Road travel in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland is a never-ending test of patience. Attempting to make a tee time? Good luck! The rush to find a parking space, gather your clubs and make your reservation can add strokes to your score and certainly minimize your golf experience.
To escape this stress, Vancouver Island’s fourth oldest golf course, the Nanaimo Golf Club, has created a one-of-a-kind package in partnership with Helijet to celebrate the club’s 100th anniversary this year.
Designed by respected course architect A.V. Macan, the Nanaimo Golf Club has yet to receive the same level of recognition that other Macan signature courses have. Among his many designs is Vancouver Island’s oldest golf course, the Victoria Golf Club, built in 1893, as well as the Royal Colwood and Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Clubs, both of which were built in 1913.
Across the straits of the Salish Sea, the Lower Mainland is a wealth of Macan masterpieces that garner international acclaim for both their beauty and design: Capilano, Shaughnessy, Marine Drive and Richmond Golf Club, to name a few. And those who have enjoyed a beautiful day playing the picturesque par-3 courses of Queen Elizabeth and Stanley Park have likewise walked fairways and greens designed by this acclaimed course architect.
No matter the ability of the golfer, Macan’s design philosophy was to incorporate the natural terrain and beauty of the area into a memorable experience, which he successfully created at the Nanaimo Golf Club.
A par 72, the course provides five sets of tees, allowing each golfer to select the proper tee for his or her game and providing a truly memorable day of golf. Though not considered long when compared with modern standards of golf design, the Nanaimo course plays to a respectful 6,667 yards and was the site for last year’s B.C. Women’s Amateur Championship.
This semi-private course upholds Macan’s high standards by preserving its historical feel and delivering pristine conditions throughout the property. Crosscut fairways provide the look and feel of a champion’s course while the greens, four of which are Macan originals, are true and undulating, generating numerous pin-placement locations. Towering coniferous and deciduous trees narrow many of the fairways, while an occasional water hazard and strategically placed bunkers make this a tactical course to navigate. Keep in mind that the ball will always break towards the waters of Departure Bay and be sure to watch for wildlife – it’s always present.
Ryan Woods, former Clubhouse Manager at Vancouver’s Shaughnessy Golf Club and now the General Manager at Nanaimo Golf Club, knows a thing or two about exceeding customer experiences. Along with Garth Sjolie, Course Superintendent, and Chris Wilson, Head Professional, this trio has developed the perfect solution for golfers desiring a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Lower Mainland traffic.
After a casual conversation with Scott Speakman, Helijet’s regional representative, about the air carrier’s direct daily service between Vancouver and Nanaimo, Woods says the concept of an “Escape the Hustle” golf package began. “We are focused on providing a memorable and rewarding golf experience and to establish Nanaimo Golf Club as a destination worth visiting. Helijet is the perfect partner!” says Woods. “Golfers arrive relaxed, ready to enjoy the serenity and challenge of our course.”
To celebrate the club’s 100th anniversary, the course is extending an invitation to golfers, living in or visiting Vancouver, to experience one of British Columbia’s best golf secrets.
Your day of memorable golf will begin at 8:40 a.m. with a scenic 20-minute Helijet flight to Nanaimo. A welcome host will greet you at the Heliport and shuttle you and your golf gear to the Nanaimo Golf Club, less than 10 minutes away. After checking in at the ProShop, you’re set to enjoy the day.
A power cart is included in the package, but this is a beautiful course to walk. Follow your round with a wonderful lunch indoors or on the patio of the modern clubhouse and enjoy beautiful views of Departure Bay. The patio is considered one of the finest in Nanaimo and is rated by TripAdvisor as one of the best places for casual dining in the area. After lunch, a return Helijet flight will have you back to Vancouver before 5 p.m.
Take a day with a few friends or family, escape the hustle, and experience stunning aerial vistas and wonderful golf on one of British Columbia’s historic golf courses.
Michael Cunningham is a regular contributor for domestic and international publications on golf and travel. He is the editor and senior writer of two books: Spectacular Golf of Western Canada and Spectacular Golf Ontario.
