True North
OKANAGAN, B.C.
In the mid-19th century, the okanagan region of British Columbia was the site of an influx of prospectors and the area became known as “the gold colony.” That gold rush is now part of history books, but in the past few years this mountainous region of the in- terior of this Canadian province has seen another sort of explosion—a golf rush.
Its temperate, dry climate allows golf to be played from March through OCctober, and with the prevalence of vineyards in many ways this dramatic region of Canada is like a nascent version of Napa Valley, punctuated by upstart boutique wineries run by those anxious to re- treat to the idyllic valley surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
WHERE TO PLAY:
1. PREDATOR RIDGE (Vernon) Some would argue this is the premier golf resort in Canada, with the perfect mix of luxuries and two courses. The better of the two is the Ridge Course, a Doug Carrick makeover that added a new nine and completely reworked the existing holes in recent years. Carrick uses exposed rock throughout, but in the designer’s favored style, the course is wide enough not to beat you up off the tee if you are distracted by the stun- ning views. Peak rate: $165
2. TOBIANO (Kamloops) A Thomas McBroom course—and given its landscape that o?en looks like the surface of the moon, Tobiano is unique indeed. Not an easy course if the wind blows, but some of Canada’s best holes can be found on this unique hills- and-desert design. The best—like the staggering par three at 197 yards of carry to a plateau green that sits on a cliffside—are unlike anything you’ll find—anywhere. Note that ongoing fi nancial problems with the property haven’t impacted the golf operations. Peak rate: $130
3. TOWER RANCH (Kelowna) Don’t be fooled by the first hole, with its hydro transformer ruining an otherwise fine opener. Tower Ranch is well worth investigating, especially if you’re staying in nearby Kelowna. The back nine is the prize at Tower Ranch, with huge elevation changes and dramatic tee shots over deep valleys. Peak rate: $115
SLEEPER PICK:
4. TALKING ROCK (Chase)
A native-run facility on the drive from Kamloops, this Wayne Carleton and Graham Cooke course runs holes through a vast forest and up the side of a mountain. Nonetheless it is emi- nently playable and can even be walked, a rarity for courses with significant elevation. Peak rate: $72
WHERE TO STAY:
Predator Ridge’s Lodge is as nice as anything you’ll find, and many of the rooms overlook the course. In Kelowna check into the Hotel Eldorado, a classy boutique hotel right on the shores of Lake Okanagan, that has been around for more than 80 years. Relax, head down the patio overlooking the lake and breathe in the experience.
ALBERTA
At the height of the roaring 1920s, competing railways determined that a mountainous area of Alberta located north of Calgary would be the perfect location for world-class golf. Thus Canadian National Railway hired Canada’s most famed designer, the colorful and talented Stanley Thompson, to carve Jasper Park Lodge out of a rocky stretch of land. Te course would open in 1925 to wild acclaim, including comments from Augusta National designer Alister MacKenzie, who claimed Jasper was among the best in the world. Tree years later Thompson created Banff, which he allegedly spent more than $1 million building, an immense amount of money at the time. More than 80 years later, the two courses remain among the must plays in Canada, and arguably the two best mountain courses in North America.
WHERE TO PLAY:
1. JASPER PARK LODGE (Jasper)
Located five hours north of Calgary in a timeless resort town, Jasper is largely representative of Thompson’s vision, having only been slightly tweaked over time. It may be short by modern standards, at just over 6,600 yards, but over 18 holes Thompson tosses the playbook at the golfer, from big bold par-4s like the third hole, which doglegs to the right, and nasty short par threes like the “Bad Baby,” the designer’s 138-yard monster on the back nine. Peak rate: $180
2. BANFF SPRINGS (Banff)
Banff was among Thompson’s greatest accomplishments, a course that sits surrounded by inescapable mountain scenery. Most know its 4th hole, the world famous Devil’s Cauldron, a par three over a pond with a shattered rock bottom, that has long been regarded as one of the world’s best golf holes. But Banff ’s majesty lies in its bunkers, the proximity of raging rivers and the looming pres ence of the Banff Springs Hotel, which overlooks the old opening and finishing holes (now the 14th and 15th holes). It is a delight to play, easily walkable and one of the great golf experiences in Canada. Peak rate: $230
SLEEPER PICK:
3. STEWART CREEK (Canmore)
Calgary designer Gary Browning created this mountain course, which many consider the finest of the modern designs in the region. A fun course that never fails to make you think your way around. Peak rate: $195
WHERE TO STAY:
Spend the extra cash and book at least one night in the Fairmont Banff Springs, a world-renowned historic hotel with few rivals in the world. Also be sure to reserve a night in Jasper at Fairmont’s Jasper Park Lodge. Ask for a room near the course and take the short walk to the first tee in the morning.
CAPE BRETON ISLAND
Cape Breton Island, where in 1497 the explorer John Cabot unfurled the British royal standard, is not only a remarkable destination—it is also home to arguably Canada’s two best public golf courses. The Cabot Trail, a ribbon of highway strung along cliffs high above the ocean, is a can’t-miss scenic drive—especially since the journey’s rewards are Highlands Links and the new Cabot Links, both among the truly great golf courses of the world.
WHERE TO PLAY:
1. HIGHLANDS LINKS (Ingonish) Designer Stanley Thompson was fearless in making his own mark on the Highlands. In a strategy he used regularly, the course is divided equally between one-, two- and three-shot holes, creating a distinct rhythm to the round. Drama and difficulty build before Highlands Links hammers players with a stretch of finishing holes to rival any in the world. Razor sharp and as thrilling a golf experience as can be found at any public course in Canada. Peak rate: $105
2. THE LAKES
Another newcomer to Cape Breton, this Graham Cooke design, is set about a half hour outside of Sydney, the largest city on the island. It opened a bit prematurely, but conditioning has come around nicely and the elevation offers some intriguing holes, including the sixth, an interesting and exciting par four overlooking the Bras d’or Lake. Peak rate: $79
3. CABOT LINKS (Inverness)
Already heralded as one of the best courses in the world in its rookie season, many wonder if the praise for Cabot Links is simply hype. It isn’t. Golfers who venture to this sea- side town on the west coast of Cape Breton get a modern marvel, a course that many will discuss among the best they’ve ever played—not just in Canada, but anywhere. Be warned—this is a true links, and that means carts are not allowed. So find a caddie and enjoy the walk. Peak rate: $150
SLEEPER PICK:
4. LE PORTAGE
This rustic gem sits halfway between Highlands Links and Cabot Links, making it the perfect place to stop and play a quick 18 holes before continuing on your drive. Peak rate: $52
WHERE TO STAY:
Cabot Links didn’t just create a great golf experience—they top it off by offering the coolest golf hotel in the country, with every room overlooking the splendor of
the course.
--Robert Thompson
***
This article orginally appeared in this year's PRO:FORMANCE magazine, which you can check out by CLICKING HERE
In the mid-19th century, the okanagan region of British Columbia was the site of an influx of prospectors and the area became known as “the gold colony.” That gold rush is now part of history books, but in the past few years this mountainous region of the in- terior of this Canadian province has seen another sort of explosion—a golf rush.
Its temperate, dry climate allows golf to be played from March through OCctober, and with the prevalence of vineyards in many ways this dramatic region of Canada is like a nascent version of Napa Valley, punctuated by upstart boutique wineries run by those anxious to re- treat to the idyllic valley surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
WHERE TO PLAY:
1. PREDATOR RIDGE (Vernon) Some would argue this is the premier golf resort in Canada, with the perfect mix of luxuries and two courses. The better of the two is the Ridge Course, a Doug Carrick makeover that added a new nine and completely reworked the existing holes in recent years. Carrick uses exposed rock throughout, but in the designer’s favored style, the course is wide enough not to beat you up off the tee if you are distracted by the stun- ning views. Peak rate: $165
2. TOBIANO (Kamloops) A Thomas McBroom course—and given its landscape that o?en looks like the surface of the moon, Tobiano is unique indeed. Not an easy course if the wind blows, but some of Canada’s best holes can be found on this unique hills- and-desert design. The best—like the staggering par three at 197 yards of carry to a plateau green that sits on a cliffside—are unlike anything you’ll find—anywhere. Note that ongoing fi nancial problems with the property haven’t impacted the golf operations. Peak rate: $130
3. TOWER RANCH (Kelowna) Don’t be fooled by the first hole, with its hydro transformer ruining an otherwise fine opener. Tower Ranch is well worth investigating, especially if you’re staying in nearby Kelowna. The back nine is the prize at Tower Ranch, with huge elevation changes and dramatic tee shots over deep valleys. Peak rate: $115
SLEEPER PICK:
4. TALKING ROCK (Chase)
A native-run facility on the drive from Kamloops, this Wayne Carleton and Graham Cooke course runs holes through a vast forest and up the side of a mountain. Nonetheless it is emi- nently playable and can even be walked, a rarity for courses with significant elevation. Peak rate: $72
WHERE TO STAY:
Predator Ridge’s Lodge is as nice as anything you’ll find, and many of the rooms overlook the course. In Kelowna check into the Hotel Eldorado, a classy boutique hotel right on the shores of Lake Okanagan, that has been around for more than 80 years. Relax, head down the patio overlooking the lake and breathe in the experience.
ALBERTA
At the height of the roaring 1920s, competing railways determined that a mountainous area of Alberta located north of Calgary would be the perfect location for world-class golf. Thus Canadian National Railway hired Canada’s most famed designer, the colorful and talented Stanley Thompson, to carve Jasper Park Lodge out of a rocky stretch of land. Te course would open in 1925 to wild acclaim, including comments from Augusta National designer Alister MacKenzie, who claimed Jasper was among the best in the world. Tree years later Thompson created Banff, which he allegedly spent more than $1 million building, an immense amount of money at the time. More than 80 years later, the two courses remain among the must plays in Canada, and arguably the two best mountain courses in North America.
WHERE TO PLAY:
1. JASPER PARK LODGE (Jasper)
Located five hours north of Calgary in a timeless resort town, Jasper is largely representative of Thompson’s vision, having only been slightly tweaked over time. It may be short by modern standards, at just over 6,600 yards, but over 18 holes Thompson tosses the playbook at the golfer, from big bold par-4s like the third hole, which doglegs to the right, and nasty short par threes like the “Bad Baby,” the designer’s 138-yard monster on the back nine. Peak rate: $180
2. BANFF SPRINGS (Banff)
Banff was among Thompson’s greatest accomplishments, a course that sits surrounded by inescapable mountain scenery. Most know its 4th hole, the world famous Devil’s Cauldron, a par three over a pond with a shattered rock bottom, that has long been regarded as one of the world’s best golf holes. But Banff ’s majesty lies in its bunkers, the proximity of raging rivers and the looming pres ence of the Banff Springs Hotel, which overlooks the old opening and finishing holes (now the 14th and 15th holes). It is a delight to play, easily walkable and one of the great golf experiences in Canada. Peak rate: $230
SLEEPER PICK:
3. STEWART CREEK (Canmore)
Calgary designer Gary Browning created this mountain course, which many consider the finest of the modern designs in the region. A fun course that never fails to make you think your way around. Peak rate: $195
WHERE TO STAY:
Spend the extra cash and book at least one night in the Fairmont Banff Springs, a world-renowned historic hotel with few rivals in the world. Also be sure to reserve a night in Jasper at Fairmont’s Jasper Park Lodge. Ask for a room near the course and take the short walk to the first tee in the morning.
CAPE BRETON ISLAND
Cape Breton Island, where in 1497 the explorer John Cabot unfurled the British royal standard, is not only a remarkable destination—it is also home to arguably Canada’s two best public golf courses. The Cabot Trail, a ribbon of highway strung along cliffs high above the ocean, is a can’t-miss scenic drive—especially since the journey’s rewards are Highlands Links and the new Cabot Links, both among the truly great golf courses of the world.
WHERE TO PLAY:
1. HIGHLANDS LINKS (Ingonish) Designer Stanley Thompson was fearless in making his own mark on the Highlands. In a strategy he used regularly, the course is divided equally between one-, two- and three-shot holes, creating a distinct rhythm to the round. Drama and difficulty build before Highlands Links hammers players with a stretch of finishing holes to rival any in the world. Razor sharp and as thrilling a golf experience as can be found at any public course in Canada. Peak rate: $105
2. THE LAKES
Another newcomer to Cape Breton, this Graham Cooke design, is set about a half hour outside of Sydney, the largest city on the island. It opened a bit prematurely, but conditioning has come around nicely and the elevation offers some intriguing holes, including the sixth, an interesting and exciting par four overlooking the Bras d’or Lake. Peak rate: $79
3. CABOT LINKS (Inverness)
Already heralded as one of the best courses in the world in its rookie season, many wonder if the praise for Cabot Links is simply hype. It isn’t. Golfers who venture to this sea- side town on the west coast of Cape Breton get a modern marvel, a course that many will discuss among the best they’ve ever played—not just in Canada, but anywhere. Be warned—this is a true links, and that means carts are not allowed. So find a caddie and enjoy the walk. Peak rate: $150
SLEEPER PICK:
4. LE PORTAGE
This rustic gem sits halfway between Highlands Links and Cabot Links, making it the perfect place to stop and play a quick 18 holes before continuing on your drive. Peak rate: $52
WHERE TO STAY:
Cabot Links didn’t just create a great golf experience—they top it off by offering the coolest golf hotel in the country, with every room overlooking the splendor of
the course.
--Robert Thompson
***
This article orginally appeared in this year's PRO:FORMANCE magazine, which you can check out by CLICKING HERE