A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CALGARY HERALD SPRING/SUMMER 2013 DISC VER GOLF SWEET SPOTS GOLF MECCAS ABOUND IN , B.C. AND U.S.

BREAKING BAD IF YOU’RE A SLOUCHER, IT’S TIME TO KICK THE HABIT

HIGH AND MIGHTY GOLF ON THE EDGE ATOP MOUNT CURRIE DRIVING RANGE PAGE 2 Saturday, April 20, 2013 CALGARY HERALD CALGARY HERALD Saturday, April 20, 2013 PAGE 3 DISC VER GOLF

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CALGARY HERALD SPRING/SUMMER 2013 > CONTENTS DISC VER In gear GOLF the latest gizmos and SWEET SPOTS A GUIDE FOR GOLFERS EXPLORING THE WEST GOLF MECCAS ABOUND THROUGHOUT ALBERTA AND B.C. gadgets for golfers

BREAKING BAD IF YOU’RE A SLOUCHER, IT’S HOME TURF...... 04 PERFECT SETUP...... 17 TIME TO KICK THE HABIT As Calgarians eagerly anticipate the golf season, Next time you set up a shot, check your posture. If HIGH AND MIGHTY GOLF ON THE EDGE ATOP they can consider their many options — from full you’re hunching, Lisa Vlooswyk, seven-time Canadian MOUNT CURRIE DRIVING RANGE membership to pay-as-you-go courses. Longball Champion, has some tips to break the habit.

MOUNTAIN MAGIC...... 06 B.C BECKONS...... 18 Get your mountain fix at one of Alberta’s many resort Let’s face it, there’s plenty to entice travellers to visit Discover Golf is a publication of the Calgary Herald Special Projects Department Oakley Golf Sweet Spot Dress for golf destinations, where scores take a back seat to our neighbour next door. Throw golf into the mix and women offers free range of motion in a styl- the impressive surroundings. the prospect is irresistible. Special Projects manager: ish short-sleeve pique polo dress. Hydrolix Barb Livingstone, 403-235-7339 moisture management will keep you dry un- KOOTENAY ROCKIES...... 07 THOMPSON OKANAGAN...... 20 [email protected] Bushnell Hybrid is a the first of its der pressure while the 95 per cent polyester, kind, a laser range-finder and GPS in 5 per cent Lycra blend makes for easy care. With dozens of championship courses just across the With mountain, desert and grassland courses in the Project Co-ordinator: sportchek.ca B.C. border, it’s little wonder Albertans are flocking varied Thompson Okanagan region, who says you Jennifer Worley, 403-235-7110 one. This device is considered ideal

to the Kootenay Rockies. can’t have it all? [email protected] for the golfer who can’t commit to the accuracy of laser range-finders Cover photo: RIGHT FIT...... 16 FASHION ‘FORE’WARD...... 27 or the versatility of GPS technology. Kimberley Golf tee-box. Photo by Don Weixl The Hybrid is pre-loaded with more The right golf club can do wonders for your game. If you look good, you’ll play well. That’s the theory Cover design: Charlene Kolesnik than 16,000 courses in the U.S. and Thankfully, there’s plenty of technology and behind many of the fashion options for the greens . Better still, it’s perfectly legal Advertising inquiries: 403-235-7168 professional help to get you that perfect paring. that combine high style and functionality. in competition. bushnellgolf.com

Experience the 2013 Golf Season Anser driver is PING’s first adjustable driver offering golfers the ability to fine-tune their BEARSPAW COUNTRY CLUB at Calgary’s Premier Equity Golf Club shot’s trajectory through a combination of loft adjustment and shaft selection. With its low-spin head, the Anser’s design generates ideal tra- jectories for maximizing distance and accuracy. es 2013 The adjustable loft tuning lets the golfer add 20 Minut Share from Price Now or subtract one-half degree of loft beyond the Reduc standard setting with the simple turn of a PING Downtown ed wrench. The adjustable hosel is lightweight and Calgary small in diameter, which improves aerodynam- ics for generating clubhead speed and distance. Four standard shaft options offer distinct profiles EQUITY for custom-fitting the golfer. golftown.ca MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE JOIN NOW Considered the ultimate care FOR 2013 bag, the TaylorMade Jugger- naut features a bold design and LIMITED NUMBER OF finely engineered storage that ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS will satisfy the golfer who prefers AVAILABLE — ENJOY THE FULL BEARSPAW to carry any and every piece of Ranked as one of the top Resort courses in the country and nestled EXPERIENCE BEFORE MOVING UP Adidas Golf Adicross II SL Shoes for men equipment needed on the golf amid a stunning blend of unique terrain, Circling Raven Golf Club at the TO EQUITY MEMBERSHIP course. Eleven front accessible feature classic Adidas-inspired design with full- Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort offers everything you could want and more. pockets, two back show pockets, grain leather upper. The full-length spikeless out- a glove-drying pocket and a large sole has 100 strategically placed lugs in varying 2013 CORPORATE TOURNAMENT For further information, call 403 239 8474 insulated cooler pocked ensure sizes for optimal grip in varying conditions. Shoes 800 523-2464 | US HWY 95, WORLEY, IDAHO or email: [email protected] there is a place for everything. come with two lace options in tonal and contrast CIRCLINGRAVEN.COM DATES AVAILABLE golftown.ca colour. sportchek.ca DISC VER GOLF Saturday, April 20, 2013 PAGE 5

themain course whatever your game preference, there’s a calgary-area course to satisfy your golf appetite. By Carl Patzel

Membership does have its privileges. Uniquely, the flexible players pass to The Hamptons can be used as a Even though variety is the spice of life, when you find the right fla- family (open to anyone in the immediate family), corporate with up to three vour course that fits your golfing palate, it may be time to drop a few designees and pass holder membership with 40 flexible green-fee-passes. bucks on a membership. Attractive for the travelling golfer, this includes booking privileges With plenty of course options and ample layout designs adding zest to its 650 partner courses, including top-50 rated Quarry Down at La to the golfing experience, finding that right fit may be just as confusing Quinta, Calif. as getting the right yardage on a tightly tucked pin. “We’ve worked out a reciprocal network arrangement with some It’s easy to get stuck between clubs with more than 70 golfing op- private clubs in North America. It’s an exclusive club that we can be a portunities in the Calgary area, spanning from Acme to Vulcan and part of,” says Ehlert. Bragg Creek to Strathmore. For the pay-as-you-go golfer, the average weekend round can cost It’s easy to get stuck between clubs with between $18.50 for a small, par-3, nine-hole course and $140 for a premium 18-hole delight, not including a golf cart. more than 70 golfing opportunities in the A money-saver in the long run, there is plenty more to member privi- Calgary area, spanning from Acme to Vulcan leges than just saving a bit of cash. Though options vary from club to club, and from public to semi-pri- and Bragg Creek to Strathmore. vate and exclusive private greens, there are some consistencies to your average golf membership. Although many private clubs don’t offer annual memberships, many Many clubs offer an annual membership, allowing full access to the semi-private and public courses have yearly deals. course and amenities; a restricted pass holder membership with limited The Calgary Elks Lodge and Golf Club (beside Fox Hollow Golf Club access at certain times of the day and week; and full equity memberships. off Deerfoot Trail) is offering limited 2013 annual memberships (full Along with all the privileges and benefits offered by the golf club, an membership benefits excluding voting rights) for $3,650 with unlimited equity membership entitles the right to retain the profits of any future rounds of golf from April through October. sale of the membership or involves a legacy option of passing those Country Hills Golf Club has a similar annual weekday membership rights to an immediate child or grandchild. offer priced at $3,100 with unlimited golfing Monday through Friday Many courses include a membership in the Royal Canadian Golf Associa- with a minimum food and beverage spending requirement of $500. tion and other golf organizations, as well as club storage and cleaning. The Lakeside Golf Club in Chestermere, a semi-private facility, listed a Barry Ehlert, recent new owner of The Hamptons Golf Club, has put restricted principle membership at $2,370. a new twist on the golf experience by incorporating the unique con- Dewinton club Heritage Pointe, one of the top-rated public, 27- cept of access to several golf courses under one membership. hole courses in Southern Alberta, is offering an annual adult personal “One of the biggest (benefits) is access to tee times. We’re going to membership at $4,500, and more modest prices for spousal, twilight, have a limited number of members (at The Hamptons). With that lim- intermediate and junior ($900) memberships. ited number and having access to so many different golf courses you’re Though slight variations, many of these memberships include access to always going to get great tee times,” Ehlert said. teaching professionals, clothing discounts in pro shops as well as online Earlier this season, the Windmill Golf Group was offering unlimited tee time bookings. Most also include participation in member inter-club access to the northwest Calgary course as well as the under-construc- tournaments, club championships and a men’s and ladies’ night events. tion Copithorne Club, a Johnny Miller and -designed While the City of Calgary doesn’t offer golf memberships, public course situated on the western edge of the Calgary foothills. course players can cut costs by purchasing golf passes. A seven-day “It is one membership for six courses. It gives you access to all the oth- pass will run an adult $1,866 with the weekday version at $1,400. er facilities that we own and operate, including the new Johnny Miller/ That price drops down to $924 and $510 for seniors and juniors, Stephen Ames course that we are building,” added Ehlert who was host- respectively. ing receptions and presentations in March for prospective members. Weekday passes have time restrictions, and all passes have a 100- The one-time fee includes access to the Silverwing Links and Boulder game limit. Ten-round punch cards can also be purchased at a lower Creek Calgary courses, the Northern Bear Golf Club in Edmonton and cost for all city courses including: Confederation Park, Lakeview, Maple highly touted Wilderness Club in Montana. Windmill also partners with Ridge, Richmond Green and Shaganappi Point and McCall Lake (clos- 650 private country clubs across North America. ing after 2014 season).

— Heritage Pointe, Calgary Herald Archive PAGE 6 Saturday, April 20, 2013 DISC VER GOLF CALGARY HERALD CALGARY HERALD DISC VER GOLF Saturday, April 20, 2013 PAGE 7

Greywolf Golf Course, Photo: Don Weixl Kootenay Rockies: Canada’s golf destination Plenty of mountains and a whole lot of golf at world-class courses nestled in nature By Joel Schlesinger looking for a round — or several rounds northern options in the Kootenay Rock- place to start an extended tour of the — on any number of courses ranging ies for golf fans, and it shouldn’t be golfing options the Kootenay Rockies No matter how you slice it — or hook from quaint nine-holers to championship overlooked when you’re passing by on have to offer. it — you can’t miss with a golf vacation masterpieces with plenty of challenges the Trans-Canada. About an hour’s drive south, you’ll in the Kootenay Rockies. Just right next including ample wildlife, this B.C. border “There’s very good value for the find the Columbia Valley Golf Trail in — hole No. 4 at the Golf Course. Calgary Herald Archive door, B.C.’s eastern border offers some region won’t disappoint. course you get,” says Kreiner. “We got the heart of the Columbia Valley. of the best golfing options in North “The majority of our guests are from voted last year as the number-one hid- “There are nine 18-hole courses American. Alberta, with the Calgary area being den gem in B.C. by the PGA of B.C. in within 30 minutes’ drive of each And for the most part, this mountain- the most popular,” says Graeme Kreiner, conjunction with Inside Golf.” other once you get into the valley. ous playground of thousands of square CPGA head golf professional at Golden Golden is ideal for a quick vacation It’s super convenient,” says Andrea Elevate your game kilometres of wilderness and dozens of Golf Club. weekend of golf and the many other ac- Tubbs, marketing manager for the championship courses is all ours. If you’re The 18-hole course is one of the most tivities in the area. Or it can be the ideal Columbia Valley Golf Trail. >>> take a break from the city at awe-inspiring mountain meccas rated among The country’s top courses By Carl Patzel

With the opportunity to spy majestic mountain-peak views ing, hiking and fishing. We’re pretty fortunate that they love the Calgary foothills corridor will produce a few other golf and the chance to spot bear, moose, deer and other wildlife, Jasper.” green gems. Set among the painted canvas of blue-sky the Rocky Mountain corridor has become a golfing haven. Open from late April to early October, the 6,663-yard, par framed, jagged rock-face mountains are the Stewart Creek From Canmore to Banff, all the mountain courses — 71 course was built in 1926. A Stanley Thompson design, Golf Resort and the drastic elevation changes and sloped including Fairmount Jasper Park Lodge golf course, the Jasper is challenging but very playable, with shorter par-5 fairways of the Silvertip Golf Course, both in Canmore. Kananaskis Mount Kidd and courses, Stewart fairways compared to today’s standards. Those are joined by the Canmore Golf & Curling Club, Kanan- Creek and the Silver Tip golf clubs — have consistently Appealing to all handicaps, Carter says the course is generous askis Ranch Golf Course and the highly rated Mount Kidd and ranked among the top 100 courses in Canada. off the tees with few hazards, but will test the seasoned golfer Mount Lorette layouts at the Kananaskis Country Golf Course. For the golf enthusiast, the Fairmount Jasper Park Lodge with an entertaining yet demanding collection of par-3 holes. The Fairmount Banff Springs Golf Resort is another course Golf Course is one of the Canada’s top resort destinations. These tantalizing offerings include long, mid and short par-3s that sits on many golfers’ bucket lists. Set in the shadows Sitting at virtually the same elevation as Calgary just a four- including the bogey-in-disguise 130-yard, No. 16. of the towering Banff Springs Hotel, this 27-hole set-up has to five-hour drive away, Jasper receives accolades for its nice “It has a little green, and many times you think that it is the been home to the 2006 and 2012 Telus World Skins Games, weather and sits near the top of golf review lists, including its pushover on the course. But when you finish writing the score hosting the likes of , , Greg 2012 ranking as fourth best in the nation by ScoreGolf. down on the 16th tee, you’ve made a bogey,” says Carter. Norman, Calgarian Stephen Ames and many other profes- “It’s been great to see us keep moving up the charts. Short challenges aside, Carter says for many visitors, scor- sionals. When they created a resort category, we’ve at least been ing rates second behind the peaceful tranquility and stun- Despite being an international destination, Steve Young, able to hold down the No. 1 golf resort for all those years,” ning views of the surrounding mountains, flora and fauna. director of golf at Fairmont Banff Springs, says the playable, says Alan Carter, Jasper director of golf. “When you get annoyed by a squawking crow, that’s about championship course has also seen growth in the local market. A long-time international destination for golfers from as loud as you ever hear anything in our area,” says Carter. Inviting for both the high and low handicap golfer, Young across North America and the world, Jasper has relied more “We find a lot of people ending up playing pretty well here adds there is a lot of discrepancy in the resort course de- heavily on regional customers in recent years as southern just because they’re very distracted by the beautiful vistas and pending on the selected tee box. economic factors have slowed that market. incredible views.” And like most of the mountain courses, scores take a back “Albertans love their mountains and take advantage of Getting there is half the fun, with the scenic journey from seat to the picturesque surroundings. Golden Golf & Country Club. Photo by Don Weixl wanting to come this way,” says Carter. “They have a lot of Lake Louise to Jasper skirting the . “We’re probably the only club where the instructors don’t memories from when they were young kids playing golf, ski- A shorter drive along the Trans-Canada Highway through teach people to keep their heads down,” Young adds. KootenayGolfDeals.ca PAGE 8 Saturday, April 20, 2013 DISC VER GOLF CALGARY HERALD “There’s not a lot of traffic; it consists of small towns and really good golf.” Take your pick of top-notch courses: The Springs Course at Radium Resort, Greywolf Golf Course at Panorama, Radium Resort Course, Eagle Ranch Golf Resort at Lake Windermere, Copper Point Golf Club in Inver- mere, Windermere Valley Golf Club, Fair- mont Hot Springs Riverside Golf Course and Fairmont Mountainside Golf Course. You can’t go wrong with any one of them, Tubbs says. “We have two courses that were ranked in the top 100 in Canada for ScoreGolf. The first one is Greywolf, which is at Panorama, and it was ranked number 22. The other is Eagle Ranch, which is in Invermere, and it was ranked number 97.” Greywolf is a true mountain course, and it’s renowned across Canada and the U.S. “The Springs is probably the third top course in the valley. It’s at the Radium resort,” she says. “It’s very similar in terms of views as Eagle Ranch. It’s set atop of bluffs with very dramatic drop-offs.” If you’re willing to drive a little farther south, you’ll find five more golfing options in the ENVY REALLY IS GREEN. Cranbrook and Kimberley region. “We go by the theme that if you’re coming from Calgary, you have to drive through some pretty sweet golf areas before getting to Kim- berley,” says Jesse Ferguson, executive director Two glorious courses gently carved from the best of Mother Nature. of Tourism Kimberley. “Once we get people to drive that extra hour Holes that will challenge your nerve and ones that leap your game to another level. to get here, they won’t be disappointed.” Fine dining that is an unexpected welcome. And service unmatched within the realm of an 18 hole day. Value and convenience are two of the area’s greatest golf assets. Is it any wonder that others envy our resorts? Kimberley’s Trickle Creek Golf Resort, But you can find it all waiting for you. Bootleg Gap Golf Course and the Kimberley Golf Club are all within 15 minutes’ drive of each other — while St. Eugene Golf Resort and Wildstone Golf Course are in-between Kimberley and Cranbrook, adding only about five minutes’ drive time to those who want to fully explore all the options. “Cranbrook and the Kimberley area offer just a great golfing experience,” says Paul Whittingham, golf professional at Cranbrook Golf Club. The Cranbrook club is a semi-private, 18-hole course in the heart of the small B.C. city. “It’s a very playable golf course — one that’s good for golfers of all level,” he says. “It certainly requires you to use every club in your bag.” But the golf options don’t stop there for the Join us for world-class golf and fine dining at Eagle Ranch and Silvertip Resorts. Kootenay Rockies. Dozens of other courses offer world-class golf without the exorbitant price tag. In fact, west of Cranbrook is the start of the Book your tee time or make reservations at SilvertipandEagleRanch.com Kootenay Golf Trail. “The best thing about golfing along the or by calling 1.877.877.3889. Kootenay Golf Trail is the unhurried pace and casual elegance of our golf courses,” says Brian Miller, general manager at the Castlegar Golf eagleranchresort.com silvertipresort.com Club. >>> Bootleg Gap. Photo by Don Weixl KootenayGolfDeals.ca KootenayGolfDeals.ca PAGE 10 Saturday, April 20, 2013 DISC VER GOLF CALGARY HERALD CALGARY HERALD DISC VER GOLF Saturday, April 20, 2013 PAGE 11 The Trail includes eight courses: also provide great value. Tee Times: 250-428-5515; 1-888-928-2582 Balfour Golf Course, Birchbank You can find green fees from GOLF COURSES 2013 Rates: $56 Golf Club, Castlegar, Chris- the low $20-range up to more www.CrestonGolfClub.com tina Lake Golf Club, Creston than $140 at some of the high- Here’s a look at the major courses in the Featuring a layout that challenges all Golf Club, Granite Pointe Golf end courses — great value deals region: For more information, including aspects of your game, the Creston Golf Club Course in Nelson, Kokanee compared to some of the more a complete list of green fees or any stands as an enjoyable test of golf. The Springs Golf Resort in Craw- renowned golfing options in North specials, visit: KootenayRockies.mobi and diverse nature of each hole also makes for ford Bay and Redstone Resort in America. kootenaygolfdeals.ca an interesting round, while abundant local Rossland. “There are your top courses, and wildlife can often be seen. In fact, a cougar “These are mainly member cours- then there are others that are com- *Note: Quoted price range is for 18 holes, once wandered onto the course a few years es and are all quality golf courses pletely walk-able like Windermere adult, non-twilight (taxes extra). ago during the B.C. Senior Championship. Price may include extras such as cart and/or that are virtually never crowded. Valley, which is much more of a fam- practice facilities. For additional green fees, Eagle Ranch Golf Resort The scenery is spectacular and air is ily course,” says Tubbs. please visit each course’s website. Invermere, B.C. clean and pure,” says Miller. Courses are busy throughout the Services: CPGA lessons, driving range, For those looking for golf paths a summer, so it’s always best to book Balfour Golf Course colour GPS-equipped power carts, club little less trodden upon, they should tee times as soon as possible to as- Balfour, B.C. rentals, practice area, licensed restaurant, check out the Slocan Valley. sure you get your desired days and Services: Power carts, club rentals, golf shop, banquet and meeting facilities “The Slocan Valley is like stepping tee off times. concession with licensed dining and Tee Times: 250-342-0562; 1-877-877-3889 back in time, dotted with funky But you’ll likely find walk-on outdoor deck, pro shop, lessons, driving 2013 Rates: $105 to $139 nine-hole courses, a contrast to the times during the week through- range, putting and chipping greens. www.EagleRanchResort.com championship 18-hole courses of out the region, says Whittingham, Tee Times: 250-229-5655 or 1-866-669-4653 The thrilling up-and-down layout, designed $63 by Bill Robinson, incorporates deep ravines, the Highway 3 and 3A,” he says. especially in the Cranbrook and 2013 Rates: www.GolfBalfour.com hoodoos and exposed bluffs. Nothing tops Farther east along the Crowsnest Kimberley area courses because Set in picturesque meadows and forested the awesome closing run. The 18th, a wild Highway are a handful of other they’re a little bit of a farther woodlands overlooking Kootenay Lake, par-5 with a huge ravine bisecting the great options, including the Fernie drive. Balfour was designed by noted Canadian golf fairway, will give you an opportunity to leave Golf and Country Club and the “The Kootenays are kind of a architect Les Furber, the man behind gems such a hero. Golf Club. golfing mecca of sorts because the as The Springs at Radium, Trickle Creek and While the Kootenay Rockies of- courses outnumber the golfers in St. Eugene. Several holes perfectly frame the Castlegar Golf Club. Photo by Don Weixl Fairmont Hot Springs lake and Purcell Mountains, including the par- Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. fers plenty of golfing options, they the region.” Balfour Golf Club. Photo by Don Weixl 3, ninth, while the final six holes are deemed Castlegar Golf Club licensed dining and golf shop, adjacent Services: Power carts, club rentals, CPGA by many to be among the best finishing Castlegar, B.C. Copper Point Resort hotel. lessons, practice facilities, licensed dining stretches of golf in the Kootenay Rockies. Services: Power carts, premium club Tee Times: 250-341-3392; 1-877-418-4653 and lounge, spa, beverage carts, pro shop, rentals, CPGA pros, practice facilities, 2013 Rates: The Point, $90 to $137; The RV park, resort accommodation and natural Birchbank Golf Course licensed clubhouse and on-site camping. Ridge, $55 to $75 hot springs. Trail, B.C. Tee Times: 250-365-5006 or 1-800-666-0324 www.CopperPointGolf.com Tee Times: 250-345-6070 or 1-800-665-2112 Services: Power carts, CPGA lessons, driving 2013 Rates: $44 to $64 Thirty-six holes of spectacular golf. Both 2013 Rates: Mountainside, $30.99 to $69.99; range, club rentals/storage/repairs, licensed www.GolfCastlegar.com courses at Copper Point are outstanding Riverside, $49 to $84.99; Par 3, $15.99 to $19.99 dining & lounge. Rated four stars by Golf Digest, Castlegar is examples of how good golf can be when www.FairmontHotSprings.com Tee Times: 250-693-2255 known for its excellent course conditions. architects let the design complement the With 45 holes of golf — all nestled 2013 Rates: $60 Set in the pine forests, the track has a terrain they’re building on and accentuate between the Purcell and Rocky Mountain Spectacular Golf www.BirchbankGolf.com stellar variety of holes, and often serves as its natural beauty. Combine this with ranges — the facility includes two Win in the heart of the With the mighty Columbia River, Selkirk a venue for major golf tournaments in the dramatic elevation changes, lush fairways, championship courses (Riverside and A ColumbiA VAlley and Monashee mountains as a backdrop, region. Castlegar hosted the B.C. Amateur strategically placed bunkers and undulating Mountainside) and the par-3 Creekside Golf TrAil GeTAwAy Birchbank Golf Course is another Kootenay Championship in 2010, the fourth time the greens, and it’s clear why The Point and The course. The spectacular Riverside course * Rockies classic. Large greens and generously club has hosted the event. An on-site RV Ridge are two of the finest, most exciting offers beautiful emerald greens. The contoured fairways combine with dramatic park and campground was added in 2011. courses in the Kootenay Rockies. Mountainside course, which was revitalized elevation changes to make for a memorable by famed designer Doug Carrick in 2012, for 4 ! Christina Lake Golf Club Cranbrook Golf Club GOLFTRAIL round of golf. features velvety fairways and a host of Christina Lake, B.C. Cranbrook, B.C. riveting holes that will test every club in Bootleg Gap Golf Services: Power carts, club rentals, CPGA Services: Power carts, club rentals, CPGA your bag. Located Kimberley, B.C. lessons, practice facility, club repairs and lessons, practice green, driving range, 2.5 hrs from Services: Power carts, club rentals, licensed dining, RV sites. licensed dining and banquet facilities. Fernie Golf & Country Club Ranked #2 Best Public chipping/practice area, driving range, Tee Times: 250-447-9313 Tee Times: 250-426-6462; 1-888-211-8855 Fernie, B.C. Calgary licensed restaurant and lounge. 2013 Rates: $44 to $56 2013 Rates: $39 to $55 Services: Power carts, club rentals, CPGA Golf Course in BC Tee Times: 250-427-7077 or 1-877-427-7077. www.ChristinaLakeGolfClub.com www.GolfCranbrook.com lessons, practice facility, club storage, *Play any one of our 9 courses before June 25, 2013 • Fully stocked pro shop 2013 Rates: 18-hole, $52 to 62; nine-hole A summer hot spot for water-sport enthusiasts, With a reputation as a mature course with a club repairs, lounge, licensed dining, and you can enter the contest for free! • Power carts recreational, $19 Christina Lake is also known for its local parkland-style layout, Cranbrook provides a tournaments and groups welcome. golf course, which, due to the region’s mild great game of golf without a lot of hassle. The The GeTAwAy inCludes: • Club Rentals www.BootlegGapGolf.com Tee Times: 250-423-7773 • CPGA lessons With 27 isolated holes in a gorgeous setting climate, stretches from mid-March to October. course is easy to walk, and the efficient layout 2013 Rates: $56 to $65 • 9 rounds of golf per person • 8 nights of accommodation for 4 along the St. Mary River, Bootleg Gap Golf Secluded in a ponderosa pine forest near the and multiple tee box choices mean a four-hour www.GolfFernie.com (to be used in the 2013 season, 1 round per CVGT course) • Practice facility is one of the most exciting golf facilities Kettle River, the course is a beauty with several round is the norm. And, thanks to Cranbrook One of the oldest courses in the Kootenay And more... enTer ofTen for A beTTer ChAnCe To win! •Tournaments & GroupsWelcome! in the Kootenay Rockies. Quiet, peaceful, unique features, such as black sand bunkers. boasting the most sunshine hours of any city in Rockies, the Fernie Golf & Country Club is laid-back, beautiful, well-maintained and B.C., the golf days and season are long. close to downtown, yet also the majestic *restrictions apply natural: these are just some of the words Copper Point Golf Club Rocky Mountain setting with views of the Tee Times: 250.423.7773 that have been used to describe Bootleg Invermere, B.C. Creston Golf Club grand peaks that line the valley. Silica sand Book your golf vacation at ColumbiaValleyGolfTrail.com Gap Golf. And, by those same definitions, Services: Electric power carts with GPS Creston, B.C. bunkers, impeccable greens and water on www.golffernie.com Bootleg Gap represents all that is good monitors, golf academy with CPGA lessons Services: Power carts, club rentals, CPGA several holes makes for a fun and fair round photo courtesy Terry Parker Photo Graphics about playing golf in this region. and driving range, full-service clubhouse, lessons, driving range and licensed dining. of golf for all ages. >>>

KootenayGolfDeals.ca KootenayGolfDeals.ca PAGE 12 Saturday, April 20, 2013 DISC VER GOLF CALGARY HERALD

GOLF COURSES

Golden Golf Club Golden, B.C. Services: Power carts, club rentals, CPGA lessons, driving range, licensed dining, RV park and soft-spike facility. Tee Times: 250-344-2700; 1-866-727- 7222 ™ 2013 Rates: $61 to $71 www.GolfGolden.com Unlike some courses that are lined by residential development, Golden remains mostly surrounded by untouched Stay & golf wilderness. Golf architects Les Furber and Bill Newis did a masterful job of creating a course that honours its natural setting, at Kokanee Springs Resort highlighted by the wondrous 11th hole | that is dramatically lined by the raging in Crawford Bay, B.C. waters of Holt Creek.

Granite Pointe at Nelson Nelson, B.C. Services: Power carts, club rentals, club repairs, CPGA lessons, driving range, club storage, licensed dining and tennis courts. Tee Times: 250-352-5913; 1-877-677- 6077 2013 Rates: $49 www.GranitePointe.ca With some of the best scenery in the Kootenay Rockies region, Granite Pointe is a favourite golf destination for people visiting Nelson. Views include towering mountains, glistening Kokanee Glacier and the deep blue waters of Kootenay Lake. Greywolf at Panorama. Photo by Don Weixl

Greywolf at Panorama well-maintained fairways and greens, banquet and meeting facilities, fitness 2013 Rates: $45 to $61 Panorama Mountain Village, B.C. and a layout that requires accuracy more centre, pool, spa, as well as course-side www.RedstoneResort.com Services: Power carts, club rentals, than great length off the tee. Kimberley accommodations at both the Resort and Rossland’s former nine-hole course has CPGA lessons, licensed dining, hotel and wanders in and out of pine forests with Springs courses. been transformed into a Les Furber condominium-style lodging, as well as views of the Purcell and Rocky Mountains. Tee Times: 250-347-6266 or 1-800-667-6444 championship 18-hole course. With the driving range. 2013 Rates: Resort Course, $43 to $65; revitalized and renovated original course Tee Times: 250-341-4100; 1-888-473- Kokanee Springs Golf Resort Springs Course, $69 to $110 as the back nine, and a new track created kokanee springs 9965 Kokanee Springs Resort is one of Canada’s finest championship 18 hole courses, Crawford Bay, B.C. www.RadiumResort.com for the front nine, the result is an instant aMeniTies 2013 Rates: $109 to $129 Services: Power carts, club rentals, The Resort Course, built in 1957, is classic of mountain golf. residing on Kootenay Lake near the Kokanee Glacier. www.GreywolfGolf.com club storage, CPGA lessons, practice undergoing redevelopment, with three • Championship Located in a spectacular alpine setting at greens and traps, driving range, dining new holes and three modified holes Revelstoke Golf Club 18 Hole Golf Course Kokanee Springs is a Norman Woods original, characterized by its long driving fairways, immense rolling Panorama Mountain Village, Greywolf is lounge with patio and on-site resort already completed. The course offers Revelstoke, B.C. • Pro Shop / CPGA pros greens, immaculate course upkeep, and ability to interest and challenge golfers at all levels. Kokanee the kind of course that wins people over. accommodations. amazing vistas and unique golf holes on Services: Power carts, club rentals, club Recognized by Golf Digest as one of the Tee Times: 250-227-9226; 1-800-979- a rugged, mountainside site. The Springs repairs, CPGA lessons, practice facility, • Signature 5 Day Golf School Springs offers onsite accommodations and a relaxed environment surrounded by beautiful vistas, great Top-100 Courses in the World Outside of 7999 Course is a Les Furber design that opened driving range, chipping/putting greens • Driving range / putting area amenities and friendly staff. The Resort’s 750 acres includes over a mile of lake front on Kootenay Lake, the United States, Greywolf is about as 2013 Rates: $89 in 1988. It skirts the Columbia Valley and licensed clubhouse with patio impressive as mountain golf gets. • On-course beverage cart as well as natural wetlands and soaring forests. www.KokaneeSprings.com wetlands and features an unforgettable dining. and snack bar Golf architect Norman Woods crafted finish along the bluff. The tantalizing Tee Times: 250-837-4276 Kimberley Golf Club a course with his signature mix of 17th, a short par-3 over a chasm, could 2013 Rates: $59 • Bunker’s Grill Kimberley, B.C. lengthy fairways and large undulating make a strong case as the best of its kind www.RevelstokeGolfClub.com • Outdoor hot tub Services: Power carts, cub rentals, CPGA greens with space for a variety of pin in the region. Revelstoke opened in to the early 1920s, • Meeting & games rooms lessons, driving range, club storage, placements that make each round a fresh and has been a local favourite every For reservations or more information call 1-800-979-7999, licensed dining & soft spike facility. challenge. Redstone Golf Resort season. A tree-lined layout flows gently • Internet access Tee Times: 250-427-4161; 1-877-427-4161 Rossland, B.C. through the cedar forests and along the • Local beach area or visit www.kokaneesprings.com or www.bellstar.ca. 2013 Rates: $49 Radium Resort Services: Power carts, club rentals, pro Columbia River. Yet don’t let your guard • Trail network For tee times call 1-250-227-9226. www.KimberleyGolfClub.com Radium Hot Springs, B.C. shop, CPGA lessons, licensed dining and down; holes such as the par-4 sixth with Since opening in 1924, Kimberley has Services: Power carts, club rentals, CPGA patio. the river protecting its left flank can take become known for its gently rolling lessons, licensed dining, patio and lounge, Tee Times: 250-362-9141; 1-877-362-4555 a bite out of your game. >>>

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Pacific Mountain Time Time PAGE 14 Saturday, April 20, 2013 CALGARY HERALD CALGARY HERALD Saturday, April 20, 2013 PAGE 15 DISC VER GOLF DISC VER GOLF23 5

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GOLF COURSES Kootenay Rockies Golf Club Lake Banff Edmonton Plan a golf Field Louise Edmonton Golf Vacations2013 COLUMBIA 22 Wildstone Golf Course 2 Regional Highlights British Columbia’s Mountain Playground n KootenayRockies.com Golden Cranbrook, B.C. Banff 1A St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino Medicine Hat GettinG Here by air GettinG Here by roaD Glacier 95 93 Major international gateway cities provide In the north, the TransCanada Hwy #1 follows Services: Full practice facility, CPGA lessons, vacation Canmore Cranbrook, B.C. Mt. Revelstoke 1A Calgary easy air access. the route of the Canadian Pacific Railway through power carts, club rentals, practice facility, four of Canada’s National Parks, connecting Power carts, club rentals, putting Revelstoke Kootenay Services: 22 • a iR Canada Calgary with Vancouver & the coast. Planning a golf trip to the Mount 22 offers flights to/from Vancouver & Calgary licensed clubhouse and deck, pro shop. Assiniboine 40 green, driving range, CPGA lessons, tournament to Cranbrook, Kelowna, Penticton and to/from A less travelled southern route, Hwy #3, serves Tee Times: 250-489-1282; Revelstoke Vancouver to Castlegar. 1-888-247-2262 travellers from southern Alberta, the southern and group bookings, food and beverage and a Kootenay Rockies? The Kootenay Sicamous Golf Club 22 2 Bugaboo 95 Okanagan Valley and Vancouver. full-service casino resort hotel. 1-855-565-4653 Rockies Golf Vacations publica- 23 ALBERTA • PaCifiC Coastal aiRlines 93 Lethbridge offer scheduled flight service to/from Vancouver, Ports of entry on the Canada/US border $65 to $75 Vancouver Tee Times: 1-877-417-3133 2013 Rates: Radium Hot Springs into Cranbrook & Trail. 1-800-663-2872 allow access from Spokane, Washington; Coeur tion is available to download as Salmon Arm The Springs d’Alene, Idaho; Kalispell, Montana & points south. www.WildstoneGolf.com 31 Course Radium Resort 2013 Rates: $45 to $95 C • w estjet Enderby Course lo 97 s e a virtual guide or a PDF file at Eagle Ranch Resort Elk d Located on the scenic highlands above W offers scheduled flights to/from Calgary, Edmonton roaD conDitions Invermere The Ridge at Copper Point Lakes in www.StEugene.ca 97A Monashee Greywolf te r and Vancouver, into Kelowna. 1-888-937-8538 1-800-550-4997 Visit DriveBC.ca for real time info krtourism.ca Armstrong at Panorama 40 Featuring a striking 7,007-yard Les Furber-designed Cranbrook, Wildstone is the only Black Knight 97 Windermere Valley Golf Course Copper Point Height course by Gary Player Design in Canada. This Golf Club of the borDer crossinGs golf course, a beautiful boutique hotel and the This 28-page publication show- 23 Mountain Time Zone Mountainside at Rockies At the Canadian/US border, be sure to carry Pacific Time Zone Riverside at incredible 7,100-yard layout features generous Vernon Nakusp Goat Range only casino in the Kootenay Rockies region, the cases each of the championship 6 Fairmont Fairmont Hot Springs Stay Connected with the your passport or equivalent. For information rolling fairways and a one-of-a-kind 350-plus Hot Springs 43 and updates, visit: Travel.state.gov, Cbsa.gc.ca St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino is one of the app or call: 1-800-461-9999. golf resorts located in the Koo- 6 Purcell 93 KOOTENAY yard range. 1 most inclusive and exciting resorts in the region. 97 Wilderness • Roosville & Kingsgate 6 31A 95 tenay Rockies, and also includes 31 (Cranbrook) - open 24 hrs New Denver Conservancy 22 97C • r ykerts (Creston) - open 7am - 11pm Kaslo Top of the Windermere Valley Golf Course information on accommodation, Kelowna 6 Trickle Creek Golf Resort Kokanee Trickle Creek World 43 • n elway (Nelson) - open 8am to midnight Fauquier Valhalla Glacier Windermere, B.C. golf packages and new and excit- Kootenay Rockies in the 2013 6 31 Kokanee Springs Golf Resort Sparwood (Trail) - open 9am - 5pm Kimberley, B.C. 33 Ainsworth 95 • waneta Hot Springs Golf Resort Services: Power carts, licensed dining, CPGA lessons, Granby 95A 93 With Near Me function, maps • PateRson (Rossland) - open 24 hrs Services: Power carts, club rentals, practice ing golf developments. Travel Guide, the Heritage and 97 Balfour Kimberley 3 Golf Course Crawford Bay Golf Club St Eugene 3 and road info, and details on dining, • Cas Cade facility, licensed dining and lounge, lessons, golf club rentals, club storage and driving range. Golf Resort where to stay and what to do The virtual travel guide down- Culture — Explorers’ Guide, the Winlaw 3A Bootleg ( Christina Lake) open 8am to midnight Lockhart Fernie Tee Times: 250-342-3004 West Arm Creek Gap Golf Cranbrook To Lethbridge • o soyoos - open 24 hrs packages including nearby Trickle Creek Lodge. Penticton Nelson Fernie Golf 2013 Rates: $31 to $34.95 load provides a number of func- Bed & Breakfast Guide, the Circle Granite Pointe Cranbrook Tee Times: 250-427-3389; 1-877-754-5462 at Nelson Golf Club Jaffray & Country Club Kianuko Wildstone 93 www.indermereValleyGolfCourse.com tions such as sharing capabilities Routes Map, the Ski and Snow- 3A 3A Golf Course 3 2013 Rates: $99 to $125 6 Castlegar Castlegar www.TrickleCreek.com More people are realizing that and web links, along with a board Map Guide and the Bike 97 33 Golf Club Gladstone 3 3 a shorter round on a sporty, Birchbank Golf Salmo 95 Waterton taxiway to tee time Once named the number-one-daily-fee course pleasurable viewing display. Vacations Guide. Oliver Lakes Redstone Golf Resort 6 3 3 93 family-friendly course makes for 3 3B 3B Creston Gilnockie Akamina-Kishinena 3 Greenwood Christina Lake 3 Creston in B.C. by Acura World of Golf, Trickle Creek Vancouver 3 While visiting the site, be sure For more information about Rock Creek Golf Club Rossland Trail 21 Golf Club Roosville in less than an hour Waneta Kingsgate intertwines with the rugged landscape of a perfect golf experience. Enjoy Osoyoos Grand Forks Christina Lake Rykerts Paterson to check out the many other the Kootenay Rockies region, Oroville 22 22A Nelway 95 Glacier great bang for your buck on a challenging, 1 forests, creeks and majestic mountains for a 37 Eureka daily flights arriving from Northport beautifully maintained course. guide options for exploring the visit KootenayRockies.mobi. 97 stunning and challenging golf outing. Resort 395 vancouver (yvr) and calgary (yyc) St Eugene Golf Resort. Photo by Don Weixl 25 31 Bonners Ferry Tiger 2 Legend 20 93

97 Multi-Lane20 Highways Republic Colville 2 Major Highways 20 95 Columbia Seasonal Roads Falls Whitefish Gravel Roads & Highways 20 Libby Ferries Bellingham Libby MONTANA 21 Cities 25 395 IDAHO 155 Evergreen Towns Sandpoint Play the three spectacular courses at Fairmont Hot Villages Kalispell 18 Hole Golf Resorts Newport Other Golf Courses WASHINGTON 2 56 Sommers Springs Resort: Riverside, Mountainside and Creekside. 97 National Parks 2 • Air Canada AppsolutelyProvincial Parks all you need! Daily Air Service Express International Border Play 45! 395 41 95 231 2 • Pacific BRITISH Golf courses, restaurants and174 more are featured 200 COLUMBIA Coastal 155 KOOTENAY Airlines 17 Vancouver ROCKIES Wilbur Hayden 28 Calgary on the KootenAy App, available231 free! Portland Seattle Coeur d'Alene Spokane CANADA Seattle 2 Spokane Montreal www.flycanadianrockies.com Davenport 90 90 1 2 Minneapolis 2 Kellogg U S A Toronto Pacific Salt Lake City New York 14 © RMV Publications Ltd. San Francisco Chicago Atlantic 15 Cheney Ocean Ocean Los Angeles

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KootenayGolfDeals.ca KootenayGolfDeals.ca PAGE 16 Saturday, April 20, 2013 DISC VER GOLF CALGARY HERALD CALGARY HERALD DISC VER GOLF Saturday, April 20, 2013 PAGE 17 What’s your stick? Posture perfect finding the perfect club will help you play your best game By carl patzel SIMPLE DRILL WILL HELP improve your stance AND GAME By Lisa “Longball’ Vlooswyk For every player there is the perfect golf club. nitely hinder your ability to perform to the best of your ability.” adjustability starts to become a factor as they get better.” Finding that proper-fitting, elusive stick can be as chal- In many cases, off-the-shelf clubs will get players into the Apart from the adjustable driver, the greatest advancement lenging as carding that first eagle. That is unless you have a swing of things, especially beginners. For the more advanced in golf clubs has been with the rescue hybrid. Three and four little help. golfer, many equipment outlets can now use the same tech- irons are becoming a thing of the past as this part-iron, part- If you are struggling with hitting crisp perfect posture is to stand up nice and According to many teaching professionals and golf-club nology as teaching professionals to find that correct fit. wood design has become the most popular club in the bag iron shots and making consistent contact, tall, shoulders back and feet shoulder fitters, the key to productive golf is measuring yourself first: James says they use launch monitors to measure club head for everyone from the novice to touring professional. check your posture. It is a key element in width apart. Keeping your shoulders back your wants and needs and even the length of your arms. speed, ball speed, launch angle and the ever-important spin “A lot of players say they’re like cheating because they the golf swing that is often overlooked for and back flat, bow only at the waist. Forget about which driver Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy are rate to help maximize swing and club performance. are so easy to hit. There is a lower centre of gravity with the golfers of all ages but it is one of the easi- Once you achieve a 45-degree angle, stop teeing up on a money-making Sunday. “We try to optimize a person’s carry with the golf club club designed to get the ball up in the air,” says James. est and quickest fixes to make. and then slightly bend your knees. I like “We try to take the golf club out of the equation as being and also their roll out. Basically we don’t want a club where When it comes to putting for dough, James adds those The most common posture fault is hav- to refer to it as cracking your knees. If a problem. Then we know your issue is something to do the shaft is too stiff and they spin the ball too much.” who play tournament golf should avoid the controversial ing a hunched back in setup. Many people you bend too much you get into a sitting with your golf swing because we’ve had all the equipment Most golfers walk into the CNGA pro shop looking for long-shaft, anchored putters which may be banned from watch TV or sit at the computer without position. You only want to slightly bend fit specifically for you,” says Calgary National Golf Academy more distance, especially from the driver. Gaining an extra the competitive ranks. a perfectly straight back. They sit relaxed, (crack) your knees. This simple setup will (CNGA) instructor, Darryl James. 10 to 15 yards off the tee can be the difference of a club And while full club sets start in the $300 range, that can with shoulders slightly rolled forward make it so much easier to rotate around The 2007-08 PGA of Alberta Player of the Year spends face tweak or changing shaft stiffness. elevate quickly with some individual shafts priced over the and a curve in their spine because it feels your spine. much of his time finding the right golf club fit for players at Almost all companies — including Nike, Callaway, Taylor $1,000 mark, says James. comfortable. Practise doing this drill every time you all levels, whether it’s replacing a complete set of 14 sticks Made and PING — etc. now offer adjustable-head drivers, “For most people who are beginners, we don’t like to see Golfers who work in an office or have a set up to a shot, whether it is an iron or just a minor tweak in club face angle. which is a major advantage to the progressive golfer. them spend tons of money to start with until they know they are desk job, could be sitting in this position shot, hybrid, fairway wood or driver. “If you don’t have a golf club that is right for you, it can defi- “If they’re playing, taking lessons and progressing, then the going to stay with the game. Then the sky is the limit.” upward of eight hours a day. Therefore, Continue to practise it until it becomes this hunched back becomes “normal.” This a habit to set up with a flat back at a explains the reason why when many play- 45-degree angle and slightly bent knees. ers go to set up for the golf swing and ad- To emphasise the difference, try setting dress the ball, their shoulders roll forward up with a hunched back and turning. and there is a curve in the spine because it Note how far you are able to turn, then START YOUR FAMILY TRADITION feels comfortable. try it with your new posture setup and in Fairmont Hot Springs, BC Having a curve in your spine will limit see if you have increased your rotation. I your ability to make a good turn. To make bet you will be amazed at the difference a proper swing, it is imperative to have a and thrilled with the result. straight flat back in setup. Your torso is Have a fabulous season on Calgary and The Columbia Valley’s able to turn effectively when it can rotate area golf courses. most talked about around the axis of your spine. If your spine is hunched it restricts your Lisa Vlooswyk is seven-time Canadian luxury vacation property mobility. When it is flat, it is easy to make Long Drive Champion currently ranked top With Ownership Options Catered a good turn. The ability to turn is what will 5 in the world. Vlooswyk is a golf enter- create coil and torque in your backswing, tainer, keynote speaker and golf journalist. to YOUR Lifestyle and Budget. and will help you add distance to your She can be reached through her website • Purchase financing game. at www.lisalongball.com or follow Lisa on • 10% down payment An easy way to help you set up with Twitter @lisalongball. • Up to 15 year ammortization 3 week ownership from $28,500 A straight back is imperative to having a good golf swing and Whole ownership from $399,900 maximizing rotation. Left, Lisa Vlooswyk demonstrates the setup for proper stance, by standing tall, BOOK YOUR bending from the waist and slightly DISCOVERY TOUR TODAY! bending the knees. By repeating 2 or 3 bedroom this simple drill whenever setting town home: 2 nights for $ up a shot, golfers will see the 199 difference good posture makes in 2 or 3 bed. with media room $ their golf game. town home: 2 nights for 299 Photos courtesy of Lisa Vlooswyk.

Surrounded by 9 golf courses [email protected] inside a 40 minute drive time 778.525.2402 www.fairmontridge.ca Calgary National Golf Academy instructor Darryl James hits out of the sand trap on 10th hole at the Canadian PGA Championship at Cottonwood Golf Club in 2011. Calgary Herald Archive DISC VER GOLF Saturday, April 20, 2013 PAGE 19 Golf junkie’s fix one-of-a-kind golf vacation experiences from the mountains to the ocean By Joel Schlesinger

British Columbia’s “super natural” reputation takes on a “For Big Sky, the thing that makes us stand out is last year whole new meaning for avid golfers looking for the ultimate we were British Columbia’s PGA Facility of the Year, so we golf getaway. were ranked the number-one public course and num- With hundreds of world-class courses, many with adjoin- ber four overall in the province when you include private ing resorts with top-notch accommodations, dining and courses.” entertainment, the only problem a links-loving tourist faces It’s also ranked in the top 30 by GolfDigest. is this: so many great courses, yet so little time. “Those are two awards that were really huge for us. “When golfers are thinking of golfing B.C., they often GolfDigest is almost the Bible of all golf magazines,” says think ‘I’ve got to go to the Okanagan; I’ve got to go to Van- Wallace. couver Island, and I’ve got to go to Whistler.’ Sometimes, Most hotels in Whistler offer discounts on tee times they do it all in the same trip,” says Jason Lowe, general during the season. And Big Sky will pick up golfers from manager of Arbutus Ridge Golf Course near Victoria. town to drive them to the course. It also offers a unique Lowe is also president of Golf Vancouver Island, representing experience called the 19th Hole, in which guests are 12 of the island’s best courses from Victoria to Campbell River. flown by helicopter to the top of Mount Currie to drive The consortium is the perfect one-stop shop for a golfing balls off a 3,000-metre peak before heading to play the weekend or extended golf-centred vacation on the number- course. one rated island vacation destination in continental North Of course, when it comes to golf destinations in B.C, America by Travel + Leisure magazine. you can’t forget the Thompson-Okanagan region, an area For those making a weekend jaunt to B.C.’s capital, Arbutus about the size of Ireland that features 74 courses, says Ellen Ridge offers golfers dual opportunities: great golf and fine wine. Walker-Matthews, spokeswoman for Thompson-Okanagan “We’re surrounded by nine wineries,” he says. “Vancou- Tourism Association. ver Island is in its infancy, but people will feel like pioneers “People like , Richard Zokol, , discovering some very nice wineries.” Robert Trent-Jones and Dave Barr have all designed courses Also near Victoria is Olympic View Golf Club. This public, in this region,” she says. 18-hole golf course will get you as close to nature at you “That’s pretty significant for golfers who want to try some can get. And it’s only 20 minutes’ drive from Victoria. amazingly challenging courses.” “It sets itself apart from others in that it takes the golfer And the region is more than happy to oblige golf junkies in the wilderness,” says Ken Langdon, sales and events co- who could golf them all but maybe only have a weekend or ordinator at Olympic View Golf Club. “You wander off into a week for just a taste of what the region can offer. the forest and you don’t come back until the 18th hole.” “There are several hotels that offer golf packages,” says The nice thing about golfing in Victoria, he says, is it’s Walker-Matthews, adding Tourism Kelowna and Tourism Ka- golfing in Victoria. mloops offers packages through their websites. “They have “Victoria is a real vacation destination, and golf is at the options where you can golf at a number of courses where top of the list for many people as a vacation activity.” they can get you special rates.” As one of the top tourism destinations in Canada, Victoria Those looking for a truly unique experience may want to has so much more to offer than golf. try staying at Sparkling Hill Resort, next to Predator Ridge Indeed, a visit to Bear Mountain, Cordova Bay, Arbutus Resort, one of the top golfing destinations. Ridge and Olympic View for some rounds of golf shouldn’t “Sparkling Hill is European-inspired spa with the only cold be missed, and plenty of tour agencies — Golf Central Tours sauna where you can go in at -30, -55 and -100 C for five and Golf Vancouver Island — can arrange a worry-free, minutes into the sauna,” she says. “The whole experience golf-filled tour of the region, he says. between golfing at Predator and staying at this Sparkling “They’ll really go out of their way to get you a well-priced Hill is something that can’t be duplicated in Canada.” inclusive vacation that includes travel, green fees and accom- If heat is more your style, you can head south to Canada’s modation.” only desert in Osoyoos, featuring Nk’Mip Canyon Desert, Os- On the mainland, the pinnacle golfing experience for many is oyoos Golf and Country Club and Sonora Dunes Golf Course. a trip to Whistler — another mecca of tourism for the province. “There’s fabulous accommodation either at Spirit Ridge, Golf Whistler offers deals on golf packages at the regions Watermark or Walnut Beach.” premier golfing destination, such as Nicklaus North, Chateau The simple fact is a golf lover can’t go wrong in B.C, says Whistler, Whistler Golf Club and Big Sky Golf and Country Club. Walker-Matthews. “We know when people come to Whistler, they’re not “There are a wide variety of topography and golf courses just coming to play Big Sky, or Nicklaus North,” says Chris throughout,” she says. Wallace, general manager of Big Sky. “They’re playing three “You can have almost as many golfing experiences as you — Victoria Golf Club in Victoria, Tourism B.C. photo or four courses.” can think of.” SS20

PAGE 2- Saturday, April 20, 2013 DISC VER GOLF CALGARY HERALD CALGARY HERALD DISC VER GOLF Saturday, April 20, 2013 PAGE 21 Walker-Matthews recommends choose to plan a golf-only vaca- people make use of several web- tion in Thompson Okanagan, the sites to help plan a vacation, with region’s wide variety of attractions a complete listing of nine- and make it ideal for a trip that com- 18-hole courses available at bines a number of activities. travelthompsonokanagan.com. For instance, visitors can build Other great online resources to getaway packages to include wine help with your golf vacation are touring, a day or two at a spa, or bcgolfguide.com, golfkelowna. rounds of golf. com and tourismkamloops.com. Golf courses have also unveiled Of great appeal to Albertans new packages aimed at bringing heading to Thompson Okanagan more female golfers to the region. to golf is the lengthy season com- Last year, Predator Ridge’s pack- pared to the prairies. age for women called Swing Like “Some years some of our courses a Girl was a huge success, says are (open) year-round,” says Walker-Matthews. Walker-Matthews. “However, the The Thompson Okanagan also golf usually starts on permanent benefits from having an excellent greens in March or early April, de- range of accommodation choices, pending on the year, and finishes making it possible to plan a golf in mid November.” vacation for almost any budget, At the beginning of the golf says Walker-Matthews. season, visitors can often ski on “The accommodation is as champagne powder one day and varied as the courses, and we have golf on championship greens the incredible selection for the very next, due to snow remaining high discriminating quests to those that up at local ski resorts while the may be more budget oriented. valleys below are already green “We even have courses that are and summer like. located along side of RV camp- While dedicated golfers may grounds.” Waterfall at the Harvest Golf Club in Kelowna. Photo by Don Weixl

Predator Ridge Golf Course Resort in Vernon. Photo by Henebry You’ll be at home on the ranges of Thompson Okanagan With more than 70 courses in a vast array of geographical settings, there’s plenty for golfers in the Okanagan region

By Gerald Vander Pyl Ellen Walker-Matthews, courses in Thompson Okana- market experiences specialist gan, and golf is definitely a The old saying “variety is with the Thompson Okanagan big draw for visitors. the spice of life” certainly ap- Tourism Association (TOTA), “Over 25 of these courses are plies to the golf scene in the says given the expanse of the championship golf courses and Thompson Okanagan region region, from in the definitely ones that should be of British Columbia. north to Osoyoos in the south, on a true golfer’s bucket list,” Thanks to a scenic combina- it offers a veritable buffet of says Walker-Matthews. tion of majestic mountains, golf options, from mountain, With golf courses spread shimmering lakes and riv- desert and grassland courses to throughout the valleys, visi- ers, verdant valleys and even ones set along rolling hills lined tors can create their own golf Canada’s only desert, there is a by apples trees. trail by sampling courses as wide variety of different styles In total, there are more they travel throughout the of golf courses to enjoy. than 70 nine-hole and 18-hole region. >>> Rivershore Estates & Golf in Kamloops. Photo courtesy TOTA PAGE 22 Saturday, April 20, 2013 DISC VER GOLF CALGARY HERALD CALGARY HERALD DISC VER GOLF Saturday, April 20, 2013 PAGE 23

Tee Times: 250-498-3635 1-800-656-5755 golf cart rental, driving range, putting GOLF COURSES Canoe Creek Golf Course Carrington’s Restaurant and Lounge. the course to explore after a round. GOLF COURSES Salmon Arm, B.C. 2013 Rates: $45 to $50 green, chipping area, practice bunker, Services: Club rental, golf cart rental, The Dunes Gallagher’s Canyon Golf & Country Club www.NkmipCanyon.com teaching pro and golf school, restaurant. Here are just a few of the courses you driving range, putting green, teaching pro Kamloops, B.C. Kelowna, B.C. www.HarvestGolf.com Reflecting the Osoyoos Indian Band’s reverence Tee Times: 250-495-3355 1-800-481-6665 can visit on a Thompson Okanagan golf and golf school, bistro. Services: Club rental, golf car rental, driving Services: Championship 18-hole course and Holes that meander alongside more than 24 for nature, Nk’Mip blends into the desert 2013 Rates: $46 to $65 (plus mandatory cart vacation. *Note: Quoted price range is for Tee Times: 250-832-3285 1-866-431-3285 range, practice facility, dining, pro shop, mid-length nine-hole Pinnacle Course, club hectares (60 acres) of working orchard and landscape and canyons of the extreme south on Desert Gold course) 18 holes, adult, non-twilight (taxes extra). 2013 Rates: $80 restaurant and banquet facilities. rental, golf cart rental, driving range, putting vineyard make The Harvest a golf experience Okanagan. The Canyon Nine provides elevated www.GolfOsoyoos.com Price may include extras such as cart and/or www.CanoeCreekGolf.com Tee Times: 250-579-3300 1-888-881-4653 green, chipping area, practice bunker, with a difference. The 7,109-yard Graham golf at its finest, while the Grove Nine stretches Osoyoos has two 18-hole tracks, each with practice facilities. For additional green fees, Like a bit of traditional British Isles golf (ext 1) teaching pro and golf school, bar and grill. Cooke-designed layout can test the best, or be out on lush fairways on the lower lands. a distinctive flavour. Park Meadows is a please visit each course’s website. brought to the Shuswap, Canoe Creek has 2013 Rates: $50 to $75 Tee Times: 250-861-4240 1-800-446-5322 (5) whittled down thanks to a variety of tee areas. walking-friendly resort-style course, while a wondrous mix of grassy fields, pot-faced www.GolfTheDunes.com 2013 Rates: Gallagher’s Canyon, $79 to $99; Okanagan Golf Club Desert Gold works its way along the desert Black Mountain Golf Course bunkers and enough creeks, waterfalls and Truly nature’s golf course, The Dunes features Pinnacle 9-hole, $27 Hyde Mountain on Mara Lake Golf Course Kelowna, B.C. mountainside and rewards pinpoint accuracy. Kelowna, B.C. marshes to give pause to even the most lush fairways carved through the sand that www.GolfBC.com Sicamous, B.C. Services: Two 18-hole championship courses Services: The Grill at Black Mountain accurate golfer off the tee. was once the riverbed of the North Thompson. Another Kelowna-area legend, Gallagher’s Services: Club rental, golf cart rental, (The Bear and The Quail), club rental, golf Predator Ridge Restaurant, golf carts, premium Callaway Measuring 7,131 yards in length with four Canyon takes golfers on a majestic round driving range, putting green, chipping area, cart rental, driving range, putting green, Vernon, B.C. rental clubs, practice greens and hitting The Club at Tower Ranch different tees, the course can fit any skill level. of golf along the edge of its picturesque teaching pro, golf school, dockside shuttle chipping area, practice bunker, teaching pro Services: Two 18-hole courses, club rental, warm-up nets. Kelowna, B.C. namesake canyon, while challenging them service, campground, restaurant. and golf school, restaurant. golf cart rental, driving range, putting Tee Times: 250-765-6890 Services: Club rental, golf cart rental, Fairview Mountain Golf Club with many well-protected greens. The Tee Times: 250-836-4653 1-877-677-4653 Tee Times: 250-765-5955 1-800-446-5322 green, chipping area, practice bunker, 2013 Rates: $62.99 to $92.99 driving range, putting green, teaching pro. Oliver, B.C. Pinnacle is a par-32 course with a layout 2013 Rates: $65 to $85 2013 Rates: $79 to $99 teaching pro, golf school, resort with www.BlackMountainGolf.ca Tee Times: 250-491-8211 (ext 209) 1-877- Services: Cart rentals, CPGA instruction, suitable for everyone from beginning www.HydeMountain.com www.GolfBC.com accommodations, spa and dining. Named a finalist as Best New Course in 491-8211 banquet and lounge facilities, grill and patio. golfers to experienced ones looking to fine Leave room in your golf bag for a camera at The Bear is a Nicklaus Designs course that Tee Times: 250-542-3436 1-888-578-6688 Canada by SCOREGolf 2010, Black Mountain 2013 Rates: $95 to $115 Tee Times: 250-498-6077 1-866-534-7264 tune various aspects of their game. Hyde Mountain. With some lofty viewpoints has been an Okanagan golfing masterpiece 2013 Rates: The Predator Course, $115 to takes its cue from the natural topography www.GolfTowerRanch.com 2013 Rates: $55 to $71.50 and towering, cliffside tee boxes, phenomenal since it was built in 1998. The Quail is a $145; The Ridge Course, $135 to $165 and vegetation of the land. The course is This semi-private, 18-hole championship www.FairviewMountain.com The Harvest Golf Club is the only way to describe the surrounding Les Furber-designed course known for its www.PredatorRidge.com dramatically sculpted into the Okanagan course is conveniently located just minutes Established in 1925, Fairview Mountain Kelowna, B.C. scenery. The Les Furber design also provides a dramatic elevation changes. Both courses A brand-new Doug Carrick-designed course, landscape, and features a signature from downtown and Kelowna International has seen several dramatic upgrades over Services: Club rental, golf cart rental, golf challenge equal to the views. offer impeccable conditions combined with The Ridge, opened in 2010, and was named island green. Designed by Cooke Carleton Airport. Designed by Thomas McBroom, the the years, the latest by Les Furber in 1990. driving range, putting green, chipping stupendous scenery. Best New Course in Canada, meaning International, Black Mountain’s challenging course boasts spectacular views from every Constantly changing elevations make for area, practice bunker, teaching pro and golf Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course Predator Ridge is now home to 36 holes of par-71 Championship layout consists of six hole and playability suitable for all levels. The an exciting round, while the setting in the school, restaurant. Oliver, B.C. Osoyoos Golf Club scenic golf. One of only two public courses par-3s, seven par-4s and five par-5s, and has clubhouse feature more than 10,000 square midst of orchards is unparalleled. There are Tee Times: 250-862-3103 1-800-257-8577 Services: Rentals, practice facility, dining, Osoyoos, B.C. in Western Canada to rank in SCOREGolf four tee box locations on each hole. pro shop, CPGA lessons, resaurant. Services: Two 18-hole courses, club rental, Magazine’s Canadian Top 25. >>> feet of amenities, including the pro shop and also 20 wineries within a 20-minute drive of 2013 Rates: $75 to $120 Osoyoos Golf Club. Photo by Don Weixl

 ‹‹‹ € ­  Ž  ™ Stay & golf | the Sonora Dunes at Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa                      Sonora duneS SPIRIT RIDGe aMenITIeS Fine tune your golf swing with the one-of-a-kind aMenITIeS    • Onsite Restaurants • Poolside Cabanas golf experience at the Sonora Dunes Golf Course.    • Golf Club Rentals • Rooftop Patios • Walking Trails • Pro Shop • Private Beach • Nk’Mip Cellars Winery Nestled among the rolling desert hills and lush vineyards of Osoyoos, this par-35, ŽŽŽ‹ŒŒ‹ • Golf Carts • Beach Rentals • Nk’Mip Desert 2523-yard golf course is surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of Canada’s   Šƒ†††ƒˆ‡†ƒ‰ˆ‡† • Clubhouse with Cultural Centre • Spirit Seeker Kid’z Kamp only true desert. Two sets of tees give golfers the option of playing 9 or 18 holes.  „  ƒ Restaurant & Patio • Fitness Centres • Solterra Desert Spa Golfers of all abilities will enjoy the solitude offered by this one of a kind natural setting. ‚€  ­     • Tournament Play • Outdoor Pools • Indian Grove       & Hot tubs Riding Stables Visit www.spiritridge.ca or call 1-877-313-9463 to book! PAGE 24 Saturday, April 20, 2013 DISC VER GOLF CALGARY HERALD CALGARY HERALD DISC VER GOLF Saturday, April 20, 2013 PAGE 25 practice facilities, dining, pro shop. GOLF COURSES Tee Times: 250-571-7888 1-866-571-7888 2013 Rates: $54 to $74 Swing over to the south The Rise www.SunRivers.com Vernon, B.C. Considered to be one of Canada’s few Services: Rentals, practice facility, Freddy’s “true” championship desert courses. Voted montana, idaho great golf getaways Patio restaurant. Golf Digest’s Best New Course in Western Tee Times: 250-545-7425 1-877-243-7417 Canada in 2003, Sun Rivers is truly a course Northern Montana, known as Glacier — Montana’s only 36-hole facility — has 2013 Rates: $75 to $115 for all skill levels, with up to five tee boxes Country, is as abundant with golf courses as views of nearby Big Mountain and sparkling www.TheRise.ca in strategic locations. The 18-hole, 7,023- its neighbours to the north, Alberta and B.C. Whitefish Lake; and the exciting Northern yard course offers dramatic elevation The Fred Couples Signature Golf Course is Basic training Areas such as the Tobacco Valley, home Big Mountain Golf Club in Kalispell features a mostly desert links-style course set with changes, sagebrush, natural sand dunes, classic bunkering, wide bentgrass fairways, to several courses including the Wilderness 7,015 yards of golf for a par-72. unparalleled views of nearby highlands and Club’s -designed track, are less Equally inviting, Idaho is also home to Okanagan Lake. The par-3 sixth has quickly gently contoured greens and natural Perfect your swing with Some than a four-hour drive from Calgary. some excellent and unique courses, and has become the signature hole as golfers tee canyons in the shadows of Mounts Peter off beside a cliff face to a green far below and Paul. instruction from the pros By carl patzel There are 23 golf courses in Glacier Coun- several distinct “golf trail” loops. Of par- guarded by a shimmering pond. try, including some recent additions in the ticular interest to Canadians is the Northern Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club last few years: Canyon River Golf Club, east Loop, centred on the community of Coeur Shuswap Lake Estates Golf Club Kelowna, B.C. Launch angle. Spin rate. Velocity. rate) we can see how the club contacts of Missoula, Mont.; Indian Springs Ranch d’Alene, Idaho, a two-hour drive south of Vernon, B.C. Services: Pro shop, cart and equipment No, it’s not the formula for propelling the ball ... angle of attack coming into Golf & Active Living Community near Eu- the border crossing at Kingsgate, B.C. Services: Club rentals, power car rentals, rentals, teaching pros, dining room, bar and an Earth-orbiting space shuttle. We’re the ball, club path and club face angle.” reka, Mont.; and the Ranch Club in Missoula. Included in the Northern Loop is Circling grill. pro shop, driving range, practice greens, talking about the golf swing. From there, it’s a walk-through process Many courses take advantage of Mon- Raven, a spectacular course winding through Tee Times: 250-765-7700 1-877-606-7700 practice sand bunkers, restaurant and Golf instruction has come a long way of massaging swing tendencies and help- tana’s diverse landscape, with Indian Springs woods and wetlands and part of the Coeur lounge. 2013 Rates: $56 to $69 since “keep your left arm straight and ing students understand golf club path incorporating natural grasslands, Buffalo Hill d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel; along with Tee Times: 250-675-2315 1-800-661-3955 www.SunsetRanchBC.com near Kalispell, Mont., providing panoramic several other well-known courses. 2013 Rates: $60 to $72 Named Kelowna’s best value for your head down,” and though it’s not and how it relates to body movement. www.ShuswapLakeEstates.com championship golf by Golf Digest, Sunset yet rocket science, it’s becoming as tech- All the Golf Canada Centre profes- views of the Flathead Valley and Rocky Other golf trails are the Central Loop near Nestled on the western end of the majestic Ranch is truly a course for all golfers. nical as getting to the moon and back. sionals are certified from the Titleist Mountains, and Polson Bay Golf Course fea- McCall, Idaho, the Southern Loop in the Boise Shuswap Lake, Shuswap Lake Estates Exceptional course conditions are the norm, But before you begin strapping on Performance Institute, which concen- turing incredible views overlooking Flathead area, and the Eastern Loop near Idaho Falls. offers an 18-hole professionally designed and the typically beautiful Kelowna-area body-manip- trates on the golf swing and how it Lake. In total, there are 14 courses in the all championship course with well-bunkered, scenery provides plenty of diversion while ulating cords relates to the limitations of an individu- Canyon River Golf Gourse winds along- encompassing Idaho Golf Trail, represent- navigating the rolling terrain and avoiding Fairway at the Harvest Golf Club in Kelowna. Photo by Henebry undulating greens and generous fairways. or other swing al’s own body mechanics. side the Clark Fork River in beautiful rolling ing the top resort, urban and mountain golf Scotty Creek. The location — only minutes apparatus, Not everyone will be able to emulate terrain, while Whitefish Lake Golf Club experiences in the state. from the Kelowna airport — is also a major Summerland, B.C. it might be the professionals. Services: Club rental, golf cart rental, benefit. worthwhile to “If a person physically can’t do putting green, chipping area, practice bunker and teaching pro, VP Grill Talking Rock at Quaaout Resort first see a golf something, then we’re not going to Luxury Beachfront Rentals restaurant. Chase, B.C. professional. try to get them to do that in their golf Tee Times: 250-494-9554 1-877-955-7955 Services: Club rental, golf cart rental, For many new swing,” said Myren, who screens his 2013 Rates: $51.43 to $60.95 driving range, putting green, chipping and seasoned students — from junior and senior to Golf Packages Available www.SummerlandGolf.com area, practice bunker, restaurant, newly golfers, the beginner and professional and for their An example of the many fine but lesser- renovated lodge. hands-on ap- physical limitations.

known courses in the region, Summerland Tee Times: 250-679-3098 1-800-663-4303 proach may be “It can (include) a fairly seasoned Spade 2013 Rates: $67 to $72 Jay Myren is a classic loved by locals and appreciated the best cure for good player who may have had some Paul www.QuaaoutLodge.com © by golf vacationers who discover the baskets of bo- hip issues and can’t turn into their left course. Overlooking the Okanagan Since opening in 2007, Talking Rock has gies and that high handicap. hip very well on their downswing. It Photo © Paul Spade Valley and nearby Trout Creek Canyon, showcased both an impressive golf track Summerland is a splendid escape from the and the rich history of the Little Shuswap “Most common thing I hear is, ‘I want will show up as certain swing fault.” busy lake scene only a short drive away. Indian Band (owners of the resort). to be more consistent and I want to hit Whether it’s four lessons, year-round FUN IS... Winding through a mature sandy forest, the ball further,’” said Jay Myren, direc- tweaking, or an off-season swing WITH A VIEW Sun Peaks Golf Course the course flirts with bigger views before tor of instruction at the Golf Canada change, Myren attempts to give the stu- GOLFING Kamloops, B.C. emerging on the shore of Little Shuswap Calgary Centre. dent a systematic, fun and enthusiastic MISSION SHORES Services: Club rental, golf cart rental, Lake. A golf professional for more than two approach to practice. Golf & Stay - Early Season rates starting at $85* Kelowna’s Luxury Waterfront Resort Accommodations driving range, practice facilities and lessons, decades and 2007 Alberta PGA Teacher “If someone has showed up here and Tobiano *Rate is per person/night and based on double occupancy. Subject to availability. resort village with accommodations and of the Year, Myren believes in teaching doesn’t even really know which end of Kamloops, B.C. Regular season rates start at $115 per person/night. Regular season starts June 15. WOOD LAKE VILLAS dining. sound golf fundamentals for a consis- the golf club to hold, it’s going to be a Tee Times: 250-578-5431 1-855-574-5474 Services: Club rental, golf cart rental, Brand New Waterfront Homes! tent, repetitive swing. very nice, slow, easy process to get them 2013 Rates: $65 to $80 driving range, putting green, chipping Visit skiwhitefish.com/calgarygolf or call 800.858.4149 for details. www.SunPeaksResort.com area, practice bunker, teaching pro and golf At the RCGA facility, pros utilize sev- to learn and understand the basics. For Located in the mountains near Kamloops, school, restaurant. eral resources to break down the golf (intermediate players) it may be more the Sun Peaks Resort golf course is a Tee Times: 250-434-5858 1-877-373-2218 swing in helping to reveal inconsistency specific.” mountain beauty, with alpine vistas that 2013 Rates: $80 to $130 and power leakage issues. Among those Myren focuses on helping the golfer stretch into the distance. So too will your www.TobianoGolf.com tools are high-speed video, special- acquire a simplistic, healthy swing that tee shots, in the thinner air at an elevation Named the best new golf course in 2008 by ized computer software and a Dop- doesn’t negatively effect the body over of 4,000 feet. The Graham Cooke-designed both SCOREGolf Magazine and Golf Digest, pler radar launch monitor, the later of time. Tobiano sits atop a bluff overlooking layout will also tempt you with several risk/ which which analyzes ball speed, launch “People aren’t necessarily always reward holes. Kamloops Lake, the surrounding grasslands 1-866-448-STAY (7829) and desert plains. The sheer contrast angles and both sidespin and backspin. looking to get a whole lot better today [email protected] • www.okanaganlodging.com between the lush green of the course “Ultimately you are trying to maxi- or tomorrow. It’s about wellness and Sun Rivers Golf Resort WHITEFISH, MONTANA Kamloops, B.C. against sun-baked hills under deep blue mize performance out of the ball. When being a good golfer 20 years from Services: Club rental, golf cart rental, skies is truly spectacular. we get real specific numbers (ie. spin now.” PAGE 26 Saturday, April 20, 2013 DISC VER GOLF CALGARY HERALD CALGARY HERALD DISC VER GOLF Saturday, April 20, 2013 PAGE 27

Golfer’s high forget the post-game cocktails, for a Par excellence true adrenaline rush, visit the 19th hole bright, stylish and functional, fairway fashion atop mount currie By CARL PATZEL is ace with trendsetting golfers By Colleen Biondi

What will fashion-conscious golfers be It is important to pay attention to style, wearing this season? Lots of wild shades, suggests Aucoin, who has seen a 400 per unique patterns, lightweight and breath- cent increase in sales over the last three able fabrics and slimmer shapes, accord- years. “You want to look good, feel good ing to two Canadian trendsetters. and play good. Fashion and fit does that.” Above: The Mississauga, Ont.- “We feature bright colours (iron blue, Vancouver’s Linda Hipp, president and based Sligo Wear collection is lime and hyper teal for spring) and of- creative director of women’s wear com- inspired by the well-dressed fer functionality and a smaller fit that pany LIJA (pronounced “Lee-zha” and a look of international golfers, works with the athlete,” says Shawn play on the word “leisure”) agrees. combining bold graphics, pops Aucoin, director of sales and marketing Women golfers have moved beyond of colour and versatile fabrics. for Sligo Wear out of Mississauga, Ont. a “pink it and shrink it” look (wearing “Our product is stylish, comfortable and adapted products made for men) and affordable.” are now donning fresher colours — LIJA’s When Aucoin was a pro golfer work- Zest line boasts oranges, yellows and reds ing at Devil’s Pulpit in Caledon Village, with a pop of powder blue — and slim- Ont., he was frustrated with the limited mer, but forgiving styles. choices for male golfers. Most were “It is about celebrating a woman’s wearing double-pleated khaki shorts and physiology,” says Hipp, who has been in oversized tops. the business since 1998. “We have shape; Above: 19th hole at Mount Currie driving range. Courtesy Blackcomb Aviation He and a few friends — inspired by a boxy cut doesn’t work.” the well-dressed look of international The technical fabrics of LIJA tops and Most golfers never really get to live on the edge. Country Club to help guests obtain a rare bird’s eye of have a small competition on top of the glacier,” says golfers they met while attending a bottoms offer moisture wicking and are Sure, birdies and eagles may cause a bit of a body the course and surrounding vista. Physick, adding participants, from individuals to large pro-am tournament in the Azores — both wind resistant and water repellant. rush, or out-driving your golfing buddies induce a This short, seven-minute chopper ride, will get you groups, can still always celebrate their golf outing with decided to start their own line of golf There is lots of pattern, from geometric slight exhilaration. much higher than a couple of after-round cocktails. a cocktail or small lunch. wear in 2004 (the name Sligo hon- and floral to modern plaid, and a variety Those weekend-warrior swingers searching for a true The Blackcomb Aviation bird will pick up golfers “It’s pretty laid back on top of the world, if someone ours the 13th hole at Devil’s Pulpit). of textures, such as woven fabrics with pulse-raising, knee-wobbling experience can find it at directly from the bent grass and majestic greens of the wants to have a beer after their 18 holes. It’s a great The Preston pant has become a laser-cut finishing and even a slash of mesh the 19th hole high atop the precipice of the Mount Big Sky club, or Whistler Village, and shuttle groups to way to finish the day.” popular product. Made of 90 per anticipated for future designs. Knit, pull-on Currie driving range. the craggy edges of this picturesque mountain top. Several other whirlybird companies scattered through- cent polyester and 10 per cent skorts are a popular seasonal choice due to Golf enthusiasts have been experiencing a unique, “You get a group of guys on the patio, they’ve just out British Columbia and Alberta offer short flights over spandex, it is stretchy but has the their comfort and youthful, sporty look. once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand on the preci- done their 18 holes and it’s something to finish it off,” golf greens. Glacier Helicopters Ltd.(1-800-316-7790), funky, detailed stitching of a denim Women golfers are even borrowing from pice of this towering 2,500-metre viewpoint over look- said Physick. based out of Revelstoke, B.C. and Calgary offer tours item on the back pocket and down other clothing lines, such as tennis wear, to ing the Pemberton, B.C. valley with driver in hand. High above the valley floor, golfers also gain a clear through Three Valley Gap and Roger’s Pass. Based in the side seam. The company’s Ewan switch-up their style. A tennis t-shirt with a “We will fly them to the top of Mount Currie where view of golf course layout, gaining a new perspective Langley, B.C., TRK Helicopters (1-888-TRK-HELI) offers shirt has a multi-hued, graphic crew neck and sleeves can easily replace a they will do a what we call a 19th hole. It’s not the on fairways, bunkers and greens. helicopter golfing tours through Kelowna, Whistler, the print across the chest, offering endless basic golf polo; a tennis skort will pair well 19th hole where you sit on the patio and drink, but This heli-golf adventure may cause a few wobbly Kootenays and even Vancouver Island. Sky Helicopters Above: Floral polo and versatility with co-ordinating fleeces, with a golf shirt. you drive the eco-friendly, biodegradable golf balls off knees, but a controlled, easy swing off the golf matt will (1-855-759-4354) cruises through the Pitt Meadows river knit skort; and opposite: wind shirts, pants, belts and hats. The goal is to look and feel your best, the top of the mountain,” said Blackcomb Aviation’s Jo produce 1,000-yard plus drives and ultimate bragging delta surrounding Surrey, B.C. and Okanagan Mountain Floral print capri pants, by Fabric blends for 2013 will provide says Hipp. “If you make the extra effort Physick. rights. Helicopters (250-491-9310) in Kelowna, B.C. can supply Vancouver-based women’s either a flat or more textured, weave-like and present yourself appropriately, it will A short drive north of Whistler, B.C., the Pemberton “Even a bad drive is still a good drive on this 19th elevated views of the Quail Ridge Golf Course, Okana- wear company LIJA. look and will contain UV-protectant and give you that extra confidence when you helicopter company partners with the Big Sky Golf and hole. No one can see where it ends up. They’ll also gan Lake and Knox Mountain. anti-microbial properties. walk up to the first tee box.”