The Travelling Golfer: Sagebrush Golf and Sporting Club

Credit: Ron Huxtable | Hux.Net

Sagebrush Golf and Sporting Club

Ranchlands and lakes meet golf greens in the Nicola Valley

The Location

Set in the spectacular and rustic Nicola Valley, Sagebrush delivers panoramic views of Nicola Lake and its gorgeous ranchland surroundings. It’s easy to imagine why golf course designer and PGA Tour veteran Richard (Dick) Zokol, along with co-designers Rod Whitman and Armen Suny, fell in love with this property. However, it’s three hours from Vancouver, so it makes for a long day for city-slickers if you don’t stay over at the rustic Quilchena Hotel.

The Golf

Simply put, the golf is spectacular. Recognized as a leading example of “minimalist design” (moving as little earth as possible and relying on the natural features of the land), the course is challenging, fair and truly memorable. The fairways can be wide (one spans 150 yards), but the rugged and seemingly endless bunkers play as real hazards and, like original links courses, have no rakes. The greens are huge, smooth and fast. Beware the four-putt!

The Experience

From the first tee, you’ll notice how this property differs from its peers: no tee blocks or yardage markings, frozen chocolate bars at the water stations and, best of all, the Hideout. Not many places can you stop mid- or post-round to fly-fish, catch the sports highlights by satellite TV and feast on a delicious barbecue meal.

Final Score

Sagebrush is truly unique, and if you love great golf experiences you will want to check this one off your list.

Stats

4,934 yards to 7,372 yards; par 72
Awards: “Best New Course in Canada,” Golf Digest and Score Golf magazines
One-day packages start at $200 per person and include unlimited golf with cart, lunch and fly-fishing.  
Bookings by invitation: Richard Zokol at 604-787-0310 or Terry Donald at 604-551-5000
For details, visit www.sagebrush.com