Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/309816
45 Six kilometres north of Cranbrook, Shadow Mountain is located on a 580-acre site that features 3.5 kilometres of frontage along the St. Mary River... a stretch of water world-famous for its fly fishing. And now it is famous for something else–the spectacular Shadow Mountain Golf Course. In the original search for a course architect, the then owners at Shadow Mountain were very careful in selecting someone they felt shared their dream and philosophy in working with the natural landscape and not someone, they said, that would come in and "build" a golf course by moving a lot of material constructing false features. With those criteria, picking Canadian Wayne Carleton was an easy decision. He was on site throughout construction and grow-in, tweaking things here and there. Somewhat unusually, he has also been very involved in the design of the residential development. "Shadow Mountain is one of the most intriguing properties for golf that I have had the pleasure to work on in Canada," said Carleton. "The routing takes the golfer on an adventure across this diverse landscape of rolling forested sand dunes and mountainous terrain. No expense was spared in preserving the natural character of this wonderful site, letting the land dictate the design and thus allowing us to create some of the most memorable golf holes you will ever have the privilege of playing." Since completion, the facility has undergone some significant changes highlighted by a new owner. The golf course was purchased by Denille Industries, a gas and oil company out of Edmonton that was looking to diversify its operations. Norm Chauvette, GM and Chief Financial Officer, said the decision to buy the course came out of the interest and awareness of Denille Industries' owner. Said Chauvette, "The owner of our company has been golfing that course for probably two or three years. When there was an opportunity to purchase it, he said, 'You know what, that's a great opportunity to be the owner of a world class golf course.'" The purchase, at this point, is only for the golf course . Chauvette said another group purchased the development lands around it. He said Denille Industries has expressed interest in taking some pieces of the property, but negotiations are ongoing. There will be no need, however, for golfers to do any negotiating here... the prices and deals are exceptional. Weekday specials at Shadow Mountain include their Tuesday Ladies Night for $45 and Thursday Men's Night for $50, which include golf with cart, range balls, dinner and prizes. Also Sunday is Family Night (after 4pm) where juniors play for free with two paying adults at $99. 2014 Season Passes are also available for 5 - 30 games ranging from $399 to $1,799. Visit shadowmountain.ca for more information. IMAGE CREDIT / COURTESY FACTILITY BY BRYAN OUTRAM COURSE PROFILE A golf getaway to Kamloops is, in a word, diverse. 13 courses, all within close proximity, offer golfers the chance to play a desert course surrounded by native fescue and cactus in the morning, an alpine course with dramatic elevation changes in the afternoon, and a whole new variety the next day – lakeside, riverside and mountainside. Forever a "must play" on any golfer's list is Tobiano. Overlooking spectacular Kamloops Lake, this course always presents a challenge to golfers. "This past winter seemed really long but the course has weathered exceptionally well," says Director of Golf and GM, Don Brett-Davies. "The combination of our course's great conditioning paired with the distinction of being the #1 Public Golf Course in BC and the #10 ranked course in Canada fuels the great vibe and feedback experienced here at Tobiano." Another course ready for the year is Rivershore Estates and Golf Links who will be hosting the PGA of B.C. Assistants', Womens' and Seniors' Championships. "This tournament is a big deal for us," says Kerry Ward, GM and Director of Operations. "The event will highlight the course to those in the golf world who celebrate the challenge of our Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed course." As far as celebrations go, it's hard to top Kamloops Golf & Country Club's special anniversary. "We are anticipating a great year as we commemorate a century of fantastic golf at our course," says GM Harold Simkins. "Our 100th anniversary will be marked in part by hosting the B.C. Ladies Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships as well as a 'Hickory' golf tournament, a tournament where participants will be playing with hickory-shafted golf clubs." "Kamloops certainly caters to those wanting a golf experience that's different from course to course to course," confirms Tourism Kamloops' CEO Ms. Lee Morris, an avid golfer herself. "Enjoy the great weather, diverse landscapes, warm hospitality and exceptional golf in Kamloops." For more information, visit tourismkamloops.com VIA SUBMISSION REGIONAL PROFILE Kamloops certainly caters to those wanting a golf experience that's different from course to course to course. Enjoy the great weather, diverse landscapes, warm hospitality... and exceptional golf.