$ave green fee$ in B.C. with Tee-Off Golf Guide!

The Tee-Off Frequent Player Program is the most respected golf discount program in Canada . For $39.95, order the 2007 edition of Tee Off for B.C. If you're like the average golfer you'll pay for Tee-Off with just one or two uses and continue saving hundreds of dollars throughout the season. MORE>>

Arrowsmith, a fun track

With the backdrop of Mount Arrowsmith , staying focused with the level of concentration required to score well could be a problem at Arrowsmith Golf and Country Club near Qualicum Beach . It's a course that still is a true executive length layout that's beautifully manicured.

This par 61, 3,724 yard course is the perfect combination of test for the regular player and enjoyment for the more occasional golfer. Boasting the driest layout on the island, the court is continuously cart pathed.

Their large greens will keep you guessing and as dominating as snow-capped Mt. Arrowsmith may be in the background...no, not all putts break away from the mountain. www.golfarrowsmith.com

Golf Oceanside !

Spectacular ocean and mountain views, central location, and year round playability are all par for the course in the Parksville and Qualicum Beach region.

Its beautiful countryside has attracted course designers for nearly a century, drawn by the year-round mild weather and stunning views. They've left a legacy of six great golf courses for you to enjoy, from a nine hole charmer all the way to PGA caliber championship courses.

With such a selection to choose from and within a half-hour drive of anywhere in the region, this is a golfer's paradise. www.VisitParksvilleQualicumBeach.com

What about Victoria ?

Score Golf Magazine has ranked Saskatoon second and Regina fourth in the annual 20-city list of Best Canadian Golf City . Kelowna took first place honours and Kitchener-Waterloo placed third.

Score ranked cities based on number of public courses per capita, the percentage public venues, and the number of Top 100 Score Golf courses, adding bonus points for the number of golfers ever to play in the big leagues.

The magazine admits to not using a scientific method – Victoria is one of the cities with a population more than 150,000 not included – but we think Saskatchewan is Canada 's Golf Province . As you can judge by this issue of SaskGolfer.com, Victoria has more than its share of great golf.

Dress for the weather

Vancouver Island is not Florida or Caymen Islands with endless sunny days, so there will be some drizzle or rain. Don't plan on golfing every day, but there are lots of other great things to do. If you can pick your days and times, there will be some great golfing at great prices to be had. It's also easier to get tee times during the fall, winter and spring months.

• There's likely to be a few raindrops, since it's late fall or winter after all. But you never know - this writer golfed on the Island in January 2003 and there was one rainy day out of 21. Typically, expect a couple of rainy days a week – when the weather is good, drop everything and go golfing.
• Just in case bring an umbrella, good rain gear with a waterproof cap, dry towels, waterproof golf shoes and a couple of spare golf gloves. But it may be sweater weather and you won't need any of this stuff.
• A water resistant bag or club cover will help keep those clubs dry.

Napa of the North

The Wine Tourism Project, which markets 32 wineries on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands as an agri-tourism destination, has been thriving. The group published a brochure and map of the wine region. Despite the downturn in the number of US visitors, both the golf industry and the wine industry are bullish on Vancouver Island . The Cowichan Valley is also attracting artisan food producers who are helping the area to become one of Canada 's hottest culinary destinations.

See www.travelwithtaste.com , www.vancouverisland.travel , www.tourismvistoria.com

Green fees affordable

Compared to golfing in Saskatchewan - a bargain at about $30-35 a round - golf prices in B.C. vary depending on the course. The fall/winter rates tend to be considerably less, 25-50 per cent less than peak season. There are deals - Golf BC has five and 10 game packs that average only $25-$30 a round.

In this writer's experience, expect to pay $25-$50 for a round. A couple of the high-end courses are as high as $75 off-season. That compares wonderfully with fees stateside, especially since you won't have to fork over big bucks for healthcare insurance and the dollar difference.

	What would make you cancel a round of golf? Bad weather Had to work Family commitment Spouse wouldn't let me play Emergency came up I'm hardcore, I never cancel View results

Sweet Vancouver Island time
By Jeff Sutherland, publisher of Inside Golf Magazine

On Vancouver Island there are three new golf facilities under construction... Two designed by Jack Nicklaus and another by Greg Norman. Add in the other gems with growing reputations that already dot the landscape and it's easy to see why, for golfers, this may be a great year to get a little island with growing reputations that already dot the landscape and it's easy to see why, for golfers, this may be a great year to get a little island time. That's not to say that golf is the only thing Vancouver Island has to offer.

Vancouver Island is one of the world's top rated places to visit and live. Prestigious magazine Condé Nast perennially votes Victoria the best city in the Americas and Vancouver Island the top island in North America .

With the best year-round climate in Canada , the tourism appeal of Victoria , the crashing surf of Long Beach and the postcard scenery from Oak Bay to Campbell River , it's easy to see why. Connected by the super smooth Island Highway , you can easily travel almost the entire length of the island comfortably in a day.

But along the way, you're going to want to stop to play a string of golf courses that is quickly becoming arguably second to none.

Many of the top courses have banded together to promote the golf trail that extends from Victoria in the South to Campbell River in the North under the Golf Vancouver Island banner. While every member course of “GVI” is worthy of mention, there are a number of others that are also worth stopping to play.

VICTORIA AND REGION

Anchoring the trail in the south are the top quality courses to be found in the province's capital, Victoria .

The newest on the island, Bear Mountain has quickly settled into being the biggest draw. It seems to mix the scenery required of a resort course with the challenge that better players demand. Located on Mt. Finlayson , it has unparalleled views of Victoria below. Their second eighteen is under construction and is set to open next year.

Just twenty minutes from Victoria , Olympic View GC marries tranquility and nature with a variety of golf holes that constitute individual masterpieces. The magnificence of the Olympic Mountains , roar of two spectacular waterfalls, harmony of eagles soaring and deer grazing, calmness of twelve lakes and the stylish rock outcroppings deliver an award winning golf experience. It's no wonder this was the first course in BC that Tiger Woods played, as an amateur. A round at Olympic View concludes beside a stylish clubhouse with floor to ceiling windows and a wraparound patio overlooking hole #1, 10 and 18. Olympic View also hosts the award winning GBC Golf Academy . This state-of-the-art practice facility delivers private instruction, clinics, golf schools and junior programs.

Prospect Lake GC , a 9-holer is nestled on the water's edge of the lake of the same name. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Victoria . This par 32 layout consists of five par fours and four par threes. With $250,000 worth of renovations in the past few years, there is a new halfway house, terrace seating area and improvements to five holes.

Located just minutes from the Schwartz Bay ferry terminal, the mature Glen Meadows G&CC features treelines of majestic Garry Oaks. The course stretches to over 6800 yards to challenge the longest hitting males, but they do cater to the women as well. The Oaks that frame many holes are something you will see only on Vancouver Island .

THE COWICHAN VALLEY

Arbutus Ridge is located in the community of Cobble Hill, amongst some of Vancouver Island 's finest wineries and British Columbia 's only cidery. A 40 minute drive from both Victoria and Nanaimo , the charming country setting offers some of the best vistas on Vancouver Island . The finale at Arbutus Ridge will linger in your memory with three of the most demanding finishing holes on Vancouver Island , punctuated by the knee-rattling 214-yard par 3 island green on the 17th hole.

Located near the city of Duncan , Cowichan G&CC's challenge lies mainly in its tricky landing areas and demanding tee shots. The original nine was laid out in 1947 by A.V. McCann and the newer nine in 1985. Towering trees and rolling hills mean that golfers must plan their strategy well. This course has undergone some major upgrading over the past year and is opening the season in the best shape ever.

Duncan Meadows deserves the moniker as a true championship course. It has played host to the RCGA's National Club Champion's Championship and the RCGA University and College Championship. This is a true players' course with great rhythm. Playing here with the hang gliders and eagles circling Mt. Prevost above is part of an unforgettable round.

Some of the biggest golf news on Vancouver Island is the progress of the Cliffs Over Maple Bay development in the Cowichan Valley . Fairways are being cleared and holes are being shaped. The final routing will be a 6891 yard, par 72 layout that will utilize the full range of terrain available. The course will have concrete cart paths throughout.

Off-season golf tips

Here's a few pro tips to consider as you head into the 2008 season.

Play the tees that suit your game. Most courses offer three or four sets of tees. Too many golfers end up laying the tees that don't suit their game and end up quitting in frustration. Choose the tees that offer some challenge but that don't make the game frustrating.

Get on the green. If you shoot between 90 and 100, you would be able to get into the 80s if you got the ball onto the green more often. Aim your approach shots for the middle and back of the green. Avoid shooting at the pin, missing the green and hitting the hazards..

Check out the kick point. Most golfers are familiar with shaft flex and other aspects of golf clubs. Another important consideration is kick point. The average golfer should choose a club with a low kick point to help get the ball into the air with a good carry.

MID ISLAND

Fairwinds G&CC, with ocean and mountain views will challenge and please experienced and novice players alike. Towering Douglas Fir, Arbutus and Garry Oaks line lush fairways. Water is in play on 11 holes while over 70 sandtraps guard the greens of this 6,200 yard, par-71 course. To get there just travel 30 minutes north from the Departure Bay ferry terminal in Nanaimo, turn off the highway and follow the signs to Nanoose Bay. www.fairwinds.ca

Morningstar, host of this year's BC Amateur Tournament, is one of the most popular courses on the Island . Utilizing rolling terrain, and water as its main defenses, Morningstar starts you out in open meadow and then takes you quickly into an evergreen forest. Getting off to a good start is key if you want to have a good round at this challenging course. www.morningstar.bc.ca

With Mount Arrowsmith behind, Arrowsmith G&CC is an executive length layout that is beautifully manicured This par 61, 3724 yard course is the perfect combination of test for the regular player and enjoyment for the more occasional golfer. Boasting one of the driest layouts on the island, the course is also continuously cart pathed. Their large greens will keep you guessing and, as dominating as snow-capped Mt. Arrowsmith may be in the background...no, not all putts break away from the mountain. www.golfarrowsmith.com

Opened in 1913, Qualicum Beach is the fourth oldest course in BC. One of Canada 's most scenic courses, it has unobstructed ocean views. Well-groomed it is open year round due to the mild climate and excellent drainage. The 9-hole, par 69, 5,303 yard course offers 26 different tee locations thus allowing the golfer to play two entirely different 9 hole rounds.

Definitely one of the most unique 18-holers on the island is the Cottonwood Golf Course. Located next to the Nanaimo airport, it is one of the few courses in Canada to offer airplane parking beside the course. Cottonwood 's links style 18 hole layout offer entertaining and challenging golf where golfers are reminded to remain focused on the tasks at hand, hit the ball straight, and try to stay out of trouble. Whatever Cottonwood is missing in length is made up with strategic hazards, out-of-bounds, narrow fairways, and table top fast greens.

The city of Nanaimo , another 15 minutes to the north, is home to one of the prettiest settings for a semi-private club on the island. The Nanaimo G&CC is set right in the city on a ridge with views out over Georgia Strait . If you choose to travel to Vancouver Island from the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal in West Vancouver , you can be teeing it up here merely minutes after docking. This challenging par 72, 6667 yard layout has just had both its third and fourth greens rebuilt as well as the fourth tee box. The PGA of BC had their championship here a few years ago and found it quite a test!


COURTENAY / COMOX / CAMPBELL RIVER

Crown Isle's 47,000 square foot clubhouse tells you all you need to know about this incredible golfing facility. With restaurants, a huge patio, snack bar, meeting rooms, pro-shop, cigar lounge, poker room, private classic car museum, sweeping double staircase and indoor waterfall, it instantly tells you that you have arrived at a world class resort. Perhaps the only thing that can outdo the clubhouse is the manicure of the course. This is one of the best wintering layouts on the entire island. With Mt Washington only 30 minutes away and accommodations right on site, this is one of the few places in the world where you can golf in the morning and ski in the afternoon! www.crownisle.com

Another course worth the stop is Glacier Greens. Named for the Comox glacier that backdrops all westerly pointing holes, the slick putting surfaces here live up to the icy name as well, they are quick! This course is right beside the Comox military airport and if you're lucky, you will get to see a jet fighter landing while you play.

Another option in Courtenay is the beautifully groomed 9-hole, par 30 executive course and large covered driving range at the Mulligan Golf Centre. With a licensed clubhouse and open year round, you will also appreciate their reasonable green fees.

Campbell River , less than an hour away, has historically been a fisherman's paradise but more recently has become known for what is many island golfer's favourite course, Storey Creek. A Les Furber design, this layout has been truly carved out of the dense fir forest. Each hole is separate. It's unusual to not see deer grazing at least once during your round. This course has been awarded 4 stars by Golf Digest.

THE NORTH ISLAND

For those hardy souls who want to travel 2 hours more north, you can go to Port Hardy and play Seven Hills G&CC. This par 35 layout is considered among the toughest on the island. Designed by architect Bill Overdorf, Seven Hills is a beauty and not just for its scenery.

THE WEST COAST

A half hour west from Qualicum Beach gets you to the “Port”, Port Alberni, where you can tee it up at the Alberni GC. The members are justifiably proud of this par 70, 6151 yard layout. There has been a fair amount of renovations done here over the past few years and it shows. Originally opened with 9 holes in 1928 against the backdrop of Mt Arrowsmith and Beaufort Mountain Range, In 1991, it increased to 18 holes. Bordered by towering trees, Cherry Creek, a salmon bearing stream, meanders throughout the course.

A favorite 9-hole golf course, the Long Beach GC in spectacular Tofino is a par 36, 3,300 yard track that plays through coastal rainforest. Built on sand, this course is playable only a few hours after a storm has passed through. This layout has semi-crowned fairways that demand you work the ball off the tee.

The final big news on the island is the new Jack Nickaus designed Wyndansea course going in at the other end of the peninsula in Ucluelet. Yet to break ground, the signature course promises to be one of the most spectacular in the province.

$tretching you golf dollar

The GolfBC group in British Columbia own 12 courses, three in Hawaii and eight in BC. Check out www.golfbc.com for great deals at their two Island courses, Arbutus Ridge at Cobble Hill and Olympic View in Victoria .

Tee-Off discount book, based on Vancouver Island , is the oldest and most respected of all the golf discount programs in Canada . It publishes several regional play-and-save program guides including an edition for British Columbia . Course descriptions are accompanied by photos, course maps and lists of services that give you a good idea what's in store. Tee-Off discounts include 2 for 1 green fees, 50 per cent off and even free golf. For most golfers, playing twice will pay for the cost of the $39.95 book. www.tee-off.ca

BCTeeTimes.com is the latest entry in services that help you get tee times and save a dollar on the Island . Tee times are offered at four Island courses and a growing list of other B.C. tracks.The company also offers packages, accommodation and tee off time specials in the U.S. www.teetimes.com

Golf Vancouver Island , an umbrella of golf and travel partners promoting the island as a golf destination, has a number of great deals at www.golfvancouverisland.ca

The GolfBC group in British Columbia own 12 courses, three in Hawaii and eight in BC. Check out www.golfbc.com for deals at their two Island courses, Arbutus Ridge at Cobble Hill and Olympic View in Victoria .

BCGolfGuide.com and the Kiwanis in B.C. also offer discount program books.

Great winter rates at Pheasant Glen

The newly upgraded and expanded Pheasant Glen Golf Resort has positioned itself has a favorite for golfers at Qualicum Beach .

At 6,600 yards, the par 72 championship golf course has the “three toughest finishing holes in B.C.”, according to the 2006 BCGA Executive Director. Pheasant Glen is the host course for the 2008 Canadian Men's Mid-Amateur Championship, and was host for the 2007 B.C. Women's Amateur & Mid-Amateur Championship, and the 2006 B.C. Men's Mid-Amateur Championship.

“Pheasant Glen is walkable through nature not real estate,” says general manager Gord Melissa. It features some great winter rates for golfers.

Winter memberships available: Unlimited October 15 th through March 31 st $550. plus gst; Monthly $250. plus gst. All memberships include unlimited use of the practice facility. For more info, go to www.pheasantglen.ca

Golf Vancouver Island is a "one-stop shop" for Vancouver Island golf getaways and vacations.  From flights, rental car and ferry reservations to tee times, accommodations and even après golf activities, they take care of it all!

Golf Vancouver Island is "golf-course owned & operated" thereby providing you, the golfer, with both convenience and competitive pricing.

Golf Vancouver Island offers feature packages and custom itineraries to four distinct regions on Vancouver Island ( Victoria , Cowichan Valley , Parksville/Qualicum Beach, and Campbell River/Courtenay) as well as the internationally renowned Vancouver Island Golf Trail, including the best golf and accommodations their Pacific Paradise has to offer.  

“Fins and Skins” Golf & Fishing packages, Golf & Spa and Golf & Wine packages are also available.

Please visit their website for further information on golf courses, packages, instant quotes, transportation, golf tips, photo galleries, and much more!

www.golfvancouverisland.ca

Golf and ski on The Island !
Imagine waking up in the morning, strapping on a pair of skis and skiing some of the best snow on Vancouver Island. Now, visualize yourself waking up the following morning, donning a pair of golf shoes and heading out to golf on a world renowned course. Only on Vancouver Island is it possible to have the best of both worlds. Mount Washington Alpine Resort, opening for the season on December 6, 2007 is teaming up with the celebrated Crown Isle Golf Resort to provide you with the ultimate golf and ski winter getaway.

Spend two nights in a luxury villa on the fairways of Crown Isle Resort (hot tub optional), play 18 holes of golf with a power cart at Crown Isle Golf Course, ski at Mt. Washington, and take home the bragging rights.  A weekend Golf & Ski Getaway is $219 (per person based on double occupancy). Drive,
board a ferry or enjoy a direct flight into Comox from Calgary, Edmonton & Vancouver for your ultimate winter getaway.

Golf one day, ski the next, and in the evening enjoy your villa on the Golf Course - what could be better?
For further information and reservations, please contact Golf Vancouver Island at 1-888-465-3239 or visit the website at www.golfvancouverisland.ca .

Pack your bags

• Impressive British Columbia tourism websites at www.hellobc.com , www.islands.bc.ca and www.tourismvictoria.com . The latter has a lengthy list with details on 16 facilities in Victoria and the Island
• All your weather at WeatherOffice.ec.gc.ca
• bcgolfguide.com is the premiere golf website and general portal for the province
• Find a copy of Canadian Golf Directory at golf course clubhouses or Chapters. It's published out of Duncan , Vancouver Island . They offer a complete listing and contact information for all golf courses in Victoria and on the Island .

Fire & ice at Bear Mountain

Enjoy a Fantastic Fusion of Fire & Ice  The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa is set in the foothills of Mount Finlayson, with panoramic ocean, mountain and city views not to mention stunning fairways and thick green forest. Beyond its stunning terrain, soothing spa services, world-class golf and sophisticated accommodations, Bear Mountain offers five brilliant dining experiences, not to be missed.

During the Holiday season, indulge yourself in a three course dinner & wine pairing for only $89 (price per person & subject to applicable taxes). Join executive Chef Ian Rennie as you enjoy his winter spectacular. Take pleasure in this unique winter menu as the Chef combines the crisp flavours of the Niagara Penninsula's Ice Wines crisp with Fire from the Montague Grill. An exceptional fusion of flavour is awaiting you.  Westin Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa:  www.bearmountain.ca   or
250-391-7160.

Drug testing in 2008

Basketball, football, cycling, baseball – there's hardly a sport that hasn't been rocked by drug scandals. Golf is perhaps the only exception and the powers to be want to keep it that way. Starting in 2008 the PGA Tour, the members of the World Golf Foundation, plus the Asian Tour, Canadian Tour, Australian and Japan Tour will start limited drug-testing for ten prohibited substances and methods.

Amen Corner

“We are part-time scientist, part-time environmentalist, part-time public speaker, part-time arborist, part-time conflict manager, part-time negotiator, part-time business manager, part-time mechanic, part-time golfer, and part-time greenskeeper.”

- Donald Singlehurst on the nature of his job as course superintendent at Colwood GC in Victoria

One-stop shopping for golfing Vancouver Island !

Golf Vancouver Island is your one-stop-shop for booking a golf vacation. We will save you time and money, while choosing from 12 golf courses and over 20 accommodation partners. Shimmering blue water, lush green forests, rolling mountain peaks and superb golf courses. Vancouver Island is truly a Pacific Paradise. MORE>>