Inside Golf Inc.

Fall 2012

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FACILITY PROFILE SEA-TO-SKY STARS Golf BC's the province (plus three at Wailea on Maui), they are consistently ranked among the best throughout western Canada. While GolfBC may be prominent in all major tourism regions of the province, it is hard to argue with saying Nicklaus North and Furry Creek in the Sea-to- Sky corridor are among their highest profile facilities. FURRY CREEK G&CC Travelling north from Vancouver on the much improved Sea-to-Sky Highway, you will reach Furry Creek in less than half an hour's drive. This par 72, 18- hole golf course was designed by Robert Muir Graves and built in 1993. A spectacular setting right on the edge of Howe Sound is just the start for this stunning layout. Perched on the side of a mountain, here the cliche of eighteen signature holes is simply the truth. This is show golf at its best. One of the best known brands in B.C. golf is the aptly named GolfBC. Comprised of a group of nine courses spread across It starts on the first tee. With its striking 165-foot plunge to a near sea-level fairway, even a five-iron will seem to hang forever. Holes then criss-cross the mountainside, climbing up and down... highlighted by the iconic 211-yard, par three-14th. With a green stretching out into the ocean waters fronted by a rocky beach, this is undeniably the image that defines B.C. golf to the world. Matching the course here is a clubhouse that seamlessly fuses West Coast and Asian architecture. When there be sure to visit the Sea to Sky Grill - serving the best in West Coast cuisine and situated beside the rushing waters of Furry Creek. Call 1-888-922-9462 or visit www.furrycreekgolf.com. NICKLAUS NORTH While it may seem near impossible to match up to Furry Creek, GolfBC's other property in the Sea-to-Sky corridor is more than up to the task. Nicklaus North, located five minutes north of Whistler's main village, has the pedigree of a champion. GolfBC Introduces Family-and Beginner-Friendly "Quik Tees" The latest addition to GolfBC's "Growing the Game" initiative, are vibrant orange tees placed approximately 150-200 yards from each green shortening the course to approximately 3,000 yards while maintaining the established par. "Golf is an excellent activity that families can enjoy together while getting fresh air and exercise. Our Quik Tees offer junior or beginner golfers an option to play the game in a more relaxed and enjoyable environment while their more advanced playing partners can still enjoy the challenge of their regular tee," says Rita Rennie, Corporate Marketing Manager at GolfBC. 20 Jack Nicklaus was invited here to sculpt a well- treed level valley site nestled at the base of the majestic Whistler and Blackcomb mountains into a championship layout. Jack's "Signature Design" par 71, 6961 yard course is defined by generous fairways and greens that are large, receptive and impeccably manicured. An environmentally-conscious project, completed with awareness and sensitivity toward the area's natural habitat, this course was built to the highest specifications using premium golf course construction technology. Winner of numerous awards since its opening in 1996, Nicklaus North has played host to events like The Skins Game and Shell's Wonderful World of Golf, welcoming some of golf's biggest names such as Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Ernie Els, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, John Daly and Stephen Ames to name a few. Jack said while competing here at the 2005 Skins Game, "Nicklaus North is a fabulous course in a beautiful setting." While there are a number of great holes here (all the par threes are first rate), it is hard to argue that Nicklaus North rises to a crescendo with its final three. #16 and #18 are demanding par fours that cross the intimidating rushing waters of Fitzsimmons Creek while the #17 is a 226-yard par three that runs along the shores of glacial fed Green Lake. These three holes are simply outstanding and may be one of the strongest finishes in B.C. golf. The clubhouse here is located lakeside as well and is the perfect place to 'hang' after a round. It features a casually elegant dining room and a fireside lounge to relax and enjoy your favourite sporting events on high def TVs. But the highlight has to be the 4000 sq. ft. summer patio with panoramic mountain views, overlooking Green Lake and the 16th hole. As Mike Zuccolin, General Manager says, "This is a memorable spot that combines classic cuisine with scenic brilliance." While the scenic brilliance may be courtesy of mother nature, the classic west-coast cuisine is the work of Executive Chef Eric Gilchrist. Eric, who was born and raised on Bowen Island and West Vancouver, came home after a series of positions that culminated as Executive Chef at New York's Ritz- Carlton Central Park Hotel. Concludes Zuccolin, "While we may have some of Whistler's best cuisine, we also offer some of Whistler's best prices on beer and wines and are very proud of our "Par-71" cocktail list. This is a must-visit whether you are golfing or not." Call 1-800-386-9898 or visit www.nicklausnorth.com. CRYSTAL LODGE & SUITES To go along with these courses, GolfBC offers top quality accommodations at the Crystal Lodge. "At the centre of it all" in the middle of Whistler village, their 158 rooms range from traditional hotel rooms to loft suites to three bedroom suites. Aside from an unbeatable location and a great range of room options, the Crystal offers the most retail shops and restaurants attached to any one hotel in Whistler... Starbucks, Roots, Lululemon, Cittas, Ric's Grill and CanSki, to name a few. Says General Manager Ian Lowe, "On top of that, as a guest you will enjoy the benefits and discounts with many of these stores and restaurants with our exclusive Crystal Advantage program." In addition to the location, rooms and services, you can also enjoy a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness room, award winning 4 star service, complimentary wireless internet, heated underground parking, complimentary ski and bike valet. Call 1-800-667-3363 or visit www.crystal-lodge.com. To take advantage of all GolfBC has to offer in the Sea-to-Sky corridor, make sure to go to www.golfbc.com and check out the "Sea To Sky Golf Getaway." This great value gets a round of golf with cart at both Furry Creek and Nicklaus North plus one night's stay at the Crystal Lodge in Whistler Village. Packages start at $199 per person. BY JEFF SUTHERLAND ALL IMAGES COURTESY GOLFBC

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