fish or not, the pathways along the river are perfect for pleasant afternoon strolls. For a stroll with cultural significance, take a Totem Walk in downtown Duncan, known as the “City of Totems” and home to some gorgeous art galleries and boutiques. A wander through Chemainus reveals the history of this former logging town depicted in 39 colourful murals. If it is retail therapy you crave, Cowichan Bay’s shops, some of which are perched over the water on stilts, are sure to delight. To bump your stroll up to an easy hike, check out the Kinsol Trestle, one of the world’s tallest timber rail trestles. And then there’s the ocean. The Cowichan has some of the loveliest marinas on the Island in the pretty little communities of Cowichan Bay, Mill Bay, Maple Bay, and Genoa Bay. Saltwater fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, wildlife watching tours, diving, and sailing are all on the activity menu in this outdoor recreation paradise. For golfers, this means you have plenty of great options before and after your game.
COWICHAN GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
Located in Duncan, the area’s largest community, the Cowichan Golf and Country Club has been at this location overlooking the waters of Cowichan Bay since 1947, when legendary architect A.V. Macan designed one of the finest nine-hole courses in the province. It expanded to 18 holes in 1985 and meanders through the valley, offering a picturesque mix of meadow and tree-lined holes. At 6,189 yards, Cowichan isn’t particularly long from the tips, but don’t let that fool you into a sense of complacency, as the tight fairways and fast, undulating greens will come to haunt you. “It’s a very walkable course but a challenging test of golf, with small, fast greens,” says Head Pro, Norm Jackson,
Stormin’ Norm, as he is locally known. “It’s friendly, affordable golf,” he says, adding that all the competitors in the 2015 Golf British Columbia Women’s Mid-Senior Amateur enjoyed the course immensely. A good example of Cowichan’s enjoyable challenge is the 10th, a par-four dogleg left. Trees block out the green, so the play is a sensible iron shot off the tee. The approach is downhill into a slick green that is bounded by bunkers front, left, and back. You need to remember to spin it on the green but keep the ball beneath the hole. That’s just a warm up for the 11th. “Our signature hole is hole number 11, and it is probably one of the most challenging holes on Vancouver Island,” says Jackson. “It is a long 404-yard, uphill par four with the second shot over water to a narrow sloping green. If you don’t hit the perfect tee shot, it is a gamble to go for the green in two shots.” “Sometimes laying up your second shot is a smart play,” he adds.
COURSE DETAILS TEE
YARDAGE 6,189 5,899 5,570 4,865 SLOPE
118
RATING
69.0 67.7 65.9 68.2
113
PAR
70
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110 112 –
COURSE ARCHITECT A.V. MACAN
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Qualicum Beach Parksville Nanaimo Ladysmith COWICHAN
SIP OF THE GOLF TRAIL
Duncan
➏
6 Cowichan Golf Club Victoria
“IT’S A VERY WALKABLE COURSE BUT A CHALLENGING TEST OF GOLF, WITH SMALL, FAST GREENS.” Norm’s tip for playing Cowichan Golf? “Our greens all break to Cowichan Bay, and when in doubt, hit to the middle of the greens so you don’t short side yourself.” Jackson’s got one more tip: “The area’s wineries are a must see: award-winning wines and culinary extravaganza.” Beautiful scenery, challenging holes, excellent service, a great clubhouse, and wineries close by — all the right ingredients for a terrific day of golf.
250-746-5333 or 1-877-744-5333
www.cowichangolfclub.ca
Cowichan Highlights
Great golf plus a practice range and lessons, power carts, rentals, and club fitting at the pro shop. A favourite for tournaments, dining, banquets, and weddings.
COWICHAN GOLF CLUB
GOLF PACKAGES 1-877-705-5898
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