Some of the world’s most recognized golf course architects have embraced the spectacular scenery of British Columbia in the creation of four award winning championship golf layouts and established a universal standard in design incorporating outdoor splendour, challenge and accessibility for all level of golfer.
The serpentine ski runs of Blackcomb and Whistler provide the backdrop for Whistler Golf Club, Nicklaus North and Fairmont Chateau Whistler and in the Pemberton Valley, under the shadow of 8000-foot Mount Currie, Big Sky Golf Club.
‘Easy Does It’; ‘Bear Island’; ‘Morning Mist’ and ‘Purgatory’ distinguish just a few of the spectacular holes of the world’s leading mountain golf mecca.
The Arnold Palmer designed Whistler Golf Club is continually ranked as one of the best public/resort plays in British Columbia. Palmer said, “That the three things that make a great golf course – scenery, challenge and fun; and my course has it all!” The course is easily walkable with holes identified by strategically positioned golden sand bunkers considered the finest ‘anywhere’.
Renowned course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. incorporated a 400-foot elevation change into The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club creating spiritual vistas on nearly every hole. The addition of twelve new bent grass greens it continues to improve on its already impressive 4 ½ star rating.
Golf BC Group’s Nicklaus North is one of only 150 Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses in the world. Always in pristine shape and take time to enjoy the challenge of the par 3’s. The recently opened Table Nineteen eatery has become a favorite stop in Whistler.
A short 25-minute drive north and you will discover one of Canada’s ‘Top Ten Public Golf Courses’, as ranked by Golf Digest – Big Sky. Already considered one of British Columbia’s best-manicured courses this Robert Cupp design has recently replaced all eighteen greens with T-1 bent grass, adding to an already great golf experience.
Every course is in mid summer form and all feature great patios. Whether you are a golfer, or not, you will enjoy the food and hospitality and unique scenic landscapes.
Visit their websites for special rates for twilight and mid-week golf and other ‘golf /dine/stay’ packages. Or visit www.golfwhistler.com for the ‘Whistler Golf Passport’ to experience all four ‘nature created’ courses.
Michael Cunningham
Golf and Travel Writer
