Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/130253
5/9/13 9:33 AM Page 1 REGIONAL REPORT BY BRYAN OUTRAM Kootenays Rockies Columbia Valley Golf Trail golfcolumbiavalley.ca 877-966-2266 The scenic Columbia Valley Golf Trail is located in the Columbia Valley in British Columbia and is a mere three hour drive west of the city of Calgary. Anchored by Radium Hot Springs to its north and Fairmont Hot Springs to its south, it is water that defines this Valley; from the headwaters of the Columbia River to the south to Lake Windermere in the centre and the majestic Columbia River delta flowing north. Surrounding the water in the Valley you will find plenty to see, do, and experience. The Trail's nine spectacular courses offer a unique golf experience... putting more golf in your reach in less time, just 35 minutes from end to end, with a golf season that starts around the end of March and goes until the end of October. Visit their website to take advantage of special deals and arrange your own unique Stay and Play package. Columbia Valley Golf Trail is proud to be the host of the 2013 B.C. Amateur Championship this coming July 9-12 at The Springs at Radium and Copper Point Golf Courses. The tournament will host a full field of 156 amateur golfers as well as Rory Fleming of Red Deer, AB, the defending champion. Play will begin on July 9th at The Springs at Radium and wrap up at Copper Point Golf Course on the 12th. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to attend this free event. The Championship event will be the first major event in some years to be held in the Columbia Valley and is sure not to disappoint. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort fairmonthotsprings.com Mountainside Course 800-663-4979 / 250-345-6514/6311 Riverside Course 800-665-2112 / 250-345-6346 It's little wonder why B.C.'s Fairmont Hot Springs Resort tempts golfers year after year to play the spectacular 45 holes of golf spread over Riverside, Mountainside and Creekside Golf Courses. The three courses, located one hour from Cranbrook, B.C. and three hours west of Calgary, AB provide an experience the seasoned golfer, the whole family or an avid walker will enjoy. 40 Mountainside, the original Fairmont Hot Springs golf course, went under the knife in 2012 and unquestionably, came out better than ever. World renowned,Canadian golf course architect Doug Carrick restored a total of seven holes, solidifying Mountainside as one of the must-play tracks in the Columbia Valley. Riverside Golf Course, one of the most enjoyable courses to play and walk, is set next to the Columbia River, intertwining with the memorable holes, providing a challenge to every golfer. Purcell Mountain foothills of the Canadian Rockies with Fisher Peak as the backdrop to No. 18 and the club's stunningly scenic practice facilities. It's about a three and a half hour drive from Calgary and is just minutes from Cranbrook's Canadian Rockies International Airport. Coming off a year in 2011, where Golf Digest Architecture Editor, Ron Whitten, called Wildstone the "favourite round" of the year, Wildstone GC was named a 2012 Regional Finalist for the BC PGA Golf Facility of the Year Award and in a ranking of British Columbia courses by the PGA of BC's Top Tracks, Wildstone received regional bronze medallist honours. COPPER POINT WILL BE PLAYING HOST TO BC'S BEST IN 2013 Bring the whole family too, as Creekside Par 3, nine-hole course is perfect for learning or even those looking to brush up on their game. Unique to the Columbia Valley and new this year, Riverside Course is home to the TrackMan Pro, the industry leader in golf swing measurement, ball flight and club fitting technology. "TrackMan Pro will be an invaluable resource for Fairmont's Golf Learning Centre based at Riverside," said Peter Smith, Golf Director at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. "TrackMan Pro, recognized by club manufacturers as the premier club fitting tool, is not only the best teaching aid, but it can be used by students on their own to see how they are doing." This summer Stay & Play at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort from only $115 per person per night. Choose from a variety of accommodation options in the rustic mountain lodge and enjoy Canada's largest natural hot springs free. Wildstone GC WildstoneGolf.com 250-489-1282 Wildstone is nestled in the picturesque IMAGE COURTES YFACILITY iG1304--proof The club is excited to launch the Wildstone Golf Course App for 2013. It allows users to book tee times on the go, use a digital scorecard, check photos, course details and more. Golfers can load the free App at the App store on their smartphone by searching - Wildstone and installing it. HP Dave Linardic says it's a great tool to be able to find the best deals on available tee times at Wildstone. The junior rate at Wildstone is $29 and they play for free after 5 p.m. with a paying adult. Wildstone is the only course in the area to offer SNAG. "Starting New at Golf"‚ is a system of golf which features easy to use equipment for beginner golf that combines simplified rules and terminology to learn golf anywhere and at any age. They also plan to introduce new programs and summer camps for young golfers ages 8-12 and 13-18. Prime time 2013 green fees are $65 Monday through Thursday and $75 Friday through Sunday, plus HST with discounted twilight fees and season passes available. Wildstone is also offering some very good golf deals & packages for 2013 including the Mountain Spirit Package that combines 2 rounds of golf at Wildstone with 3 Nights in an elegantly appointed two bedroom suite at Mountain Spirit Resort in Kimberley B.C.from $253 per person. Then there's the 'Golf Package of the Year' for only $267 - this is 50% off per person, based on quad occupancy. Round up a foursome and pack your bags! Revelstoke GC revelstokegolfclub.com 250-837-4276 It all started back in 1924 with a vision to create a course that would stand the test of time. A balance of risk reward weaving its way through some of the finest scenery in the Monashee and Selkirk Mountains. This classic layout sits on the site of an old equestrian racetrack. In fact, the one-of-a-kind clubhouse (circa 1911), served as HQ for the races and now is a magnificent setting to reflect on a great day of golf. "A great classic course with plenty of variety," states PGA of BC Head Professional/General Manager - John Franks. With 4 sets of tees spanning from 5,432 yards to 6,537 this B.C. Rockies layout is a fair test for players of all levels. Christina Lake GC christinalakegolfclub.com 250-447-9313 Established in 1962 as a 9 hole course, the Christina Lake Golf Course was expanded to an 18 hole 6685 yard course in 1986. The course expansion was designed by Les Furber and shows off his signature architecture with elevated tees, strategically bunkered greens and fairways, multi-tiered greens and four holes featuring water hazards. This is the first course in Canada to offer the unique feature of black sand traps. Castlegar GC golfcastlegar.com 800-666-0324 / 250-365-5006 Castlegar Golf Course is a championship 18-hole, semi-private golf course situated above the Columbia River and is a four-time host of the B.C. Men's Amateur for good reason. Rated four star by Golf Digest, Castlegar has been singled out by major golfing magazines as among the best golf courses to play in Canada.The club has made a conscious effort in recent years to regain the Championship form that it has been known for over the years. Since the hiring of veteran Course Superintendent Continued On Next Page