We all have a favourite golf course, inspired by our best round yet, a once-in-a-lifetime hole-in-one, the gorgeous scenery or a perfect round of sundowners that softened the blow of an imperfect round. Whatever our reasons for playing favourites, they shouldn’t limit us to playing it safe. There are so many incredible golf courses in British Columbia to choose from, including a handful of lesser-known, lesser played, but no less challenging, hidden gems. Head off the beaten track – although hopefully not too much into the rough – to find your new favourite amongst these hidden gem BC golf courses.
Golden Golf Club
With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, the Golden Golf Club offers incomparable views. Some might even call it golden. Views aside, the course offers two distinct designs, which somehow meld perfectly: Bill Newis designed the front nine, which opened in May 1986. Ten years later, Les Furber created the back nine – many say his finest 9-hole layout. The best part? The course has no out-of-bounds: if you can find your ball, it’s in play.
Did you know that the Guinness World Record for ‘The longest golf hole’ was played to raise funds for the Golden Golf Club to materialize? The four-ball of Roger Ross, Mike Ross, Lil Dewar and Muzzy Grecco played the 20.25 mile hole, stretching from Parson to Golden, in 271 strokes.
Revelstoke Golf Club
Challenging and relaxing, it's hard not to enjoy the sheer magnificence that is Revelstoke Golf Club and its incredible scenery in the Kootenay Rockies. Play the 6,537 yard, par 72 championship course designed by course architect Norman Woods as you take in the peninsula setting surrounded by the mighty Columbia River with towering cedars and stunning mountain views.
Did you know: The clubhouse here was built in 1912 that once served as the caller's booth for horse races, where callers would shout out race updates as the pack rounded near what are now the 10th and 11th holes. In 1924 the site was converted into the golf course and the clubhouse was repurposed.
Fernie Golf Club
A century-old golf course located in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, Fernie Golf Club is notable for its majestic mountain setting and playability. Originally opened in 1918 and expanded in 1921, this hidden-gem golf course designed by Bill Newis features luscious greens, silicon sand bunkers, varied terrain and exceptional views of the Rocky Mountains. Fernie fits perfectly into a Kootenay Rockies golf road trip.
Did you know the original greens at Fernie Golf Club were made from different mixes of sand, sawdust and used oil, collected from local garages. The greens keeper’s job would be to get the mix just right so a golfer could predict his putting speed.
Kokanee Springs
Situated in a magnificent mountain setting near the shores of Kootenay Lake, Kokanee Springs Golf Course is considered one of the finest golf courses in British Columbia. Tee off from elevated tee decks to take in the truly spectacular views of expansive fairways and the Kokanee Glacier. Each hole is separated by towering, old-growth cedar trees for peaceful play, enhanced only by the generous ten-minute tee intervals. Kokanee Springs' tucked-away location gives it an extra bump on our hidden gems list, and is well worth taking a trip to!
Did you know: All the holes at Kokanee Springs have so much individual character that they are all named. Start off your day of golf on Noble Arbor (named after the original owners), continue through Crow's Nest and then prepare yourself for Satan's Woodbox, finishing off on Apple Island.
Squamish Valley Golf Club
Squamish Valley Golf Club, Squamish
Squamish… that adventure mecca you drive past on the way to Whistler from Vancouver. Do yourself a favour and stop next time for a fun-to-play round on a walkable 6467-yard, par 72 course in a setting straight out of a postcard. Squamish Valley Golf, host to a Canadian Open Qualifier in June 2015, has five lakes and massive stumps from original first-growth timber incorporated into the design. While nature does its best to best you, and calls for accurate shot-making, it does offer a sliver of hope to even those off their game: the legendary “Squamish Valley Bounce” has saved the best of golfers from crashing and burning.
Did you know: due to the course having been built on top of an old, stoney riverbed, in the initial years of the golf course rocks would surface through the fairways. The solution? Golfers would carry small buckets on their carts to pick up the stones, and then empty their buckets at the next tee!
Salmon Arm Golf Club
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Ida, a now-extinct volcano, the Salmon Arm Golf Club, boasts well-maintained fairways and greens on their tree-line championship course that doesn't leave much room for error, particularly when the selection of dog legs are factored in. The selection of tee boxes allows golfers to select their level of challenge while the walkable course, although a bit hilly, offers plenty of exercise should you wish to forgo the golf cart. Take in the stunning natural feature of this award-winning Les Furber design, taking in immaculate tees, fairways, and greens as you follow the golf course meandering along the mountainside. And there's plenty of more hidden-gem golf to be had in the Shuswap, should you wish!
Did you know: The Salmon Arm Golf Club opened in April 1928 to the enjoyment of eighty-three shareholders, fifty of which were playing members. Memberships were $10 and playing dues were $6 for the season. In 1929 the Club purchased 160 acres from the municipality for $875 and added three more holes.
Northview Golf & Country Club
Know for its sheer multitude of parks, it's no surprise that Surrey also boasts a selection of park-like golf courses; although the real surprise is how many of them still fly under the radar. Designed by the incomparable Arnold Palmer, golfers can find 36 holes on the Ridge and Canal courses that take full advantage of the natural landscape. The Ridge Course features elevation changes, lakes and tight fairways, while the Canal Course offers a more level terrain with water hazards on fifteen holes. Both courses are true to Mr. Palmer’s risk-reward style of golf, sure to offer a spectacular golf experience year round. That's right, no matter what time of year you can golf here!
Did you know: Northviews' Ridge and Canal courses are two of only three of Arnold Palmer Signature Design Championship Golf Courses in Canada.
Olympic View Golf Club
Aptly named for its beautiful views of Washington State's Olympic Mountains, the convenient location just 20 minutes outside of Victoria's downtown core makes this an ideal golf course to add to any golf trip to play southern Vancouver Island. Open year-round (as are many golf courses on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail), Olympic View is nestled deep inside a pristine forest, boasting exceptional natural beauty punctuated by two waterfalls, twelve lakes, roaming deer, soaring eagles, and scenic views. Considered one of the most spectacular golf holes in Canada, the waterfall-backed 17th hole encompasses enough natural beauty for an entire course, although there is still plenty more to see. End your day of golf at the incomparable Table Nineteen for exciting cuisine featuring thoughtfully selected, locally available and ethically sourced ingredients with clever house-made twists.
Did you know: Olympic View was the first golf course in British Columbia played by Tiger Woods, in 1994 as an amateur.
Have you played any of these courses? Or do you have a hidden gem BC golf course of your own you’d care to share with fellow golfers? We’d love to hear about your experiences at BC’s lesser-known golf courses. If you feel like it's time to experience one of these fantastic BC golf courses, start by browsing our popular golf packages.
