May 01, 2015

O K A N A G A N | S H U S WA P | K O O T E N AY S

Dream golf

destinations 2015

CAPITAL news

Y2‌ DREAM Golf Destinations 2015

Dream Golf Destinations 2015 …Y3

Local golf coach motivates golfers to play at their peak

GolfTec coach Kyle Miller is a PGA Vancouver Top 20 golfer who teaches his clients to push past their limitations.

Miller’s lessons are informed by experience - he’s been a golfer since childhood, in spite of his cerebral palsy.

By Mike Straus

“Golf allows me to set an example for what other people can do.” ~ Kyle Miller

Kyle Miller says that when he was growing up in the 1990s, most children were running around with toys inspired by children’s cartoons.

But Miller was running around with a putter, hitting a golf ball around his parents’ home.

Since he was six years old, it’s been his dream to make a career in the world of golf - in spite of the naysayers.

“My parents probably thought it was a phase. You have a kid with cerebral palsy – what can you do? Nobody thought I was going to

make a living out of golf. As a kid with a disability, people look at you, doctors look at you, and think, ‘Good for you for having aspirations, but let’s see you do it.’ And that’s what kept me going— I always had hope and faith that it would work out.”

Within a few years, Miller’s love of golf turned into an obsession. In spite of what his doctors originally thought, it later became clear that golfing was the best thing he could be doing with his time. At one appointment, a doctor told Miller that golf was saving his life.

Continued on page 5

Kelowna’s best value for

Championship

GOLF

Great Golf • Great Food • Fantastic & Friendly Service

Yearly Memberships Available

• Corporate & Group Tournament Packages Available

Play Kelowna’s Best Value for Championship Golf and see why it was chosen…

- By Golf Digest - Best Places to Play - Finalist - Best Golf Course 2011, Okanagan Life Magazine - Finalist - Best Golf Course 2013, Best of Kelowna

www.sunsetranchbc.com 5101 UPPER BOOTH ROAD SOUTH • KELOWNA • 250.765.7700 • 1.877.606.7700

Y4… DREAM Golf Destinations 2015

After running a comprehensive advertising campaign for five years… …Tourism Kelowna now says that the Okanagan has emerged as one of Canada’s top golfing destinations for

Golf making a comeback as tourists. Local golf course owners are optimistic about the growth of golf in the region thanks to the impact of the www.GolfKelowna.com initiative.

Kelowna Springs Golf Club owner Ian Robertson remembers the golden era of golf in the Okanagan. Having

Kelowna Springs Golf Club

arrived in 1995, he witnessed firsthand the boom that took place between 2002 and 2007, when new courses like Tower Ranch and Black Mountain first opened.

He also remembers the crash of 2008, when the economy entered the recession and golfers had less disposable income.

But now, that’s all changed.

“I think golf is coming back,” he says. “The industry as a whole is doing a better job of attracting new golfers. We’re now coming out with non-traditional offerings like foot golf – which we offer here at

Kelowna Springs - and great junior programs.”

Robertson says that a growing community of golfers are now playing more casual games of 9-hole golf, while young people are showing an increased interest in footgolf, which is a combination of soccer and golf where soccer balls replace golf balls on a traditional golf course and the holes have 21-inch diameter cups.

He also says that the golf industry’s partnership with Tourism Kelowna, which has emerged over the last five years, is showing some promising results.

“We’ve seen a gradual increase in web traffic at GolfKelowna.com,” he says.

“What separates Kelowna from the Kootenays and Vancouver Island is that there’s

Mabel Lake RV & Golf Resort 3445 Mabel Lake Road, Enderby, BC MabelLake.com

2015 STAY & PLAY Packages May 1st to June 26th, 2015, August 31st to October 9th, 2015 ~ Excluding All Long Weekends ~ Two Night Minimum Full Hook Up RV Site and two 9-hole golf passes or marina GOLF ALL DAY FOR $35 slip starting from $50 per day (+tax) $50 ALL DAY WITH SHARED POWER CART Cabins/Houses/RV Rental and two 9-hole golf passes or marina slip starting from $100 per day (+tax) Must bring in this ad to receive special

Valid every day until May 31st *Not Valid on May 16th and 17th

Tee Times 250-838-0881

More Stay & Play accommodation options available at MabelLake.com Reservations: 250-838-6234

• Les Furber designed 9 Hole Golf Course • Par 36 Regulation Size • Pro Shop • Restaurant • Licensed Clubhouse & Patio • Everyone Welcome

DREAM Golf Destinations 2015 …Y5

a premier tourist attraction more things to do – we’re not exclusively after the golfer tourist.”

Tourism Kelowna CEO Nancy Cameron says that golf means a great deal for the local tourism industry.

“We have 18 courses in the Central Okanagan that appeal to golfers of all levels. The one great thing that golf does is extend the travel season.

Normally the big travel season is just the summer, but golf allows us to extend the travel season from early April to the end of October.”

Cameron also points to the integrated nature of local tourism amenities as a great draw, and golf plays well into the experience that Tourism Kelowna advertises.

“Tourism is very interdependent. People don’t come just to see one thing. They go

By Mike Straus

5th green at Tower Ranch

out to restaurants and see the sights. That makes up the depth of the experience – the attractions and amenities work together to create a desire for the destination.”

She says that Tourism Kelowna’s strategy with GolfKelowna.com is proving to be highly effective.

“GolfKelowna.com pro-

vides golf-specific information that golfers are looking for. It also links back to amenities that golfers need, like accommodations. All of our advertising drives to GolfKelowna. com, and our stats are well up year-to-date over last year, which indicates that our advertising is working.”

For Cameron, GolfKelowna.

com provides a great opportunity for cross-promotion across tourism industries.

“We play on all the attributes of the area,” she says. “(The tourists’) primary reason for travel will be golf, but what sets us apart from other destinations is that we have so much more.”

Motivational golf coach… from page 3 “Golf was getting my whole body moving,” he says. “Walking and carrying my clubs on the course every day was more successful than the physical therapy I was doing.

I reached a level of endurance and mobility on the golf course that I never would have reached through physical therapy.”

Now in his twenties, Miller says that golf is helping him in more ways than one. It’s not just a great workout – for Miller, playing golf is how he finds inner peace.

“I love playing golf – it’s a peaceful time for me. But I more so enjoy helping others to achieve their goals, whether through golf or not. Golf allows me to set an example for what other people can do.”

Miller says that for the clients at GolfTec, where he works as an instructor, the

biggest problem isn’t with their form.

“How many guys on the PGA Tour miss the cut? They doubt themselves on the course. A lot of the time the problem isn’t mechanical – it’s committing. They don’t commit.

They don’t trust that all their practice will produce results.

That’s why I’m there – that’s one aspect of teaching highly skilled players. There are no excuses when I’m standing there.”

For Miller, golf isn’t just a sport. It’s a way of life, one that the Okanagan has helped him to embrace.

“We have the best climate in the country. More golfers should take advantage of the opportunities and facilities here. There’s nowhere else in the country that is this nice for golf.”

18 Holes FORE Only $10.00 18 Holes FORE Only $10.00 18 Holes FORE Only $10.00 18 Holes FORE Only $34.00 w/Cart 18 Holes FORE Only $34.00 w/Cart 18 Holes FORE Only $34.00 w/Cart 18 Holes Holes FORE FORE Only Only $34.00 $34.00 w/Cart w/Cart 18 18 Holes FORE Only $34.00 w/Cart

Y6… DREAM Golf Destinations 2015

HOW TO BECOME THE

ageless golfer

by Sean Cochran

It happens to all of us, even though we don’t want to admit it.

The reality is we all get older. Some of you may already know what I’m talking about while others have yet to experience the phenomenon of aging.

For those reading this article that are no a burger, fries and a couple Coca-Colas longer spring chickens, you get my drift. If without the bathroom scale hitting “tilt” a you’re one of the lucky ones - still young, few days later. So an adjustment in our that is - let me fill you in on what happens nutritional intake becomes necessary as as the body gets a few miles on it. age.

GOLDEN Gwe OLF CLUB IDENTITY The biggest thing that we all dislike is The second most noticeable difference the extra poundage we tend to put on (it’s as we age, especially for more active harder to take off as we get older, too). individuals, is how difficult it becomes to The reason for this is that our metabolism get out of bed. Sore back, creaky knees slows down. and if you work out, the soreness doesn’t We’re no longer able to pound down go away as quickly. This is the result of a

Voted BC’s #1 Hidden Gem

✁ fair and

Golf Club

www.pinehills.ca

excellent value 18-Holes, RV Sites

20 minutes south of Peachland!

✁

Present this coupon and receive 2-9 hole green fees for $30 incl. tax

par 72 course,

www.golfgolden.com • 1-866-727-7222

Pine Hills 250-492-5731

Challenging,

available

couple of things.

We start losing muscle mass. After the age of 25, about one percent of muscle mass is lost per year. It makes sense now why we feel a little sorer and getting out of bed is more difficult. We simply don’t have as much muscle to do the work.

In addition, you become less flexible.

It takes a lot longer to “limber up” for any sporting activity, whether it’s golf, tennis, or a pick up game of basketball.

Valid 2015 season -except holiday weekends.

Dream Golf Destinations 2015 …Y7 Less flexibility results in certain movements becoming more difficult; touching your toes, rotating during a golf swing, or even reaching down to pick something up off the ground. This occurs due to wear and tear. Our bodies become more tight and wound up as we get older.

So there you have it: Some of the great things to look forward too as you get older (I’m kidding, of course). If you’re in your 20s and reading this article, enjoy it while it lasts.

Most golfers can relate to the general results of aging in relation to your golf game.

Quite simply, extra pounds decrease your stamina and may affect your swing plane. Less muscle equals less distance off the tee and less flexibility tends to make the turn in the golf swing much harder to perform.

It’s an unfortunate situation but the good news is that we can slow down the aging process, limiting the effects of aging on your golf game.

Slowing the aging process

Although we can’t stop the aging process, we can slow it down. It is actually quite simple and requires about 15 to 20 minutes a day - and a little discipline.

The benefits of slowing down the aging process are evident, especially when you see guys in their 50s winning tour events. It just takes a little time, some knowledge and discipline.

If you don’t think you have the time, consider this: How would you like to feel 10 years younger and hit the ball farther than you did in your 20s?

Let’s start with the first topic that we described when you get older, additional pounds.

With age, metabolism slows down, but there are activities to speed it back up. The way to do it is with fitness activities. If you’re active and participate in

some type of structured activity, your body will burn more fuel and elevate its metabolism during this time.

In addition, if these activities are resistance-training (i.e. weights, tubing, light dumbbells, body weight), then over time you will build muscle. The great thing about that is the more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism will be all the time (translation: you’ll burn more fuel all the time).

A secondary benefit of such activities will be greater stamina on the course.

Moving onto our second point: the loss of muscle mass.

This is a tough pill to swallow.

Imagine, we lose muscle as we age. How depressing, but the good news is it can be limited or stopped.

Before I give you the solution, let’s look at how this affects your golf swing. Essentially, in the golf swing you create clubhead speed. That clubhead speed is the result of creating rotational power, which we define as torque. To create torque, the muscles of the body have to be flexible, strong, and powerful.

If you have less muscle, your power outputs and club head speed decrease.

It’s no wonder they make senior shafts with a lot of flex.

This is the golf manufacturers’ attempt to deal with this problem. It helps to a point, but here’s a better solution.

How about putting something in your bag that gets you stronger, improves your power and gets back that lost distance?

Sounds good? Well, it can be done - if you implement a golf-specific strength-training program. You can get back that lost muscle mass, regain that power and improve your driving distance. This is what we call the development of “golf strength,” and it can be done with a program that takes just 15 minutes a day.

Continued on page 11

Great Golf, Great Package!

GOLF CLUB & RV PARK

Play Here 1-800-666-0324 golfcastlegar.com

Stay Here 1-888-828-5331 Super8Castlegar.com

Keep It Real: Rock your ride with Club Car customization.

Get instant inspiration with Club Car’s distinctive new parts and kits for Precedent® golf cars.

Options include: • Automotive-style Phantom bodies and cowls made of durable ABS plastic with dual headlights in six new colors. No painting.

• Matching seats made of marine-grade vinyl.

• 10” chrome wheels Available a la carte or as packages, all backed by the Club Car brand you know and trust. Stop by today.

Fairway Golf Cars

4602 107 Street, Osoyoos, BC 250-495-2828 www.bcgolfcars.com

Y8… DREAM Golf Destinations 2015

DREAM Golf Destinations 2015 …Y9

DREAM g lf course

FIND YOUR

A L L I N C L U S I V E L I S T I N G O F G O L F C O U R S E S T H R O U G H O U T T H E O K A N A G A N | S H U S WA P | K O O T E N AY S KELOWNA-WESTBANK ASPEN GROVE: 778-480-0062 10303 Bottom Wood Lake Rd, Lake Country, BC

9 (Par 27/men, 30/women - 1597 yds)

9 $17.50 / 18 $29.75

GALLAGHER’S CANYON: 250-861-4240 18 (Par 72 - 6792 yds)

4320 Gallagher’s Drive West

18 $79 (off season) 18 $99 (peak season)

PINNACLE: 250-861-4240

9 (Par 32 - 1984 yds)

4320 Gallagher’s Drive West

9 $25 / 18 $35

THE HARVEST: 250-862-3103

18 (Par 72 - 7109 yds)

2725 K.L.O. Road

9+dine $60 / 18 $125

KELOWNA SPRINGS: 250-765-4653

18 (Par 71 - 6176 yds)

10303 Bottom Wood Lake Road

9 $40/18 $68 am/$45 pm

LAKE OKANAGAN RESORT: 250-769-3511 9 (Par 27 - 1098 yds)

2751 Westside Road

9 $17.50

ORCHARD GREENS: 250-763-2447

9 (Par 32 - 2083 yds)

2777 K.L.O. Road

9 $24 / 18 $34

MICHAELBROOK: 250-763-7888

18 (Par 63 - 3799 yds)

1985 Lexington Drive

9 $24 / 18 $36

THE OKANAGAN GOLF CLUB: 250-765-5955 1-800-I-GOLF-BC • 1-800-446-5322

3200 Via Centrale, Kelowna ‘The Bear’ ‘The Quail’ *Prices subject to change

18 (Par 72 - 6900 yds) $79 - $119 (w/cart) 18 (Par 72 - 6765 yds) $79 - $119 (w/cart)

BIRCHDALE PAR 3: 250-838-7740

7023 Highway 97A, Grindrod

HILLVIEW: 250-549-4653

OSOYOOS G&CC: 250-495-7003

36 (Par 72 & Par 71 - 12,851 yds)

PREDATOR RIDGE: 250-542-3436 Predator Course 18 (Par 71 - 7090 yds) $79 - $145 Ridge Course 18 (Par 72 - 7123 yds) $95 - $165

SONORA DUNES: 250-495-GOLF

9 (Par 35 - 2508 yds)

Highway 6 East, Lumby

ROYAL YORK: 250-546-9700

2440 York Ave., Armstrong 9401 Highway 97 North

MISSION CREEK GC: 250-860-3210

18 (Par 61 - 3873 yds)

1959 K.L.O. Road, Kelowna

9 $21 / 18 $36

THE CLUB AT TOWER RANCH: 250-491-8211 18 (Par 72 - 7212 yds)

1855 Tower Ranch Blvd, Kelowna

9 $60 / 18 $123

BLACK MOUNTAIN: 250-765-6890

18 (Par 71 - 6400 yds) 18 $69-$92.99

575 Black Mountain Drive, Kelowna

VERNON-ARMSTRONG-COLDSTREAM COLDSTREAM: 250-547-6048

15 Duremeadow Rd., Lumby

9 (Par 36 - 2715 yds) 9 $16 (free RV parking)

9 $25 / 18 $45

9 $18-20 / 18 $60-65

VERNON G&CC: 250-542-9126 18 (Par 72 - 6597 yds) 800 Kalamalka Lake Rd. www.vernongolf.com 9 $35 / 18 $65 MABEL LAKE G&CC: 250-838-0881

9 (Par 36 - 3103 yds)

3445 Mabel Lake Road, Enderby

9 $30 / 18 $54

THE RISE GOLF COURSE: 1-877-243-7417

18 (Par 72 - 6843 yds) 18 $99 (with cart)

8600 Rising View Way, Vernon

PENTICTON-KALEDEN-SUMMERLAND PENTICTON G&CC: 250-492-5626

18 (Par 72 - 6207 yds)

18 (Par 65 - 4800 yds) 9 $30 / 18 $52

9 (Par 35 - 3200 yds)

SPALLUMCHEEN G&CC: 250-545-5824 18 (Par 71 - 6423 yds)

SUNSET RANCH: 250-765-7700 TWO EAGLES: 250-768-0080

9 $5 / Membership $100

301 Village Centre Place

3610 Pine Hills Drive

3509 Carrington Road, Westbank

NK’MIP CANYON DESERT: 250-498-2880 18 (Par 72 - 6818 yds)

LUMBY GOLF COURSE: 250-547-9890 9 (Par 33 - 2413 yds)

18 (Par 71 - 5976 yds) 9 $32 / 18 $49-$63 9 $35 / 18 $56/$69

18 (Par 56 - 3375 yds) 9 $18 / $18 $30

18 $72.50

9 $35 / 18 $60

2649 Shannon Lake Road 40001 Anderson Road

13105, 34th Ave., Oliver

PINE HILLS G&CC: 250-492-5731

18 (Par 70 - 6101 yds) 9 $32 / 18 $61 / T $48 9 (Par 28 - 1200 yds) 9 $17.50 / 18 $27.50

ST. ANDREWS BY THE LAKE: 250-497-5648 9 (Par 32 - 2070 yds)

Kaleden

9 $26 / 18 $38

3415 Pine Hills Drive

SAGE MESA: 250-492-8814

9 (Par 35 - 2230 yds) 9 $19 / 18 $29

SKAHA MEADOWS: 250-492-7274

9 (Par 35 - 2435 yds)

Old Airport Road

9 $30 / 18 $42

SUMAC RIDGE G&CC: 250-494-3122 9 (Par 28 - 1400 yds)

17333 Highway 97 Summerland

9 $18 / 18 $30

SUMMERLAND G&CC: 250-494-9554 18 (Par 72 - 6135 yds)

12300 Golf Course Drive, Osoyoos 307417, 71st St., Oliver Shoulder Rate (Oct 1 - Apr 30) Peak Season

9 $32/18 $61 w/cart

9 $25 / 18 $42 9 $33 / 18 $50

SALMON ARM-SICAMOUS-REVELSTOKE

652 Dunes Drive

TOBIANO: 1-877-373-2218 38 Holloway Dr., Tobiano

18 (Par 72 - 7367 yds) 18 $89-$129

KOOTENAYS REDSTONE RESORT: 250-362-9141 18 (Par 72 - 6836 yds) 953 Redstone Rd, Rossland

9 $26.25-$35/18 $45.75-$61

CRESTON GOLF CLUB: 1-888-928-2582 18 (Par 72 - 6508 yds)

1800 Mallory Road, Creston

18 $59

FERNIE GOLF & CC: 1-250-423-7773

18 (Par 70 - 6556 yds) 9 $35-$39 / 18 $57-$66

201 Fairway Drive, Fernie

KOKANEE SPRINGS: 1-800-979-7999 18 (Par 71 - 6604 yds)

EAGLE RIVER G&CC: 1-800-897-2281 9 (Par 33 - 2465 yds)

16082 Woolgar Rd., Crawford Bay

18 $52-$82

CHRISTINA LAKE GC: 250-447-9313

HYDE MOUNTAIN: 250-836-4653 18 (Par 72 - 6701 yds)

230 - 2nd Avenue, Christina Lake

18 (Par 72 - 6785 yds) 9 $28-$35 / 18 $44-$59

1450 Husky Frontage Rd., Sicamous 9851 Old Spallumcheen Road

REVELSTOKE GC: 250-837-4276

171 Columbia Park, Revelstoke

9 $26 / 18 $40

9 $42.50 / 18 $85 *All fees include cart

18 (Par 72 - 6537 yds) 9 $36 / 18 $59

SALMON ARM GOLF CLUB: 250-832-4727

3641 Highway 97B Championship Layout Heritage Course

18 (Par 72 - 6739 yds) / 18 $79 9 (Par 30 - 1883 yds) / 9 $21 SONSEEKERS RIDGE: 250-833-0258 9 (Par 35 - 2714 yds)

247 Black Road, Salmon Arm *Prices subject to change

9 $10 (Cart Rental $20) 18 $15 (Cart Rental $35)

SHUSWAP LAKE EST: 1-800-661-3955 18 (Par 71 - 6467 yds)

2404 Centennial Dr., Blind Bay, BC

9 $36 / 18 $76

KAMLOOPS KAMLOOPS G&CC: 250-376-3231 18 (Par 72 - 6687 yds) 16-2960 Tranquille Road

9 $25 - $37.50 18 $45 - $70

PINERIDGE: 250-573-4333

18 (Par 55 - 2645 yds) 9 $27 / 18 $35

SUN PEAKS: 250-578-5431

18 (Par 72 - 6400 yds) 18 $65-80 (with cart)

SUN RIVERS: 1-877-828-9989

18 (Par 72 - 7023 yds) 9 $25-$45 / 18 $25-$65

4725 East Trans Canada Hwy., Kamloops

4050 Mountain Ave, Summerland

9 $35 / 18 $65

1280 Alpine Rd., Sun Peaks

TWIN LAKES: 250-497-5359

18 (Par 74 - 6433 yds) 18 $64

1000 Clubhouse Drive

Highway 3A (Spring Rates Available)

18 (Par 72 - 6973 yds) 18 $65

THE DUNES: 250-579-3300

6891 Tucelnuit Dr., Oliver

1101 14th Avenue, Vernon

600 Comox Road

SHANNON LAKE: 250-768-4653

OLIVER-OSOYOOS FAIRVIEW MOUNTAIN: 250-498-3521 18 (Par 72 - 7025 yds)

9 $12.39 (Sr); $13.34 (Adult); $8.58 (Jr) 18 $20.00 (Sr); $20.95 (Adult); $16.19 (Jr)

18 (Par 71 - 6213 yds) 9 $30 / 18 $58 & $45

SHADOW RIDGE: 250-765-7777

3770 Bulman Road Road

9 (Par 27 - 1500 yds)

GRANITE POINTE GC: 250-352-5913 18 (Par 72 - 6209 yds)

1123 W. Richards Street, Nelson

9 $36 / 18 $54

BIRCHBANK GC: 250-693-2255

18 (Par 72 - 6788 yds) 9 $29-$39 / 18 $29-$63

BALFOUR GC: 250-229-5655

18 (Par 72 - 6510 yds) 9 $21-$35 / 18 $42-$63

CASTLEGAR GC: 1-800-666-6324

18 (Par 72 - 6712 yds) 9 $27-$37 / 18 $47-$67

GOLDEN GOLF CLUB: 250-344-2700

18 (Par 72 - 6825 yds) 18 $46.90-$90.25

5500 Highway 22A, Trail

602 Queens Bay Road, Balfour 1602 Aaron Road, Castlegar 576 Golf Course Dr., Golden

9 (9 holes), 18 (18 holes) Some courses offer special rates for Okangan residents. Call the course for info.

Some green fee rates include taxes and power carts while others do not.

Y8… DREAM Golf Destinations 2015

DREAM Golf Destinations 2015 …Y9

DREAM g lf course

FIND YOUR

A L L I N C L U S I V E L I S T I N G O F G O L F C O U R S E S T H R O U G H O U T T H E O K A N A G A N | S H U S WA P | K O O T E N AY S KELOWNA-WESTBANK ASPEN GROVE: 778-480-0062 10303 Bottom Wood Lake Rd, Lake Country, BC

9 (Par 27/men, 30/women - 1597 yds)

9 $17.50 / 18 $29.75

GALLAGHER’S CANYON: 250-861-4240 18 (Par 72 - 6792 yds)

4320 Gallagher’s Drive West

18 $79 (off season) 18 $99 (peak season)

PINNACLE: 250-861-4240

9 (Par 32 - 1984 yds)

4320 Gallagher’s Drive West

9 $25 / 18 $35

THE HARVEST: 250-862-3103

18 (Par 72 - 7109 yds)

2725 K.L.O. Road

9+dine $60 / 18 $125

KELOWNA SPRINGS: 250-765-4653

18 (Par 71 - 6176 yds)

10303 Bottom Wood Lake Road

9 $40/18 $68 am/$45 pm

LAKE OKANAGAN RESORT: 250-769-3511 9 (Par 27 - 1098 yds)

2751 Westside Road

9 $17.50

ORCHARD GREENS: 250-763-2447

9 (Par 32 - 2083 yds)

2777 K.L.O. Road

9 $24 / 18 $34

MICHAELBROOK: 250-763-7888

18 (Par 63 - 3799 yds)

1985 Lexington Drive

9 $24 / 18 $36

THE OKANAGAN GOLF CLUB: 250-765-5955 1-800-I-GOLF-BC • 1-800-446-5322

3200 Via Centrale, Kelowna ‘The Bear’ ‘The Quail’ *Prices subject to change

18 (Par 72 - 6900 yds) $79 - $119 (w/cart) 18 (Par 72 - 6765 yds) $79 - $119 (w/cart)

BIRCHDALE PAR 3: 250-838-7740

7023 Highway 97A, Grindrod

HILLVIEW: 250-549-4653

OSOYOOS G&CC: 250-495-7003

36 (Par 72 & Par 71 - 12,851 yds)

PREDATOR RIDGE: 250-542-3436 Predator Course 18 (Par 71 - 7090 yds) $79 - $145 Ridge Course 18 (Par 72 - 7123 yds) $95 - $165

SONORA DUNES: 250-495-GOLF

9 (Par 35 - 2508 yds)

Highway 6 East, Lumby

ROYAL YORK: 250-546-9700

2440 York Ave., Armstrong 9401 Highway 97 North

MISSION CREEK GC: 250-860-3210

18 (Par 61 - 3873 yds)

1959 K.L.O. Road, Kelowna

9 $21 / 18 $36

THE CLUB AT TOWER RANCH: 250-491-8211 18 (Par 72 - 7212 yds)

1855 Tower Ranch Blvd, Kelowna

9 $60 / 18 $123

BLACK MOUNTAIN: 250-765-6890

18 (Par 71 - 6400 yds) 18 $69-$92.99

575 Black Mountain Drive, Kelowna

VERNON-ARMSTRONG-COLDSTREAM COLDSTREAM: 250-547-6048

15 Duremeadow Rd., Lumby

9 (Par 36 - 2715 yds) 9 $16 (free RV parking)

9 $25 / 18 $45

9 $18-20 / 18 $60-65

VERNON G&CC: 250-542-9126 18 (Par 72 - 6597 yds) 800 Kalamalka Lake Rd. www.vernongolf.com 9 $35 / 18 $65 MABEL LAKE G&CC: 250-838-0881

9 (Par 36 - 3103 yds)

3445 Mabel Lake Road, Enderby

9 $30 / 18 $54

THE RISE GOLF COURSE: 1-877-243-7417

18 (Par 72 - 6843 yds) 18 $99 (with cart)

8600 Rising View Way, Vernon

PENTICTON-KALEDEN-SUMMERLAND PENTICTON G&CC: 250-492-5626

18 (Par 72 - 6207 yds)

18 (Par 65 - 4800 yds) 9 $30 / 18 $52

9 (Par 35 - 3200 yds)

SPALLUMCHEEN G&CC: 250-545-5824 18 (Par 71 - 6423 yds)

SUNSET RANCH: 250-765-7700 TWO EAGLES: 250-768-0080

9 $5 / Membership $100

301 Village Centre Place

3610 Pine Hills Drive

3509 Carrington Road, Westbank

NK’MIP CANYON DESERT: 250-498-2880 18 (Par 72 - 6818 yds)

LUMBY GOLF COURSE: 250-547-9890 9 (Par 33 - 2413 yds)

18 (Par 71 - 5976 yds) 9 $32 / 18 $49-$63 9 $35 / 18 $56/$69

18 (Par 56 - 3375 yds) 9 $18 / $18 $30

18 $72.50

9 $35 / 18 $60

2649 Shannon Lake Road 40001 Anderson Road

13105, 34th Ave., Oliver

PINE HILLS G&CC: 250-492-5731

18 (Par 70 - 6101 yds) 9 $32 / 18 $61 / T $48 9 (Par 28 - 1200 yds) 9 $17.50 / 18 $27.50

ST. ANDREWS BY THE LAKE: 250-497-5648 9 (Par 32 - 2070 yds)

Kaleden

9 $26 / 18 $38

3415 Pine Hills Drive

SAGE MESA: 250-492-8814

9 (Par 35 - 2230 yds) 9 $19 / 18 $29

SKAHA MEADOWS: 250-492-7274

9 (Par 35 - 2435 yds)

Old Airport Road

9 $30 / 18 $42

SUMAC RIDGE G&CC: 250-494-3122 9 (Par 28 - 1400 yds)

17333 Highway 97 Summerland

9 $18 / 18 $30

SUMMERLAND G&CC: 250-494-9554 18 (Par 72 - 6135 yds)

12300 Golf Course Drive, Osoyoos 307417, 71st St., Oliver Shoulder Rate (Oct 1 - Apr 30) Peak Season

9 $32/18 $61 w/cart

9 $25 / 18 $42 9 $33 / 18 $50

SALMON ARM-SICAMOUS-REVELSTOKE

652 Dunes Drive

TOBIANO: 1-877-373-2218 38 Holloway Dr., Tobiano

18 (Par 72 - 7367 yds) 18 $89-$129

KOOTENAYS REDSTONE RESORT: 250-362-9141 18 (Par 72 - 6836 yds) 953 Redstone Rd, Rossland

9 $26.25-$35/18 $45.75-$61

CRESTON GOLF CLUB: 1-888-928-2582 18 (Par 72 - 6508 yds)

1800 Mallory Road, Creston

18 $59

FERNIE GOLF & CC: 1-250-423-7773

18 (Par 70 - 6556 yds) 9 $35-$39 / 18 $57-$66

201 Fairway Drive, Fernie

KOKANEE SPRINGS: 1-800-979-7999 18 (Par 71 - 6604 yds)

EAGLE RIVER G&CC: 1-800-897-2281 9 (Par 33 - 2465 yds)

16082 Woolgar Rd., Crawford Bay

18 $52-$82

CHRISTINA LAKE GC: 250-447-9313

HYDE MOUNTAIN: 250-836-4653 18 (Par 72 - 6701 yds)

230 - 2nd Avenue, Christina Lake

18 (Par 72 - 6785 yds) 9 $28-$35 / 18 $44-$59

1450 Husky Frontage Rd., Sicamous 9851 Old Spallumcheen Road

REVELSTOKE GC: 250-837-4276

171 Columbia Park, Revelstoke

9 $26 / 18 $40

9 $42.50 / 18 $85 *All fees include cart

18 (Par 72 - 6537 yds) 9 $36 / 18 $59

SALMON ARM GOLF CLUB: 250-832-4727

3641 Highway 97B Championship Layout Heritage Course

18 (Par 72 - 6739 yds) / 18 $79 9 (Par 30 - 1883 yds) / 9 $21 SONSEEKERS RIDGE: 250-833-0258 9 (Par 35 - 2714 yds)

247 Black Road, Salmon Arm *Prices subject to change

9 $10 (Cart Rental $20) 18 $15 (Cart Rental $35)

SHUSWAP LAKE EST: 1-800-661-3955 18 (Par 71 - 6467 yds)

2404 Centennial Dr., Blind Bay, BC

9 $36 / 18 $76

KAMLOOPS KAMLOOPS G&CC: 250-376-3231 18 (Par 72 - 6687 yds) 16-2960 Tranquille Road

9 $25 - $37.50 18 $45 - $70

PINERIDGE: 250-573-4333

18 (Par 55 - 2645 yds) 9 $27 / 18 $35

SUN PEAKS: 250-578-5431

18 (Par 72 - 6400 yds) 18 $65-80 (with cart)

SUN RIVERS: 1-877-828-9989

18 (Par 72 - 7023 yds) 9 $25-$45 / 18 $25-$65

4725 East Trans Canada Hwy., Kamloops

4050 Mountain Ave, Summerland

9 $35 / 18 $65

1280 Alpine Rd., Sun Peaks

TWIN LAKES: 250-497-5359

18 (Par 74 - 6433 yds) 18 $64

1000 Clubhouse Drive

Highway 3A (Spring Rates Available)

18 (Par 72 - 6973 yds) 18 $65

THE DUNES: 250-579-3300

6891 Tucelnuit Dr., Oliver

1101 14th Avenue, Vernon

600 Comox Road

SHANNON LAKE: 250-768-4653

OLIVER-OSOYOOS FAIRVIEW MOUNTAIN: 250-498-3521 18 (Par 72 - 7025 yds)

9 $12.39 (Sr); $13.34 (Adult); $8.58 (Jr) 18 $20.00 (Sr); $20.95 (Adult); $16.19 (Jr)

18 (Par 71 - 6213 yds) 9 $30 / 18 $58 & $45

SHADOW RIDGE: 250-765-7777

3770 Bulman Road Road

9 (Par 27 - 1500 yds)

GRANITE POINTE GC: 250-352-5913 18 (Par 72 - 6209 yds)

1123 W. Richards Street, Nelson

9 $36 / 18 $54

BIRCHBANK GC: 250-693-2255

18 (Par 72 - 6788 yds) 9 $29-$39 / 18 $29-$63

BALFOUR GC: 250-229-5655

18 (Par 72 - 6510 yds) 9 $21-$35 / 18 $42-$63

CASTLEGAR GC: 1-800-666-6324

18 (Par 72 - 6712 yds) 9 $27-$37 / 18 $47-$67

GOLDEN GOLF CLUB: 250-344-2700

18 (Par 72 - 6825 yds) 18 $46.90-$90.25

5500 Highway 22A, Trail

602 Queens Bay Road, Balfour 1602 Aaron Road, Castlegar 576 Golf Course Dr., Golden

9 (9 holes), 18 (18 holes) Some courses offer special rates for Okangan residents. Call the course for info.

Some green fee rates include taxes and power carts while others do not.

Y10…DREAM Golf Destinations 2015

Not just for picking your teeth anymore

by James McCarten

Tees? Seriously?

When it comes to progress, nothing in the golfer’s arsenal is safe from being improved, redesigned, re-invented, overhauled, tweaked or fine-tuned in the name of more yards, better control and fewer strokes.

From the hat on your head to the spikes under your shoes, its all fair game when it’s in the name of lower scores.

The humble tee, the lowly ball marker, the utilitarian green repair tool: for some, they’re all one and the same.

That curvacious, ubiquitous peg also serves occasionally as a groove cleaner, a referee that selects the first-tee batting order and even a handy

ear-canal itch reliever – truly a revolutionary bit of equipment that’s come a long way since the days when a pinch of sand was considered sufficient elevation.

These days, of course, one sees ball markers with notches to help with alignment and magnets to keep them safely affixed to the bill of one’s cap; polished-steel divot forks with bulging fulcrum points and alligator-hide belt-clip holsters; and tees so loaded with science that they’ve logged more wind-tunnel time than Michael Schumacher.

Case in point: the Epoch tee, from the also-aptly named North Carolina manufacturer Evolve Golf, boasts an Internet-age design that the company says can add yards to a player’s tee shots and improve accuracy by reducing spin. Truly, the Epoch’s design is functional and practical.

According to Evolve’s own research, a 107-mph swing at a ball on an Epoch tee results in an increase in ball speed of four miles per hour, nine yards of additional distance and 623 rpm less ball spin.

Skeptical? Then consider the science behind this particular claim. Firstly, Evolve very rightly makes the point that while clubs and balls have grown in sophistication over the years, no one until recently had bothered to think past the most basic method of elevating the ball to strike it with a driver.

PRINCETON GOLF CLUB & RV RESORT • 18 Hole Par 72, 6500 Championship Golf Course

Come and enjoy the best kept secret in the Similkameen Valley

• 33 site full service RV Park • Now featuringTwo for One Mondays

365 Darcy Mountain Road, Princeton, BC V0X 1W0 * 3 minutes east of Princeton on Hwy 33 250.295.6123 1.888.295.5123 www.princetongolfclub.com pgcproshop@eastlink.ca

Dream Golf Destinations 2015 …Y11 As any drunken lout who’s ever hit a ball off a golf pencil can tell you, the less interference there is between the surface of a golf ball and its temporary pedestal, the farther it’s likely to go. That’s the philosophy behind modern tees like the Epoch: instead of a cupped surface in which the ball sits, the top of the Epoch is divided into posts that elevate the ball off the cupped part of the tee. With each post measuring slightly more than the width of a golf ball’s dimple, less of the tee’s surface area interferes with the surface of the ball, which means there’s less to get between you and all that distance. Specifically, Epoch claims the lowest coefficient of friction of any tee on the market.

The Epoch is credited with 126 professional golf wins since its debut in 2004, including 46 wins on the PGA Tour and 33 on the LPGA Tour.

As far as multi-pronged

tee designs go, the Epoch is pretty tame compared to other more drastic designs. The Zero Friction tee, for instance, props the ball up on three thin, fang-like teeth so there’s very little tee-ball contact. Excel Golf, the maker of the ZF, claims four yards of additional distance and five yards of accuracy with a 100-mph swing. High-profile players include Kenny Perry, Dean Wilson and Vicky Hurst.

The ZF, which comes in an array of colours, claims more than 50 wins on the PGA Tour

since 2005 and more than 300 top-10 finishes.

The ZF tee is like one of those dirt-track sprint cars with the massive billboard-sized wings on the roof: effective under controlled, specific circumstances, but not overly practical (just getting a ball to stay put atop a Zero Friction tee can be an exercise in frustration, and the skinny design means it tends to bend on firmer tee boxes). Whereas, the Epoch is like a more modest rear spoiler on a high-perfor-

mance sedan. Less drastic, less showy, but a damn sight more sensible.

Then again, when we’re talking about tees that, on average, cost about 26 cents each, sensible probably has very little to do with it.

Sometimes the difference in golf boils down to what makes a player swing with confidence; if a pointy bit of plastic is enough to make that difference, then it’s worth whatever you’re willing to pay for it.

On becoming an Ageless Golfer… from page 7 Finally, there’s the loss of flexibility. A loss of flexibility limits the ability of the body to perform the correct actions to create the proper golf swing.

Essentially, your body won’t allow you to take the club back and through on the correct swing path, leading to misshits, slices, hooks and other very unpleasant shots.

In order to fix this problem

or not allow it to become a problem, implement a golf specific flexibility program. This requires a daily commitment of about five minutes. Again, ask yourself: Is it worth spending five minutes a day on flexibility to have the golf swing you would like?

The magic pill

Well, there you have the pleasures, displeasures, joys

and sorrows of the aging golfer. We all get older, but there are things we can do to prevent the displeasures and sorrows.

If we take a little time every day and perform the proper exercises and activities, we can reduce the effects of aging and have a great swing for as long as we like. That’s the only magic pill we know of.

ONLY 2.5 HOURS from KELOWNA •

230 - 2nd Avenue Christina Lake, BC

27 RV Sites Available Fully Stocked Pro-Shop

Our restaurant is open every day and overlooks the lush fairways!

250-447-9313

www.christinalakegolfclub.com

Y12…DREAM Golf Destinations 2015

Developing a junior golfer Over the past decade the junior golf industry has become big business.

Numerous junior-only equipment, training aid, and apparel companies have sprung up, not to mention the countless number of junior tours and college recruiting/ resume services.

Undoubtedly, there is ample opportunity for junior golfers to develop their game and gain experience playing recreationally and competitively.

With so much out there to choose from, where should a parent start in planning the roadmap for their junior golfer’s future? Here is some advice to think about.

First Things First

No matter what age your child is when they get started,

make sure that having fun is #1. Whatever your aspirations may be for your child, remember (and remind your child) that it’s just a game.

In my mind, golf is the greatest game known to man, and you may feel the same, but if your child does not agree, that’s fine. Even if your child does grow to love the game and winds up devoting a great deal of time to it, make sure they grow up to be a well rounded individual. Encourage them to play other sports or develop other talents in areas such as art and music.

Before They Pick Up a Club

I highly recommend start-

#1 Ranked Public Golf Course in British Columbia - Canadian Golf Magazine, Score Golf, Golf Digest Make a day of it! Kelowna Residents*

69 Spring / Fall $ 89 Summer

$

*proof of residency required

TobianoGolf.com

1-877-373-2218

ing out by teaching your child some of the most important principles of the game. These initial teachings do not even require a club or a ball. The most wonderful thing about the golf lies in these principles.

I’m speaking about the etiquette and rules. Golf is historically an honourable game, the idea of a participant policing him or herself, is not found in many (if any) other games.

The aspects of etiquette within the game mirror that of the way people should act in everyday life, with respect and concern for others. The moral core of golf which will resonate throughout your child’s entire life are unquestionably what makes golf, in my opinion, the greatest game in the world.

Finding an Instructor

Once your child has been primed on the core values of the game, look for an instructor. There are numerous junior golf programs in the Central Okanagan offered both by golf courses and driving ranges.

by Brendon Elliott

Finding the Right Equipment

When it comes to the right equipment, there’s lot to choose from. Most major golf club companies make junior sets.

I would suggest however to initially look at a junior specific golf equipment manufacturers. Studies have shown that a large number of juniors develop their swings using faulty equipment that leads to lifelong swing flaws.

Historically, kids learn the game with adult clubs cut down to junior size, but were still too heavy and unbalanced, which made learning the game difficult for even the most athletic kids.

Where to Play

Most golf courses are very accommodating to junior golfers. Some set aside specific times when juniors are allowed to play. I suggest looking for a course that offers junior or “family tees.”

Be Realistic

If your junior golfer turns out to become a good golfer you need to remember to be realistic in your potential expectations for them.

The quantity of quality junior golfers today is great, and in reality there are only a handful of college scholarships available for the vast number of juniors out there.

If your son or daughter can make the cut on the course, make sure what they do off the course is equally as impressive. Make sure that they are true student-athletes and that their grades are up to par.

Also make sure that they are well rounded and are active in extracurricular activities away from the course. This will make all the difference.

Dream Golf Destinations 2015…Y13

NK’MIP

CANYON DESERT GOLF COURSE After you’ve played our spectacular and challenging 18-hole championship golf course, stop in and enjoy the culinary delights of our new Gecko’s Grill.

From pub-style food to fine dining, Gecko’s Grill delivers uncompromisingly delicious cuisine at surprisingly affordable prices.

Enjoy our award-winning Nk’ Mip wines, finely crafted cocktails, and our wide selection of imported, domestic and craft beer.

Our friendly staff, outstanding service and fun atmosphere will keep you coming back for more.

Beautiful full length, 18-hole championship golf course Two challenging new holes for 2015 “Come play through the spectacular vineyard, sage and stone vistas and watch the sun play tricks on the mountains.”

Nk’ Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course 6891 Tucelnuit Drive, Oliver, BC | 250-498-2880

Y14…Dream Golf Destinations 2015

The jealously guarded secret used by elite golfers to improve their game

by André Gagnon

Like most sports, golf can be a very exciting and enjoyable game when played well.

Experienced golfers realize early on that 50 per cent of the game is mental in nature.

Elite golfers competing in ‘The Masters’ would say, “Golf is played with the body but won with the mind.” Concentration and focus become easy when they enter the right mental state.

If being good at golf means it’s more than 50 per cent of a mental game, ask yourself this:

“How much time have I invested in training my mind?”

Like most golfers, the answer will probably be “Not much, or none.”

So many golfers believe that performance is simply all about their swing, better equipment and of course many hours of practice. Unfortunately, the main reason why they stay stuck in their current skill level is that they don’t work with their mental tools, or rid themselves of the distractions that get in the way of their game-play.

Over time, it affects the enjoyment of their game.

Frustration sets in and they blame it on not having a good day, using the wrong clubs, or

the weather isn’t great…. and so on.

If you want to lower your score, improve your game and feel better about your performance, you need to realize that your mind needs training too.

Like the pros, seeking professional mental training is the solution. It will help tremendously toward developing the appropriate attitude on the golf course.

You can learn when and how to use your mental tools with safe self-hypnosis, or sports hypnosis as it is called.

Many great stars have testified how sports hypnosis has played a large part in their success. Among them are Tiger Woods, who has been a disciple of sports hypnosis since he was 13, and Nick Faldo who frees his mind from worry and pressure, allowing him to perform better.

Other world class sport stars that have used or still use this technique are basketball elite Michael Jordan, tennis champions Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors, and Formula One racing drivers Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.

Most competitive athletes often keep sports hypnosis as their secret weapon.

Any golfer, at any level can use sports hypnosis to improve their game. By changing your mind, you will

transform and bring yourself to the next best personal level of performance.

Between two golfers having identical skill levels, it’s the mental attitude that gives one the edge over the other.

Sports hypnosis is basically sports psychology boosted 100 times! It is what the best athletes in any sport use to help them reach and maintain peak performance.

Techniques adapted specifically to Golf Hypnosis include learning how to relax instantly, control your emotions, play with more confidence, focus on your target using proper visualization, and play in a highly concentrated state of mind, often referred to as the ‘Zone.’

This jealously guarded secret used by elite golfers is now available to you. You can learn how to think like a pro by conditioning your mind to success.

It is the quickest, most powerful and safe way to drastically change your golf game.

You can register for a golf mental seminar at www. aghypnotherapy.com or find out about more upcoming seminars that may not be listed by e-mailing info@ aghypnotherapty.com.

André Gagnon offers sports hypnosis therapy at AG Hypnotherapy in Kelowna

Dream Golf Destinations 2015…Y15

Best Stay-and-Play rates in the Okanagan

St. Andrews by the Lake Home of the Island Green

St. Andrews by the Lake offers a memorable golfing experience that will dazzle the senses and challenge your game.

The Painted Turtle – our famous full service restaurant and bar – offers fantastic, pub-style food at incredible prices.

Book your next function at St. Andrews by the Lake. Whether you’re planning a wedding, birthday party, anniversary or celebration of life, our friendly and professional staff will ensure your event is a wonderful and memorable experience. Call today.

111 St. Andrews Drive • Kaleden, BC • 250-497-5648

www.standrewsbythelake.com

Y16…Dream Golf Destinations 2015

CANYON DESERT GOLF COURSE NK’MIP 1.866.534.7264 www.fairviewmountain.com

1.800.656.5755 www.nkmipcanyon.ca

southokanaganGOLF.com SOUTH OKANAGAN GOLF TRAIL Oliver & Osoyoos

1.800.481.6665 www.golfosoyoos.com