Golf and Travel News from
British Columbia, Canada
The Sagebrush Experience: Meandering through arid hills high above Nicola Lake, Sagebrush is a minimalist links-style masterpiece. Wide, sagebrush-lined fairways tumble along exposed bluffs, while spectacular lake and mountain views define the Thompson Okanagan course, crafted by the architect team of Rod Whitman, Richard Zokol and Armen Suny. Although Sagebrush is positioned as a private, invitation-only "boutique" golf and fly-fishing club, one-and-all are invited to partake in one- and two-day packages, featuring Sagebrush’s camera-ready layout. Here’s a taste: a one-day package, which includes unlimited golf for four players (including cart), lunch at The Hideout and fly-fishing, starts at $800. For more information on how to receive your invite, visit www.sagebrushclub.com or contact Richard Zokol directly at zokol@pgatour.com for your personal invitation.
Four Seasons Resort Whistler invites you to swing and spa: What does a perfect day of golf look like? Eighteen holes on a scenic mountain layout, post-game spa rejuvenation, and an evening capped off in style at a luxurious hotel. Enter the Spa and Golf package at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler. This golf and spa escape includes two activities per person, per day: guests can choose two rounds of golf (at Nicklaus North Golf Course or Big Sky Golf & Country Club, or both), two spa treatments, or one of each. For your spa indulgence, request one of their "Truly Canadian" treatments; the ancient cedar relaxation massage or the purely maple sugar scrub is sure to provide a sumptuously "Canuck" experience. For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com/Whistler
Golf the Fraser Valley Five: The lush and pastoral Fraser Valley, one hour’s drive east of Vancouver, is peppered with golf greens, open year-round. While each provides its own unique lure, five standouts - Ledgeview, Royalwood, The Falls, Sandpiper and Chilliwack – are favoured valley courses. From the peaceful riverside charm of Sandpiper (and the lovely Rowena’s Inn on the River) to the rugged mountainous appeal of The Falls, the golf here is scenic and full of variety. In addition, these courses, all members of the Fraser Valley Golf Alliance, are in close proximity, making for enjoyable 36-hole days. Short on time? The Abbotsford International Airport is a hop, skip and a flight away, with daily service from Edmonton, Calgary, Victoria and Nanaimo. www.fraservalleygolf.ca
Indulge in some free tee time at Fairmont Hot Springs: For a limited time, you can swing the irons through 18 holes at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, and play 27 additional holes for free. Do the math, and you have 45 holes for the price of 18. And while that seems like a whole lotta time out on the links, you’ll have plenty of ground to cover, thanks to Fairmont’s three courses: Riverside, Mountainside and the par-3 Creekside. After golf, hit the soothing natural hot springs to relax and celebrate your birdie barrage. To book your tee times and your free golf, call 1-800-665-2112. For more information on the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort visit www.fairmonthotsprings.com
Swinging and Sippin’ in Victoria: For a tasty golf weekend with the guys – or the gals – head to the province’s capital, and tee it up. Here, the golf is spectacular - just ask Mike Weir, Fred Couples and the rest of the pro lineup who recently participated in the 2010 TELUS World Skins Game at Bear Mountain. Beyond the links, Victoria’s local brewpubs are legendary. Like cake and ice cream, one can’t swing the clubs without raising a post-game glass; a delectable tour down Victoria’s "Ale Trail" – three downtown brewpubs and two breweries within walking distance of each other - makes for perfect post-round entertainment. (Canoe Brewpub & Restaurant, Swans Brewpub and Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub pair pints with local menus, while Driftwood Brewery and Phillips Brewing Co. offer tours and sampling with local experts.) Of course, before you sip, you gotta swing. Highland Pacific – which just opened up a spectacular new back nine – Olympic View, and both courses at Bear Mountain are all great places to build up your thirst. www.golfvancouverisland.ca