Special Features - 2016 Dream Golf Destinations

Okanagan • Shuswap • Kootenays 2016

Dream

Golf Destinations

CAPITAL news

Y2… Dream Golf Destinations 2016

Golf numbers on the rise

in the Okanagan; across Canada

By Kevin Parnell

W

hen the world’s economy took a tumble in 2008-09, every industry was hit hard.

For golf courses around the Okanagan, it was the beginning of a downturn that saw them have to face some tough decisions.

Like many industries, the golf business got leaner. Golf courses adjusted by operating with fewer staff and with less revenue while still trying to provide a unique Okanagan golf experience for the players.

Today, a lot of that hard

work is paying off as the number of golfers has started to turn around, thanks in large part to the low Canadian dollar that is keeping home-grown golfers in the country as well as programs to attract young golfers to the sport.

“2014 was our first good year since the economy took a dive and by that I mean it was a positive year, it wasn’t great,” said Dan Matheson, the general manager and executive golf professional at the Okanagan Golf Club’s …Continued on page 4

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

2016 STAY & PLAY Packages

GOLF ALL DAY FOR $35 $50 ALL DAY WITH SHARED POWER CART Must bring in this ad to receive special Valid Opening Day until June 30th and August 29th until October 7th *Not Valid on May 21th & 22th *Not Valid on September 3rd & 4th

May 1st to June 30th, 2016, September 5th to October 7th, 2016 ~ Excluding All Long Weekends ~ Two Night Minimum Full Hook Up RV Site and two 9-hole golf passes or marina slip starting from $60 per day (+tax) Cabins/Houses/RV Rental and two 9-hole golf passes or marina slip starting from $100 per day (+tax)

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

Tee Times 250-838-0881

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

Dream Golf Destinations 2016 …Y3

Y4… Dream Golf Destinations 2016 Local golf industry thriving… from page 2 Quail and Bear courses.

“But last year was really positive. Things started going in the right direction. We started to see more travellers and strong growth in membership to the point where it was the most positive year since 2008.”

Matheson, who has spent more than 20 years in the Okanagan golf industry, says the low Canadian dollar is meaning B.C. residents and Canadians from other parts of the country are looking to travel within Canada as opposed to going south to golfing hot spots like Phoenix where weather allows for golfing year round.

“We are seeing less Albertans due to the downturn there but more Canadians,” said Matheson. “We think the main reason for that is the dollar. Advance bookings are stronger than the last five years.

“Now Canadians are turning to their home country and enjoying the Okanagan or Vancouver Island or the Kootenays. When the dollar was equal a lot of golfers were going south.

“The Okanagan has always been a great destination and a beautiful spot for golfers. The only issue was there is a lot of beautiful courses south of the border as well.”

Combined with more travellers and tourists taking advantage of the more than 20 golf courses across the Central Okanagan, most clubs weathered the storm of the lean times of the past five years and continued to offer great golf.

Membership rates have stayed fairly steady and more courses are offering discount memberships or combining together to give Okanagan residents unique or combined memberships.

Combined with that is the strong partnership between Kelowna golf courses and Tourism Kelowna that began in 2011 to market the area as a golf destination.

Since that partnership began there has been continuous growth.

“Collectively all parties contribute funds which are then used to advertise Kelowna as a top Canadian golf destination,” said Nancy Cameron, president and CEO of Tourism Kelowna.

“Continuous growth in golf has occurred since the program’s inception in 2011 and golf has become an important driver of overnight visitor stays April to October.”

More than 4,000 rounds of golf are booked annually

PRINCETON GOLF CLUB & RV RESORT 250.295.6123 | 1.888.295.5123

• Serviced 33 site RV park

• Exceptional Golf, Exceptional Value

secret est kept b e h t y o j Come and en pgcproshop@eastlink.ca www.princetongolfclub.com

• Now featuringTwo for One Mondays & Twilight Tuesdays

in the Similkameen Va lley 365 Darcy Mountain Road, Princeton, BC V0X 1W0

*3 minutes east of Princeton on Hwy 33

With more youth wanting to play golf, the future looks bright for continued growth in the industry at a grassroots level, as well as for tourism. through the golfkelowna. com website, a 300 per cent increase from 2011 and page views on the web site have also gone up 130 per cent since 2011.

Tourists aren’t the only growth area: Youth golf has also taken off and appears to be stronger than ever.

“Youngsters are getting back into golf and I’m sure the economy has a little bit to do with that with parents investing in their kids sports,” said Matheson. “The PGA Tour has a whole brand new crop of popular stars and it’s attracting new groups of youngsters.”

Matheson says five to six years ago, youth golf was on the down-swing as well but now most golf clubs are seeing more kids getting interested in the sport. Gal-

lagher’s Canyon has 150 junior members, the most it has ever had and courses such as Two Eagles in West Kelowna continue to cultivate young golfers with academies that include instruction and playing privileges.

And the school district is also getting into the swing of things with school programs offered at many high schools, including George Elliot in Lake Country, which partners with the Okanagan Golf Club.

Matheson says school and youth programs are helping to build the game at a grassroots level.

“Golf is a wonderful sport where you learn to deal with adversity and challenges and you learn life lessons,” he said.

Dream Golf Destinations 2016 …Y5

Exceptional, Affordable, Memorable Golf Experiences… Every Time!!!

15 Minutes from Downtown Kelowna & The Airport

Blackmountaingolf.ca Tee Times - 250.765.6890

Y6… Dream Golf Destinations 2016

Tee off tips

By Les Miller

• At address, keep 60 to 70 percent of your weight on the right foot. Take a slightly wider stance (a little wider than your shoulders), with toes pointed slightly outward.

• Tee the ball high, and move it forward up by your front toe so you can catch it on the upswing. Use a stronger grip than normal - hands turned back toward your back shoulder and light grip pressure.

• Make a wide arc, and strive for maximum extension.

(Stretch your arms outward during the swing.) Maximize coil, and get your left shoulder behind the ball on backswing.

Try these quick tips, and see your distance off the tee increase

• To maximize coil, don’t lift your left foot on the backswing. (Very important, the lower body has to stay solid during the backswing.)

practice swings.)

• Be sure to complete the backswing and the follow through, making a completely full swing. It’s OK to bend your left arm to make a complete backswing.

• Generate maximum club-head speed by rotating the shaft through impact.

(Let the hands turn over and release.)

• Start your downswing by pulling the hands down toward the ball and letting your right knee slide toward the target. Keep your right heel on the ground longer on the downswing, and follow through to help keep your body back. (Watch Ernie Els and Tiger Woods during their

• Try and stay loose during the swing, keeping your head and upper body behind the ball upon impact. Rotate the shaft through impact.

• Throughout the swing, try and keep a light grip pressure. (Vijay Singh actually lets go of the grip with his right hand during the impact zone.)

• Remember: Swing the club fast, not hard!

Les Miller is a long-time golf writer and golf professional.

Coldstream golf course Par 36•2715-yard•9-hole course•200-yard driving range

green Fees: 9 holes: 18 holes:

16 $22

$

open dawn to dusk 7 days a Week Jr/Sr/Special rates available.

We don’t use chemicals on our course!

Environmentally & family friendly.

• RV camping included with green fees.

• Family & corporate tournaments welcome.

Visit our website for rates & specials:

www.coldstreamgolfcourse.com

9 Holes $

11

Only until the end of June

disc golf coming soon!

15 Duremeadow Road, Lumby, BC (250) 547-6048 1 hour from the Kelowna airport, between Vernon & lumby

Dream Golf Destinations 2016 …Y7

So you want to play

golf Follow these steps and

learn how to golf properly Take a lesson!

You’ve probably been to the driving range with your friends who are golfers, and that’s how you decided you wanted to get into the sport..correct? That’s a great introduction to the game, however if you want to start learning the basic mechanics of the golf swing, you’ll want to take a lesson from a certified teaching professional

(PGA or WGTF). Most decent golf courses and driving ranges will have a teaching professional and they usually have good package deals for beginner golfers, and will often have group lessons for discounted rates. Consider setting up an individual lesson, where the professional will go over the basics such as grip, stance, posture, and swing mechanics. Don’t fall

into the temptation to allow your friends to teach you.

While their intentions are good, they will do your golf swing more harm than good.

Golf professionals know how to teach a golf swing, that’s why they are professionals.

Get some lessons and learn properly.

Buy a used set of golf clubs

This does not have to be a full set, just a few clubs will do (3 wood, 5, 7, 9 iron, pitching wedge/sand wedge and a putter. Used clubs caution: If the grips don’t fit your hand, or the shafts are too firm or the wrong length, you’ll have an unpleasant experience.

Blisters, and the arm equivalent of shin splints, can occur.

Just like shoes, you need clubs that “fit.”

Take some time to learn the rules of golf and the etiquette This is just as important as being able to hit the ball 300

yards (274.3 m). The game of golf is about honesty, honor and respect, not just hitting a ball around a grassy park.

You can get a copy of the official rules at the USGA website.

Keep it in your bag and study it so you know the rules for any particular situation you may find yourself in on the course. As for etiquette, these are just common sense issues more than anything. Don’t walk in other peoples putting lines because it can disturb the grass and make putts go offline. Don’t talk when others are hitting. Don’t stand directly behind or in front of a player who’s swinging a club. Always dress appropriately and according to golf course rules.

These are just some of the basics but as you play more you’ll learn the in’s & out’s of golf etiquette, and don’t be afraid to ask a seasoned golfer about a rule or an etiquette issue. They’re usually happy to …Continued on page 11

TO THE COURSE YOU DESERVE. BOOK NOW | 1-877-243-7417 | T HE R ISE G OLF . CA

Y8… Dream Golf Destinations 2016

Dream Golf Destinations 2016 …Y9

DREAM g lf course

Find Your

A ll i n cl u s i ve l i st i n g o f g o lf c o u rses t h r o u g h o u t t h e Oka n a g a n | S h u s w ap | K o o te 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)

1085 Lexington Drive

9 $26 / 18 $38

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)

SHADOW RIDGE: 250-765-7777

3770 Bulman Road Road

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

2649 Shannon Lake Road

SHANNON LAKE: 250-768-4653

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

SUNSET RANCH: 250-765-7700

18 (Par 72 - 6207 yds)

40001 Anderson Road

9 $35 / 18 $56/$69

3509 Carrington Road, Westbank

TWO EAGLES: 250-768-0080

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

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)

BIRCHDALE PAR 3: 250-838-7740

9 (Par 27 - 1500 yds)

7023 Highway 97A, Grindrod

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

HILLVIEW: 250-549-4653

OLIVER-OSOYOOS FAIRVIEW MOUNTAIN: 250-498-3521 18 (Par 72 - 7025 yds) 13105, 34th Ave., Oliver

18 (Par 56 - 3375 yds)

18 $72.50

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

6891 Tucelnuit Dr., Oliver

9 $35 / 18 $60

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

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)

1101 14th Avenue, Vernon Highway 6 East, Lumby

9 $18 / $18 $30

9 $5 / Membership $100

301 Village Centre Place

ROYAL YORK: 250-546-9700

2440 York Ave., Armstrong

9 (Par 35 - 3200 yds) 9 $25 / 18 $45

SPALLUMCHEEN G&CC: 250-545-5824 18 (Par 71 - 6423 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 1450 Husky Frontage Rd., Sicamous

18 (Par 72 - 6597 yds)

HYDE MOUNTAIN: 250-836-4653 18 (Par 72 - 6701 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 600 Comox Road

18 (Par 70 - 6101 yds) 9 $32 / 18 $61 / T $48

PINE HILLS G&CC: 250-492-5731

9 (Par 28 - 1200 yds)

PENTICTON G&CC: 250-492-5626

3610 Pine Hills Drive

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)

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)

38 Holloway Dr., Tobiano

18 $65

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)

201 Fairway Drive, Fernie 9 $35-$39 / 18 $57-$66

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

230 - 2nd Avenue, Christina Lake

9 $18-20 / 18 $60-65

9 (Par 36 - 3103 yds)

TOBIANO: 1-877-373-2218

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

VERNON G&CC: 250-542-9126

MABEL LAKE G&CC: 250-838-0881

652 Dunes Drive

16082 Woolgar Rd., Crawford Bay

9401 Highway 97 North

800 Kalamalka Lake Rd. www.vernongolf.com 9 $35 / 18 $65

18 (Par 72 - 6973 yds)

THE DUNES: 250-579-3300

18 $52-$82

CHRISTINA LAKE GC: 250-447-9313 18 (Par 72 - 6785 yds)

9 $28-$35 / 18 $44-$59

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

5500 Highway 22A, Trail

602 Queens Bay Road, Balfour 1602 Aaron Road, Castlegar

GOLDEN GOLF CLUB: 250-344-2700 18 (Par 72 - 6825 yds)

576 Golf Course Dr., Golden

18 $46.90-$90.25

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 2016

When learning to swing a golf club

so that your shots go long and straight, there are several things that you must do correctly.

9 Holes $30 • Happy Hour Includes $10 restaurant voucher (must be used that day)

Tuesday Ladies’ Night Food & drink specials

Wednesday

Work on your posture so that you are in the most effective position to strike the ball.

Stand with your feet shoulderwidth apart and your toes pointing out about five degrees. Lock your legs and then unlock them and bend slightly.

This is all the bending you need at the knees. You should bend from the hip as well.

Remember to keep your back straight so that all the bending occurs in the lower body. This not only helps you hit the ball straight, but also helps you avoid back injury.

Where

Locals THE

GO!

Wing & Rib Night Food & drink specials

Friday & Saturday 8oz. prime rib dinner & Happy Hour 3-6!

Sunday Brunch • Happy Hour Adult $13.95 Kids under 10 $9.95

hip: Annual Members

Great Value! Join Today!

Adult - $1430 T Junior - SOLD OU

Green Fees: Adult

Why Golf Anywhere Else?

TL Players Card - $259.00 *2 Free Rounds* $42.00 includes cart - 7 Days a week

Thursday Mens’ Night Food & drink specials

Practice your grip. When swinging the golf club, keep your hands in one place.

They should not move. The most conventional grip is the single overlap. To do this grip, the pinkie of your right hand should overlap your left hand’s index finger (if you are righthanded).

Step 2

Because different areas of your body need to do different things, learning how to swing a club properly takes practice. In fact, the movements need to become second nature in order to be effective.

Monday

Step 1

or Senior Juni 65 & Over 18 & Under

18 Holes

$38

$36

$20

9 Holes

$26

$24

$16

$10 Tuesdays are back fore 2016...

ments

Ask about our tourna

1085 Lexington Drive (Next to H20 Centre) 250-763-7888 • www.michaelbrookgolfclub.com

Pro Shop 250.497.5359 RV 250.497.5319

Dream Golf Destinations 2016 …Y11

Step 3

Let your arms and hands hang straight below your shoulders. This allows you to stay even with the ball and aligned with the rest of your body.

Step 4

Begin your backswing by moving your club upward and backward. As you do this, shift your weight so that it now rests on your back foot. Simultaneously tilt your shoulders in a position that the front shoulder points downward and the right shoulder is pointing upward. Slightly lift the instep of your left foot as the weight is being shifted to the right foot. Let the club go back until your hands reach the area around your shoulder.

Step 5

Shift your weight back onto your left foot and move your hips laterally forward. As your golf club comes around, you

should have almost all of your weight on your left foot.

Step 6

As you strike the ball, imagine you are actually striking two balls–the real one and an imaginary ball two inches in front of the real ball.

This will help keep your swing straight and avoid slicing the ball. Your right toe should now be not supporting any weight.

It is now merely providing you balance. Continue the follow through until your hands reach the front side of your shoulders.

Tip

You can move your head when swinging, but only slightly. Try not to move it more than a couple of inches on your backswing.

Warning

Working on your swing on the course will be frustrating.

Work on your swing at the driving range, instead.

St. Andrews by the Lake Home of the Island Green

Best LAY

STAY-AND-p E Th RATES IN N OKANAgA

Learn how to golf properly… from page 7 help a beginner learn.

Look around for a golf pro (teacher) in your area Most golf courses have a pro or can refer you to one.

Book three or four lessons from the pro, ask for a package rate.

Learn the basics

…such as how to grip the club, how to stand over (address) the golf ball, how to swing the golf club, how to putt, etc. The pro should show you all these basics. You can also watch online videos and read one of the many golf guides online.

Go to a driving range

…a few times before you head out onto the course.

Your aim is to be more confident in your club and shot selection, knowing the distances and average trajectory of the clubs you use is essential.

Also, using the driving range

Golf Accommodations Restaurant Hiking Kayaking Mountain Biking Rentals Available ■

Planning a wedding, birthday party, anniversary or celebration of life? Our friendly and professional staff will ensure a wonderful and memorable experience.

111 St. Andrews Drive • Kaleden, BC • 250-497-5648 BOOK YOUR TEE TIMES ONLINE: www.standrewsbythelake.com

If you don’t have a lot of time to play, or cannot hit the ball far enough yet, then you could try the driving range or a pitch and putt course a few more times.

As you progress, it is vital to work on your short game (putting and pitching). It is useless being able to hit the ball long, and not have a clue what to do when you get to the green. In an average round, you will use your driver 12-15 times, and your putter about 30 times, depending on your ability. The short game is the key to a lower handicap.

Spectacular Golf, Epic Adventures, Unforgettable Experiences

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

Your New Home for Golf!

Try going to a 9 hole golf course first

KOKANEE SPRINGS RESORT ■

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

before a round will give you an idea of how the weather is affecting your shot. Is it windy?

Is the humidity making the ball heavy and affecting distance?

Practicing at the range lets you find these things out without costing strokes.

Crawford Bay, BC KokaneeSprings.com 1 800 979 7999

■

Y12…Dream Golf Destinations 2016

Rise above greenside bunkers

When most golfers see their ball flying toward a greenside bunker they begin to panic. Why? Because the greenside bunker shot is one of the most

intimidating shots for most recreational players. On the

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.

other side of the coin, better players actually prefer to be in a greenside bunker than chipping from rough around the green. Why? Because they do not fear the bunker shot and they use the sand to their advantage.

All good bunker players do the following: • They open their stance and open the clubface as they address the ball. This allows them to cut across the ball (swing from outside in) upon impact. This helps slide the club head under the ball which pops the ball out of the sand.

• They concentrate on striking the bottom of the

club head approximately two inches behind the ball (they hit the sand behind the ball, not the ball). This allows the sand to lift the ball out and up out of the bunker.

• They release the hands through the impact zone and follow through. To be a good bunker player you need “speed” during the swing to propel the ball out of the bunker. Most times a poor bunker shot is the result of slowing your swing down as you hit the sand. This results in the sand stopping the club head which leads to a chunk, leaving the ball in the bunker.

A practice drill for improved bunker play: Remember, a sand wedge was designed to slide under the ball, you don’t need to try and lift the ball out, the club head will do it for you. A drill that will help is to draw a line in the sand approximately two inches behind the ball and practice taking a sand divot under the ball. Be sure to release your hands through the impact zone and follow through, don’t hit the sand and stop, swing the club head through at a good speed.

Do these things and you will never fear a bunker shot again.

Fairway Golf Cars

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

7023 Highway 97A Grindrod, BC www.birchdalegolf.ca

Please call 1-250-838-7740 for Tee Time availability

Dream Golf Destinations 2016…Y13

Y14…Dream Golf Destinations 2016

It’s a game of etiquette What people can expect during a round of golf, from beginning to end: Warm Up:

type and number ball you are playing.

– Try to arrive soon enough to give yourself time to warm up properly.

– Work your way though the bag, beginning with the short irons, moving onto the midand long irons and then the woods.

– It’s often a good idea to finish warming up by hitting a few soft wedge shots before heading for the practice green and hitting a few putts.

– Don’t hit hundreds of balls and leave your game on the practice tee.

First Tee:

– Check the scorecard to learn any local rules.

– Local rules apply only to the specific course you are playing.

– If your playing companions suggest a match, it’s a good idea to make sure everyone is comfortable with the stakes.

– Make sure to place an identifying mark on your ball and inform the other players the

Avoid Slow play:

When your group is not keeping up with the pace of play of the group in front of you: – Walk at a reasonable speed between shots.

– Begin planning your next shot as you approach the ball by studying the strength and direction of the wind.

– When you reach your ball, check the lie, select your club, visualize your swing and shot, and then play your shot.

– From the time you select your club until you actually hit your shot, you should take no more than 30 to 45 seconds.

– If you aren’t ready to play when it is your turn, encourage one of your fellow players to play.

Maintaining the course:

– Replace your divots.

Turf tends to explode on impact, making it difficult, if not impossible, to replace the divot.

In this case, you have two options:

…Continued on page 15

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

Dream Golf Destinations 2016…Y15

Etiquette on the course… from page 14 – You can use the toe of your shoe to kick in the turf around the edges of the divot.

– Many courses often put containers of a soil/seed mixture on their carts and tees. If this is the case, simply fill in the divot with the mixture.

– Bring a rake into the bunker with you -- remembering that you should always enter the bunker from the low side at a point nearest to the ball.

– Whenever possible, avoid walking on the steep face of a bunker.

– After hitting your shot, rake the area you played from, as well as all your footprints and any others within reach.

– Rakes should be left either in or nearby the bunker.

– Important to repair any pitch marks or indentations caused by the ball hitting the green.

– Using a tee, knife, key or repair tool, repair the mark by working the edges towards the center, without lifting the center of the mark.

Don’t tear the grass. Finish by smoothing the area with a club or your foot. Try to get the area smooth enough to putt over.

– Just remember that while the Rules of Golf allow you to repair pitch marks on your putting line, you cannot repair spike marks on your putting line until after you have putted.

On the green, remember:

– Don’t step on your fellow players putting lines -- the imaginary line that connects the ball to the hole.

– If your ball is on a player’s line, volunteer to mark the ball.

If your ball is not furthest

from the cup: – Mark your ball, either with a plastic marker or a small, thin, dark coin such as an old penny.

– After you have marked your ball, place your putter down at a 90-degree angle with the heel touching your marker.

– Move the marker from the heel to the toe of your putter.

Reverse the procedure to return the ball to its original position.

– Do not stand where you might distract a fellow player and don’t move.

– Don’t make any noise when your fellow player is preparing to putt.

– If you don’t have a caddie and are asked to tend the flagstick, make sure you aren’t standing on anyone’s line.

– Hold the flagstick at arm’s length so the flag doesn’t flutter in the breeze, and make sure your shadow doesn’t fall across the hole or line. Loosen the bottom of the flagstick so it doesn’t stick when you try and remove it by pulling it straight up after the other player has putted. The flagstick should be removed right after the player has hit the ball.

– If you lay down the flagstick, lay it off the green to prevent doing any damage to the green.

– Generally, the player closest to the hole will tend the flagstick.

– After everyone has putted out, immediately walk to the next tee.

You then have five minutes from the time you reach the spot where you suspect the ball landed to find the ball.

If it is not found within that five-minute period, you must declare it lost and play your provisional ball with a onestroke penalty If, however, you play the provisional ball and subsequently find your original ball in-bounds, you must pick up your provisional and continue to play the original ball, inbounds.

– Out of bounds balls are assessed the penalty of “stroke and distance.”

For safety’s sake, never hit when there’s a chance you might be able to reach the group ahead of you, and

anytime you hit a shot that you think even has remote chance of hitting any other players, yell “fore” immediately, and make a point of apologizing to any players your ball lands near.

– Displays of frustration are one thing, but outbursts of temper are quite another.

Yelling, screaming, throwing clubs or otherwise making a fool of yourself are unacceptable and, in some cases, dangerous to yourself and others.

Finally, at the end of the round, shake hands with your fellow players, congratulate the winners, console the losers, and thank them for their company.

At the end of the day, the great pleasure of the game is the time you get to spend with your friends whether old friends or new friends you just made through the game.

99

$

Miscellaneous:

– If you hit a tee shot into the woods and suspect that it might be either lost or outof-bounds, the Rules of Golf allow you to play a second or provisional ball.

• ONE FREE 18 Hole Round of Golf • 25% OFF Regular Rate (ANY DAY BEFOR 11AM) • 50% OFF Regular Rate (MON-THURS AFTER 11AM)

• MEMBER RATE on power cart rentals • 15% OFF Golf Shop Purchases • 20% OFF Private Lesson Packages

quaaoutlodge.com

250.679.3090

Y16‌Dream Golf Destinations 2016

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