Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/78601
84 british columbia With the best year-round climate in Canada, the tourism appeal of Victoria, the crashing surf of Long Beach and postcard scenery from Oak Bay to Campbell River, it's easy to see why Vancouver Island is a tourist mecca. Connected by the super smooth Island Highway, you can easily travel almost the entire length of the island comfortably in a day. But along the way, you're going to want to stop to play a string of courses that is, arguably, second to none. VICTORIA AND REGION Olympic View GC marries nature and a variety of golf holes. The magnificence of the Olympic Mountains, roar of two spectacular waterfalls, harmony of eagles soaring and deer grazing, calmness of twelve lakes and the stylish rock outcroppings deliver an award winning golf experience (See feature on page 82). Located just minutes from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, the mature Glen Meadows G&CC features tree-lines of majestic Garry Oaks. The Oaks that frame many holes are something you will see only on Vancouver Island. You can play Glen Meadows for only $55 high season (Mon-Thurs) and $58 weekends HST included, Twilight is $46.00 and if arriving from Vancouver late, late twilight is $39.00. Victoria's newest public golf course is just a short drive from downtown Victoria. Highland Pacific, an 18-hole championship golf course is a perfect test for all golfers. This par 71, 6,603 yard course is routed through rolling hills with stunning viewpoints and punishing dropoffs. Island Golfer Magazine says Highland Pacific has some of the best vistas seen anywhere on any golf course as well as some of the best looking holes on Vancouver Island. 18-hole green fees Monday thru Thursday are $64 after 2 pm and are $69 Friday thru Sunday and holidays. Call 250-478-4653 for tee times. Prospect Lake GC, a 9-holer is nestled on the water's edge of the lake of the same name. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Victoria, this par 32 layout is a hidden gem consisting of five par 4s and four par 3s. The Victoria Regent Hotel is an exclusive downtown waterfront property offering luxury condominium styled penthouses and suites. This top-quality accommodator is offering a two-day deluxe golf package that includes 1 night accommodation and a chauffeured shuttle to and from the VANCOUVER ISLAND different golf clubs, including the airport. If you are looking for something even more special, why not treat yourself to a little luxury in one of their spacious one or two bedroom suites and save up to 30%. Visit victoriaregent.com or call 800-663-7472. THE COWICHAN VALLEY Located near Victoria, Arbutus Ridge Golf Club has a four star rating and was voted the Best Destination Golf Course in British Columbia by readers of Golf Nerve Magazine. Owned and operated by the GolfBC Group, Arbutus Ridge has three of the most demanding finishing golf holes on Vancouver Island. Book online tee times and save up to 15% on regular priced greens during early bird and matinee times. Also the further in advance you book the more you save! Check out their iPhone app for even easier online booking. Go to the App Store and search for GolfBC! The Group Therapy "Tournament in a bottle" is for groups of 12-28. Group Therapy includes golf with cart, dinner & prize, plus free Granville Island Brewing therapeutic beverage on 1st tee. Event organizers receive their green fee and power cart complimentary. Visit www.arbutusridgegolf.com or call 250- 743-5100. Duncan Meadows deserves the moniker as a true championship course. It has played host to the RCGA's National Club Champion's Championship and the RCGA University and College Championship in the past and hosted Canada's top women in 2011. This is a true players' course with great rhythm. Located near the city of Duncan, Cowichan G&CC's challenge lies mainly in its tricky landing areas and demanding tee shots. The province's top mid amateur tested these links in 2010. Men's nights are every Wednesday (April - September), tee times after 2:30 pm. It's $25.00 for members and $45.00 for non-members. Includes 9 holes of golf, 3-course dinner, prizes and duece pot. If you are between the ages of 19 and 45, and are interested in joining the Cowichan Golf Club you can now for only $75 a month. Call the proshop to inquire today. MID ISLAND Located next to the Nanaimo airport, Cottonwood Golf Course is one of the few courses in Canada to offer airplane parking beside the course. Cottonwood's links-style 18 hole layout offers entertaining and challenging golf where golfers are reminded to remain focused on the tasks at hand, hit the ball straight, and try to stay out of trouble. GM Trent Kaese is very happy with the way their club is evolving, "We currently have very active men's and ladies' clubs at the Cottonwood Golf Course. March through October each year our membership committees organize a busy schedule of events available to all of our members." This hidden gem has a great deal that includes golf, cart, burger and a beer for just $45 Sunday, Monday and Tuesday after 2pm. Men's and Ladies Night starts at 5:30pm, Shotguns are $47 on alternating Wednesday nights and the Nine and Dine is $35 on Thurs nights after 2pm. Fairwinds GC, with ocean and mountain views will challenge and please experienced and novice players alike. Towering Douglas Fir, Arbutus and Garry Oaks line lush fairways. Water is in play on 11 holes while over 70 sandtraps guard the greens of this 6,151 yard, par-71 course. To get there just travel 30 minutes north from the Departure Bay ferry terminal in Nanaimo, turn off the highway and follow the signs to Nanoose Bay. After receiving a great response from their Family Golf days last summer, Fairwinds is running it again. It allows junior golfers to practice their swing, learn golf course etiquette, and spend some quality time outdoors with the family. Family Golf Nights go Friday through Sunday evenings after 5 pm. The cost is only $33 for 1 adult and up to 2 juniors (5 to 14 years) or $60 for 2 adults and 2 juniors. Taxes, carts and club rentals are not included. On those same days kids also play free after 4pm when accompanied by an adult. If that's not enough, after a game of golf, kids eat free when you purchase an adult meal. In other news, last winter Fairwinds Golf Club spent over a million dollars installing a new irrigation system on the back nine holes. It will improve the golf course with reduced wet spots, and it will reduce water consumption. Mount Brenton Golf Course is located in the scenic town of Chemainus, famous for its murals. In operation since 1948, Mount Brenton is a gem with plenty of creeks, ponds and towering firs. These combine to make a challenging course for every level of golfer. The golf course undertook a major drainage project last summer. The project is now complete and the results are amazing. The fairways and greens are firm and dry. Members and Green Fee players are raving about the condition of the course. They feel that they have one of the most playable year-round courses on the island. Word has it that membership has increased to near maximum after the improvements. Continued on next page