Summer is upon us and now begins the task of deciding where to play golf. Kelowna has a wide variety of golf courses to choose from for all types of golfers and budgets. This article may be handy for your reference or when out of town guests arrive.
One of the newest courses in town is the Black Mountain Golf Club. Green fees range from $69 to a special rate of $59, that includes a cart and $5 food voucher. Black Mountain has a peaceful setting yet provides a great challenge for all levels of golfers. Black Mountain was a Finalist for "Best New Course In Canada" in the Score Golf magazine publication in 2010.
Another fairly new course that opened in 2008 is The Club at Tower Ranch. Tower Ranch was named one of the top 3 best new Canadian courses of 2009 by Golf Digest. I have yet to play Tower Ranch, but I eagerly await my first game and an exceptional golfing experience. Green fees are from $110 to $65 and this includes a cart. No extra charge for the exceptional views of Kelowna.
Sunset Ranch Golf and Country Club is one of my favourites, perhaps that is because last time I checked there is a scorecard on the wall with my name on it. Sunset Ranch provides tree-lined fairways on almost every hole and Scotty Creek meanders through the golf course reeking havoc with your mind, golf ball and score. The key to a good score at Sunset Ranch is finding the fairways and leaving your golf ball below the hole. Green fees range from $79 to $59.
The Harvest Golf Club opened in 1994 in East Kelowna just minutes from downtown. The Harvest is a very walk able golf course with a stunning and constant view of Lake Okanagan. The course is very playable and was an orchard before Graham Cooke designed the par 72 layout. The practice facility has a driving range, putting green and short game area. All are within close proximity to the first tee for you to warm up or sharpen your game before you play. Rates are from $75 to 4115 and include a cart and range balls.
Gallagher’s Canyon Golf and Country Club opened in 1980 and is the second oldest golf course in Kelowna. Gallagher’s has stood the test of time and continues to be a great test of golf. Tree lined fairways and canyon views make for great place to play golf, but don’t let the scenery distract you too much from your game, as Gallagher’s requires your full attention. Green fees are from $115 and $59. Gallagher’s has hosted provincials and national tournaments; even Arnold Palmer played an exhibition here in 1981.
The Okanagan Golf Club is the only 36-hole facility in Kelowna with the Bear and the Quail courses sitting side by side. For the hard-core golfers playing 36 holes in one day does not require any driving in between rounds. Both courses will challenge all aspects of your game; yet the Bear and Quail are varied in their design. Nicklaus Designs was responsible for the Bear course and the closing three holes are a true challenge.
Over to the Westside we go and just off Highway 97 is Two Eagles Golf Course and Academy. Don’t let the Par 65 5000 yard layout fool you into thinking that it will a be pushover, you will need every club in your bag. Two Eagles is a good test of golf for even the scratch player yet enjoyable for golfers of all levels. Green fees are from $45 to $37. A great practice facility is also on site.
Staying on the Westside, Shannon Lake Golf Club is the first of three “Golf Kelowna” courses. Shannon Lake borders, yes you guessed it Shannon Lake. The lake is defiantly in play on the difficult par 17th hole. The course has a wide variety of holes with lengths from a 550-yard uphill par five to a 115-yard par 3. Green fess range from $63 to $36. Be sure to check out the “Addicted Golfer” package on the Golf Kelowna website.
Kelowna Springs just off Highway 97 has been a popular stop for local residents and tourists since it first opened in 1990. Golf Digest ranks Kelowna Springs, as one of the 'Best Places to Play' in their 2008-2009 edition and the rates are $68 to $32 per round. A very walk able course that must be played with care through tree lined fairways and five well positioned lakes.
Shadow Ridge Golf Club is within close proximity of the Kelowna Airport and may be the first stop for those flying in for a golf vacation. Shadow Ridge is a tree-lined course that will test your skills. Shadow Ridge is walk able but watch out for Mill Creek it lies in wait. Shadow Ridge’s 18th hole gives you one last chance for golf’s toughest score – a hole in one. The par three 18th measures 195-yards and three is always a good score, but you never know.
Be sure to check out my blog for links to all the golf courses mentioned here. Green fee prices are subject to change, but I have done my best to make sure they are current. Have a great summer of golf.
Next weeks column…. Sage Brush Golf and Sporting Club. One word – WOW
Gord McGarva’s columns can be found at http://writedownthefairway.blogspot.com/
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