930-4622 golfkelowna.com

Tyler Meade

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Two Eagles Golf Course & Academy 1-800-930-4622 golfkelowna.com

Christina Lake Golf & Country Club (250) 447-9313 Porter Creek Golf Club (250) 445-6443

Shannon Lake Golf Club 1-800-930-4622 golfkelowna.com

Lipsett Photography Group

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West Kelowna

HUX,NET

Thompson Okanagan

BC Golf Guide 1-877-223-7226 bcgolfguide.com

Chinook Cove 1-800-662-1994 tourismkamloops.com Lacarya Golf Course (250) 587-6100

#EXPLOREKAMLOOPS | 7

Directory of Golf 16

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Valemount

Salmon Arm Golf Club (250) 832-4727 www.salmonarmgolf.com

Valemount Pines Golf Club (250) 566-4550

Shuswap Lake Estates Golf & Country Club 1-800-661-3955 www.shuswaplakeestates.com

Melsview Links Golf Club (250) 566-4462

Wells Gray

Wells Gray Golf Course & Rv (250) 674-0009

Merritt

Merritt Golf & Country Club (250) 378-9414 19

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Quilchena On The Lake Golf & Rv Park (250) 378-2923

Anglemont

Anglemont Estates Golf Club (250) 955-2323

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Talking Rock Golf Course (250) 679-3090 quaaoutlodge.com

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Sunshore Golf Course (250) 679-3021 22

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Mable Lake Golf & RV Park (250) 838-0881 mablelake.com

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Grindrod

Birchdale Golf Course (250) 838-7740

Club Shuswap (250) 832-7345

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Kamloops

SIMILKAMEEN

Princeton Golf Club (250) 295-6123 princetongolfclub.com

Eaglepoint Golf Resort 1-800-662-1994 tourismkamloops.com

South SOUTH Okanagan OKANAGAN

Kamloops Golf & Country Club 1-800-662-1994 tourismkamloops.com

Kaleden

St Andrews By-The-Lake Golf Club (250) 497-5648

Oliver

Fairview Mountain Golf Club 1-800-534-7264

Osoyoos

Osoyoos Golf Club 1-800-481-6665 Sonora Dunes Golf Course (250) 495-4653

Salmon Arm

Canoe Creek Golf Course 1-866-431-3285 www.canoecreekgolf.com

South Thompson

Princeton

NK’MIP Canyon Desert Golf Course 1-800-656-5755 www.nkmipcanyon.com

Enderby

Sumac Ridge Golf & Country Club (250) 494-3122

The Dunes At Kamloops 1-800-662-1994 tourismkamloops.com

Twin Lakes Golf Course & RV Resort (250) 497-5359

Chase

Summerland

Summerland Golf & Country Club 1-877-955-7955 summerlandgolf.com

Sicamous

Eagle River Golf & Country Club (250) 836-4454

Shuswap

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Hyde Mountain On Mara Lake 1-877-677-4653 www. hydemountain.com

Golf Shuswap 1-877-773-7071 golfshuswap.com 20

Skaha Meadow Golf Course (250) 492-7274

Sonseeker’s Ridge Golf Course (250) 833-0258

Quilchena

Sagebrush Golf & Sporting Club 1-877-350-9555

Sage Mesa Golf Club (250) 492-8814

Penticton

Penticton Golf & Country Club (250) 492-8727 Pine Hills Golf & Country Club (250) 492-5731

McArthur Island 1-800-662-1994 tourismkamloops.com Mount Paul Golf Resort 1-800-662-1994 tourismkamloops.com Pineridge Golf Resort 1-800-662-1994 tourismkamloops.com Rivershore Golf Links 1-800-662-1994 tourismkamloops.com Sun Peaks Golf Course 1-800-662-1994 Sun Rivers Golf Resort 1-800-662-1994 tourismkamloops.com Tobiano Golf Course 1-800-662-1994 tourismkamloops.com 18 Holes 6656 Yards Par 72 1 877 955 7955 summerlandgolf.com

Experience Summerland’s Hidden Gem

Make Summerland your Club

Experience this hidden gem of a course located on paradise flats plateau with views overlooking Trout Creek Canyon and Okanagan lake and away from urban influences. The course has hosted three provincial championships in the last five years and while offering good challenge, is most enjoyable to play by golfers of all levels. This championship golf course offers significant diversity in terrain, from a relatively flat front nine with generous fairways and large greens to a back nine that winds through a grove of Ponderosa pines with undulating fairways and greens, placing a premium on accuracy. Summerland is a must stop and play on your journey through the Okanagan.

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THOMPSON OKANAGAN REGION

To Jasper To Prince George

Valemount

Mt. Robson Provincial Park

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Wells Gray Provincial Park

BRITISH COLUMBIA

5 Blue River

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Clearwater

15

To Prince George 14 7

20

1

21

Cache Creek

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24

Salmon Arm Kamloops

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23

5

8

22 9

5A

8

19

Merritt

12

11

Vernon 13

18

6

10

97

97C

4 5

1

Kelowna To Nakusp

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5

31 26

Princeton

Hope

30

Penticton

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To Vancouver

28

3

Osoyoos

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3

2 3

To Cranbrook

Grand Forks

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USA | 9

“In much the same way the Scottsdale area has become known for golf in Arizona, Kelowna, British Columbia lives and breathes the game.”

Peter Robinson SCOREGolf

112,884 total yards. 17 epic courses. 1 epic place.

What makes Kelowna a must-play destination for every golf enthusiast? It’s our long, dry golf season and a whopping 17 courses that range from easy going to ego shattering – all located right in the heart of Okanagan wine country.

Now, that’s epic golf!

Book online: golfkelowna.com

 Tower Ranch | Black Mountain

Gallagher’s Canyon: Canyon Course | Gallagher’s Canyon: Pinnacles Course The Harvest | Kelowna Golf & CC | Kelowna Springs Okanagan Golf Club: The Bear | Okanagan Golf Club: The Quail Shannon Lake | Sunset Ranch | Two Eagles

and more ...

golfkelowna.com

The Top 10 Holes in the Thompson Okanagan

by Andrew Penner

Each of the world’s best golf destinations has its own character, its own aura, its own charm that makes it stand out. Some are known for their amazing climate. Their seaside setting. Their old-world flavour.

However, there are certain things that will be consistent with all of the best golf destinations in the world. One is this: they will boast a number of postcardworthy golf holes. And, interestingly, it’s the lasting beauty of these signature holes that often leaves the most powerful impression.

The Thompson Okanagan is, unquestionably, in the top-tier when the world’s best golf destinations are considered. The collection of courses is

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outstanding. From mountainside thrillers like The Ridge Course at Predator Ridge to majestic lakeside gems like Sagebrush, the Thompson Okanagan is a rich and rewarding place to play. In this case, its unique character, its “aura,” is derived from a number of factors. They include a beautiful sunny climate, wonderful wine, and a remarkably consistent theme of spectacular courses that soar high on hillsides above the dazzling lakes below.

Not surprisingly, it’s this framework that provides the setting for the region’s most memorable golf holes. Of course, in a region as vast as the Thompson Okanagan – the region boasts over 35 championshipcaliber courses – there are many holes

that standout. In fact, your top-10 list could look dramatically different than this one. And that’s good! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But, by any standard, these 10 holes (listed in no particular order) are compelling reasons why the Thompson Okanagan is one of the best golf destinations in the world.

1. Hole 6, 438 yards, Par 4, Ridge Course at Predator Ridge Golf Resort – Designed by the talented Canadian architect Doug Carrick, the Ridge Course at the luxurious Predator Ridge Golf Resort is certainly one of the region’s trump cards. With a tee perched high on a rocky shelf overlooking Lake Okanagan, the par-4 6th is as good as it gets. Soak it in, take a picture, then compose yourself for the hair-raising tee shot. This is a great opportunity for an average player to bag a 300-yard drive and paint a shot against one of the finest backdrops in Canadian golf.

2. Hole 8, 589 yards, Par 5, Tobiano – Soaring high above Kamloops Lake on a rugged swath of aerie benchland,

Tobiano contains a handful of postcardpretty holes. The par-5 8th, which tumbles and rolls along the bluff, is absolutely awesome. A good tee shot that clears the ravine is paramount. However, the layup shot also isn’t easy and must be squeezed between the bunker and the fescuecapped hills on the left. For long hitters, the go-for-broke gamble to hit the green in two can make or break your round. Of course, glory or disaster loom everywhere at Tobiano!

3. Hole 2, 454 yards, Par 4, Sagebrush Golf Club – An opportunity to play the esteemed Sagebrush – which is now accessible to the public until memberships are fully subscribed- should never be turned down. It features eighteen oneof-a-kind holes that cling to the arid, rockpeppered hills above Nicola Lake. One of the many great holes at Sagebrush – and a hole that flows exquisitely with the natural landforms – is the par-4 2nd. Like so many holes here, the natural hillside can be used to one’s advantage…or to one’s

Colin Jewell, Predator Ridge Resort | 13

detriment! Hitting the hanging green – it’s propped up beautifully against the lake – is always a challenge.

4. Hole 17, 583 yards, Par 5, Tower Ranch – Designed by accomplished architect Thomas McBroom, Tower Ranch is a brash and brawny layout that showcases the dramatic nature of the region’s terrain.

The finishing run is terrific and the par-5 17th, which cruises high on the edge of the hillside, is as memorable and fun to play as any par-5 in Western Canada. With a couple of motley bunker collections, an exposed infinity green that sits on the rim, and gorgeous panoramic views, there is ample opportunity to snap your winning picture here. Hopefully a birdie completes your memory!

5. Hole 18, 468 yards, Par 4, Fairview Mountain – Located in the heart of wine country near Oliver, Fairview Mountain, justifiably, makes a regular appearance on SCOREGolf’s Top-100 Courses in Canada list. The huge drop in elevation on the 18th – a long and strong par-4 that often plays into the wind – is always something

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to look forward to. Thankfully, the fairway is generous; however, the long-iron approach into the two-tiered green is anything but easy. Par is elusive…but a memorable close to the round is guaranteed!

6. Hole 6, 524 yards, Par 5, Gallagher’s Canyon – A classic course and longstanding favourite in the Kelowna area, Gallagher’s Canyon has a bit of everything.

Case in point: the beautiful par-5 6th. This straightaway par-5 is a legitimate birdie opportunity and, after a few tricky holes to start, there is little reason to hold back here.

Grip it and rip it! And, along the way, enjoy the beautiful blue skies, the towering pines, and one of the most idyllic settings for golf anywhere.

7. Hole 15, 210 yards, Par 3, Talking Rock Resort – True, par-3s often get the bulk of the attention when it comes to signature holes. And, in the case of the exceptional 15th at Talking Rock, it’s well deserved.

The sprawling Graham Cooke and Wayne Carleton-designed layout at Talking Rock reaches its pinnacle at this downhill gem. A sweet collection of bunkers and a glorious

lake and mountain backdrop frame the hole. If you manage to hit the canted green, good luck with the putt! This is one of the slickest surfaces on the course. But, regardless of the outcome, take heart, you’ve just played one of the prettiest par3s in Canada.

8. Hole 6, 358 yards, Par 4, The Rise – A Fred Couple’s Signature Course, The Rise is another championship course laced with awesome views and dramatic golf holes. While the par-5 9th might have the best view in the Thompson Okanagan, the short, par-4 6th – a strategic hole with a green that juts into the pristine pond is the type of hole you could never grow tired of playing.

9. Hole 18, 507 yards, Par 5, Salmon Arm Golf Club – The mature parkland course at the inviting Salmon Arm Golf Club contains one rock-solid hole after another.

Fittingly, the downhill par-5 closer – with its thin green tucked behind the pond – is an anything-can-happen hole with a serious “wow” factor. Our advice? Play

it this way: bomb one down the middle, stripe a hybrid into the middle of the green, and can your putt for eagle.

10. Hole 7, 197 yards, Par 3, Tobiano – Door-die shots don’t get much better than this! The target here, a plateau green that’s protected on all sides by the daunting ravine, is tough as nails to hit. Throw in a two or three-club wind and you’ve got the type of challenge that would make even Tiger’s knees shake! Snap a picture, say a prayer, and go for it. Regardless of what happens, you’re golfing in the Thompson Okanagan! And that’s good.

The beauty of creating a list of great holes is that the compilation is subjective!

This list will vary from your list, and your neighbour’s list, and your friendlyneighbourhood golf pro’s list, and so on. And that’s what makes these lists compelling. There is no wrong answer! In this case, there is just a whole bunch of right answers…and they stretch their way back and forth across the entire Thompson Okanagan region.

Fairview Mountain | 15

GOLF IN

KAMLOOPS

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HUX,NET Tyler Meade

#EXPLOREKAMLOOPS | 17

APRÈS GOLF A FAVOURED SPOT ON THE COURSE Most people are as equally as excited to ‘après’ as they are to complete the actual task! Well known throughout the golf world is the term ‘The 19th Hole’. Well, things have come a long way from a semi chilled beer while sitting on a milk crate behind the clubhouse. These days you are more likely to find a dish of lobster thermidor and a refreshing glass of your favourite Pinot Gris! The Thompson Okanagan plays home to dozens of golf courses and more importantly, golf courses with great restaurants. It is no secret that you do not need to play a round of golf in order to enjoy a sensation meal, just come in and eat!

A very short distance outside of Kamloops is HooDoos at Sun Rivers. Like many clubhouses, the view adds to your experience, and things are no different at HooDoos. With a stunning view looking down over the river and the city, try and time your meal to get the sunset, it will not disappoint. The amazing atmosphere

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on the patio is punctuated by great food on the menu and an impressive architecture.

In Kelowna, The Harvest Golf Club’s dining room, The Harvest Grille, also pleases its guests with splendid views from the patio and epic choices from the menu. Your eyes wander down the golf course, through parts of the city and off into the lake and mountains beyond. The extensive menu is complemented perfectly by the knowledgeable staff who are happy, helpful and have attention to detail.

Heading south to Oliver finds you at Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course, which is the perfect setting for fine dining or just a cold beer and an appetizer. The magnificent view sets the tone for a very relaxing atmosphere.

Great food tastes better when it arrives hot on the hands of pleasant, perceptive servers. It all adds up another great experience at the 19th Hole.

Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course

DID YOU KNOW...

The Thompson Okanagan attracts world-class golfers What better way to start than by saying, “Did You Know…” that there are over 70 golf courses in the Thompson Okanagan between Valemount and Osoyoos? Give or take a few 9 hole courses and that still leaves you with well over 1000 fairways in the region, that’s right, 1000+ fairways! Sounds pretty amazing doesn’t it? So amazing, that it has attracted world-class golfers from around the globe to come here and set up shop.

Fred Couples has played in the Thompson Okanagan before, participating in two Telus Skins Games and doing his own “research” on down days. He liked it so much that he partnered with Gene Bates and created The Fred Couples Signature Course at The Rise. This treasure offers one of the most spectacular golf experiences in Canada. How can you go wrong playing 250 pristine acres designed by one of the most popular players on the pro tour! The course will leave you breathless, with lasting pictures & stories for many years to come.

The aptly titled Bear Course at Okanagan Golf Club, is a Nicklaus Design par 72 masterpiece, meticulously created by none other than the legend himself, Jack Nicklaus. With over 100 victories worldwide, and over 40 years’

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experience on the pro tour, it seems like Nicklaus Design might have a few things to offer. And, they really sank a hole in one with this golf course. Dramatically sculpted fairways cut through ponderosa pine forests and sage covered hillsides, an exceptional design that will challenge and reward you.

One of the most exciting projects coming to fruition is Ponderosa in Peachland. Scheduled to open for play Summer 2015, Ponderosa lingers 500 feet above Lake Okanagan and is beautifully carved through rock and forest. The Shark himself, Greg Norman, and his team at Greg Norman Golf Course Designs consider this to be one of their greatest accomplishments.

Wrapped around the base of Pincushion Mountain, the Ponderosa Golf Course is a blessed union of combining old and new. The design team updated an existing course and incorporated hundreds of acres of adjacent land to expand the fairways. This blank canvas allowed Greg Norman and crew to create a course that blends perfectly with nature and flow seamlessly from old to new. It’s easy to see how the Thompson Okanagan attracts so many from far and wide to enjoy this ‘slice’ of paradise… you just have to come play a round first.

Bear Course at Okanagan Golf Club