Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/68546
GOLF REPORT 2012 After all, the region enjoys consistently great temperatures throughout an eight month plus golf season. It's the diversity of the courses, however, that really stands out to golfers. "13 remarkable courses make up Kamloops' golf-scape," says Tourism Kamloops CEO, Ms. Lee Morris. "Golfers can enjoy the stunning greens and fairways surrounded by desert grasses and cactus on one course to a fantastic alpine course boasting dramatic elevation changes. We really have the diversity of courses all in close proximity to one another. " The golf is incredible and, in fact, also award winning. Golf writers and golf publications have rewarded Kamloops courses with prestigious awards and kudos given to newer favourites including Tobiano and Talking Shuswap Profiles CANOE CREEK The Canoe Creek Golf Course in Salmon Arm offers a traditional look with a modern approach. More than 7,000 yards of rolling fields, grass-faced bunkers, immaculate greens and striking water features combine to make up a course reminiscent of those in the British Isles. The Dave Barr- design allows you to hit driver off the tee in some situations, while a more conservative club selection may be required in others. Avoiding the pot bunkers scattered strategically throughout the course is always a good idea. Just by registering in the Canoe Creek eClub, you will receive a free green fee on your birthday. This offer is valid one week prior to and one week after your birthday. Off season birthdays may play any time in the month of May. www.canoecreekgolf.com 68 N. THOMPSON / SHUSWAP Golfers seem to be having no problem calling Kamloops 'Canada's Hottest Golf Destination'. Rock, as well to perennial classics like The Dunes, Sun Rivers, Rivershore and the newly renovated Kamloops Golf & Country Club. What makes Kamloops even more attractive is Kamloops' downtown, home to a burgeoning nightlife and après golf scene. From gaming at local casinos to a variety of restaurants that feature ethnic fare, the downtown has reached that critical mass where there's more to do than time to do it. Get some culture at trendy art galleries or listen to live music at local pubs and clubs. One new 'must-do' is the self-guided walking brew tour to sample beers from around the globe as well as local pours made in Kamloops. Is there much more Kamloops can offer to golfers? "Yes", confirms Ms. Morris, a committed golfer HYDE MOUNTAIN Three kilometers off of the Trans Canada Highway in Sicamous is the Les Furber designed Hyde Mountain. This course features dramatic elevation changes and phenomenal lake views, cliffside golf shots, and more than the occasional photo opportunity. Hyde Mountain has several feature holes but #4 "Geronimo" has an elevation drop from the tee of some 140 feet to the landing area. They also offer a special unique service for marine vacationers. Located on the west shores of Mara Lake, their dock is available to golfers and boaters alike. If you come by houseboat, you can moor your boat on the shoreline beside the dock and enjoy the best of both worlds. You can then take advantage of complementary shuttle service up to the clubhouse and Loggers restaurant and lounge then passenger back to the comfort of your houseboat. Included for use before your round is a full EAGLEPOINT GC golfeaglepoint.ca• 888-863-2453 This year they have a great early twilight value after 1:00pm running every day for $40 for golf and a cart seat which includes taxes. A new short game practice area is coming online they have memberships and Corporate memberships starting at $1500 with no restrictions. Online booking is available at their new website. SHUSWAP LAKE ESTATES shuswaplakeestates.com 800-661-3955 Shuswap Lake Estates features breathtaking views of scenic Shuswap Lake, Copper Island and the surrounding mountains. Spectacular summers and mild winters make Shuswap Lake Estates a great place to live and play (Distinctive golf course and lake view home sites priced from $144,000). The herself. "Kamloops really does play to every level of golfer. We have a tremendous range of accommodation options in the area and are constantly looking at ways we can better package length driving range as well as a 10,000 square foot practice putting and chipping green. www.hydemountain.com SALMON ARM The Salmon Arm Golf Club, established in 1928, is the venerable statesman of the Golf Shuswap courses. The dramatic backdrop of Mount Ida, a now extinct volcano, is the stunning natural feature that inspired renowned golf course architect Les Furber to design the award- winning layout. The immaculate tees, fairways, and greens of this championship 18-hole course meander along the mountainside, sculpted amid towering fir and pine trees. Unspoiled by development, Salmon Arm continues to offer nearly seamless integration with the undisturbed coniferous forest of the Salmon Valley. www.salmonarmgolf.com SHUSWAP LAKE ESTATES For those looking for a good golf course and maybe a lot more, the superbly manicured 18-hole golf course offers a challenge for both the accomplished and casual golfer. Tennis, a community center, marina and sandy beaches are also yours to enjoy. The Duffers Den is a great place to hang after teeing it up... pool table, big screen TV's, and a patio overlooking the course just add to the fabulous food and service. TOURISM KAMLOOPS tourismkamloops.com • 250-372-8000 To keep up to speed on everything that is going on in Canada's Hottest Golf Market, sign up online to receive Tourism Kamloops' regular bi-monthly newsletters or event updates. Once a month, they draw a name at random from new subscribers and send out a package containing a selection of their branded swag includes hats, shirts, golf balls, slippers, playing cards and more. them for the destination golfer to make sure Kamloops remains 'Canada's Most Diverse Golf Destination'." For more, visit www.tourismkamloops.com 1200 acre Shuswap Lake Estates in Blind Bay right at the water's edge may be the answer. Family owned and operated, the first nine here opened in 1977. An additional 9 holes followed in 1993 making Shuswap Lake Estates a demanding 6467 yard, par 71 course that recently played host to the B.C. Junior Girls Championship. Efforts over the past few years have made their large putting surfaces some of the slickest and truest in the region. Aside from golf, there are a host of other amenities that attract visitors and those in search of more permanent residence. Tennis, community center, marina, sandy beaches and even a grass landing strip are also yours to use and enjoy. For golf course living lakeside, Shuswap Lake Estates offers residential lots with no set time to begin construction and your golf initiation waived with purchase of any property. They are now selling "Highlands Phase 2, 74 fully serviced properties with panoramic lake views and an area they call "The British Properties of the Shuswap". www.shuswaplakeestates.com TALKING ROCK Talking Rock at Quaaout Resort, the pride of the Little Shuswap Indian Band, is situated on the east shorelines of the Little Shuswap, across the lake from the community of Chase. The course here was designed by Cooke Carleton International. Meandering through a mature sandy forest, the 7129 yard, par 72 layout finishes with a breathtaking 18th hole along the lake's shoreline. A 16-acre, double-ended golf academy completes this resort experience for golfers of all skills and abilities. The Quaaout Resort and Conference Center is the hotel component at the resort which includes 62 lake view guestrooms, 6 Jacuzzi suites, a presidential and bridal suite. www.talkingrock.ca 2012 NORTH THOMPSON - SHUSWAP UPDATE