Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/309816
Sagebrush Is Definitely Open To PUBLIC PLAY It may be one of the better kept secrets in Canadian golf that one of the country's best courses is accessible to the public. Sagebrush Golf & Sporting Club, Canada's first minimalist, links-style golf course opened in 2009 near Merritt with play basically limited to only "qualified" guests. This mindset was in keeping with the idea of an ultra-private club complete with a fly-fishing pond beside the 13th hole. More recently, the ownership has invited more non-member rounds with their 'Guest Program.' Explains Bob Garnett, President at Sagebrush since 2012, "At this point we are a semi-private club. We do have members but right now people can come here and play this amazing course. Prime tee times are definitely available." The concept of a links course on a mountainside was visionary and the result is one of the most interesting and unique courses anywhere. We do have members but right now people can come here and play this amazing course. Prime tee times are definitely available." IMAGES CREDIT / COURTESY JEFF MINGAY IMAGES CREDIT JEFF SUTHERLAND / COURTESY INSIDE GOLF 2014 BC "MUST-PLAY" FACILITY PROFILE Sagebrush is closer than you think... Less that 3 hours from the Port Mann bridge and only 1.5 hours from Kelowna. Also when it is raining in the Lower Mainland, it is almost always not in Merritt. After all they only get 8 inches of rain per year. From the day it opened, Sagebrush has received the accolades reserved for only the best layouts. Golf Digest named Sagebrush the Best New Course in Canada in 2009 and more recently Golfweek rated it the 3rd best modern course in Canada (2012) and along with Capilano the best BC courses in Canada. Since opening they have added three deluxe cottages and in 2013 and unveiled one of the most spectacular and challenging putting courses in the game as part of its unique new two-acre practice area. Designed by Rod Whitman, one of golf's most respected architects (who co- designed Sagebrush with Richard Zokol and Armen Suny) the Badlands Putting Course is reminiscent of the famed Himalayas Putting Course at St Andrews. The more flexible access policy has seen more golfers on the course highlighted in 2013 with the CJGA junior golf tour holding a prestigious tournament there. Concludes Garnett, "With first-class accommodations, the Putting Course, and the superb Badlands Patio, Sagebrush now has everything for member and guest play and we are starting to see more people being aware of just what we have to offer. Rounds in 2013 were up 50% from 2012 and we invite BC golfers to come up and enjoy this unique experience, to play one of the game's finest courses, and to stay in one of the three spectacular member cottages." For rates and more information about Sagebrush, visit sagebrushclub.com. BY JEFF SUTHERLAND 54