Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/309816
The 'feast' was actually designed back in 2007 by award-winning Canadian golf architect Thomas McBroom. McBroom knew he'd found something unique in the world when he first saw the site for Tobiano: "My first thought was just how powerful the site is from a drama and a beauty point of view. I've said it many times, but Tobiano has to be the best site that I've ever seen in terms of that beauty and that drama." The site of the historic Six Mile Ranch has been transformed from rugged benchlands into a golf course that is as visually captivating as it is thrilling to play. Aside from one of the most striking sites in Canadian golf, the layout also, somewhat unusually, has five par 5s and five inspiring par 3s. However, it may be the stretch of eight par 4s highlighted by the dramatic stretch from #4 through #6 that will make selecting Tobiano's signature hole as lively a discussion in the clubhouse as your action on the course. The course has received many accolades including a top 6 ranking in the province from the PGA of BC in their 2012 "Top Tracks" awards. McBroom has called the greens here the "…best putting surfaces in Canada." Memberships here are very popular and when you join you are immediately part of the Pacific Links group of courses which now includes Bear Mountain and all Golf BC properties (visit pacificlinks.com for more info). There is another option aimed primarily at locals that would still be great value for tourists who plan to visit more than three times during the season; the Tobiano Tee Card for just $199 +GST gets you one round of golf during the 2014 season, plus 15% off your other green fees throughout 2014, not to mention unlimited use of one of the finest practice facilities in Kamloops. One great way to become a local is to buy real estate at Tobiano. While the new local ownership for the real estate portion of the development is still getting back up to speed, there are some homes that are already built currently for sale. One such listing right now is a stunning home overlooking the lake on 2 acres with an asking price of close to a million dollars (see image left). Another 67 serviced, single-family lots will be available very soon with prices from $130,000 to $380,000. tobiano.ca •877-373-2218 This year Tobiano celebrated an April 4th start with a deal posted on their Twitter feed (@tobianogolf) where $65+GST got you 18 holes with cart and driving range use. Even their high-season rate (May 2-Oct 2) is a very reasonable $145 with a Twilight (5 hours before dusk) rate of $65. All green fees include golf, shared GPS equipped power cart, driving range use, and a bottle of water per player. Junior Rates are discounted at 50% off the applicable adult green fee. Tobiano is located just 20 minutes west of downtown Kamloops and they have Stay and Play Packages with three of the top hotels in the area (Four Points Sheraton, Hotel 540 and Hampton Inn). The 7-year old course is settling in as one of the top-ranked facilities in the province but they are not resting on their laurels. New ownership came in last year and ongoing tweaks and improvements are the result. There is a new sign at the front entrance and the clubhouse is sporting updated carpets… all signs that they are now addressing the smaller details. On their website, CPGA Class A Professional Don Brett-Davies (who has recently been promoted to General Manager) confirms this new commitment. "With a new ownership in place, with a renewed vision and commitment for the golf course, there are a lot of fresh elements coming to Tobiano… this updated website is more user-friendly, intuitive and demonstrates the scale of incredible scenery that is Tobiano. What remains the same is the award-winning golf course, ranked in the Top 10 in Canada, and as the top public facility in British Columbia. That's staying just the same. And yes, the same remarkable holes and the same incredible vistas are still ever-present at Tobiano. The course will test your abilities and give you a feast for your eyes." Planning a trip to Tobiano this summer? Check out the course before you even leave home. Their new, user-friendly website offers 3D videos of each hole designed to showcase the many tantalizing shots Tobiano has to offer. Book tee times, plan your own private events, and stay up to date by subscribing to their email list. General Manager Don Brett-Davies says the new website is "…just the latest in a number of exciting initiatives we have in mind for Tobiano." BY JEFF SUTHERLAND WITH ZOE LAUCKNER COURSE PROFILE ONE OF MANY SIGNATURE HOLES AT TOBIANO ALL IMAGES CREDIT / COURTESY TOBIANO Tobiano Heads Into Seventh Season In Great Shape REAL ESTATE HERE IS ON THE UPSWING BOTH FOR NEW LOTS AS WELL AS RESALES IMAGE CREDIT / COURTESY LIZ FORSTER / 250.682.2289 Courses in Kamloops like Tobiano do tend to open earlier than others in BC's Interior and 2014 was no exception. 20