Vernon Becomes Another
Great Canadian Golf Destination

May 2, 1999
Seven different golf courses in and around Vernon make this an ideal destination for visitors who never leave home without their clubs. Our many yards of meticulously groomed green grass are complemented by the Okanagan's famous sunny summer weather and limitless vistas, creating a highly irrestible golfing temptation. Tee times are highly recommended on all courses, except Hillside, which operates on a first come, first served basis. From novice to professional, we have a course for you!

Built in 1903 on Vernon Creek, just minutes from downtown hotels and motels, the Vernon Golf & Country Club is the area's longest established home for the sport. Graceful Lambert poplars and weeping willows line 6,400 yards of gently rolling fairways that span this 18 hole, par 72 challenge, suited to amateurs and professionals alike. A dress code is in effect at this semi-private club. A full range of services, including practice greens, proshop, power cart rentals and licensed clubhouse are available.

Also located in the city is Hillside Golf Course. Golfing enthusiasts will find this 18 hole, 3,400 yard, par 56 course just north of Highway 6, at 15th street. A five minute drive from downtown brings you to an easy walking game at this fully public facility, also equipped with a proshop and licensed restaurant.

For a glimpse of the Monashee Mountains, continue east on highway 6, past Lumby to River Ridge Golf Course, located on level land beside the Shuswap River. The 45 km trip takes about 40 minutes - just enough time to get a real taste of our picturesque countryside! River Ridge's 9 hole, 2,650 yard course doubles up for a friendly par 70 game. After your round, enjoy refreshments at the combined proshop and licensed snack bar.

A public golf course on lush sub-irrigated bottom land awaits golfers at Spallumcheen Golf And Country Club. Travel 11 km north of Vernon on Highway 97, just past the Historic O'Keefe Ranch, to find this 28 hole, 6423 yard, par 71 championship course. The course encompasses 62 bunkers, 10 water holes and the serene Deep Creek. Spallumcheen also offers a 2675 yard, par 35, nine hole course. A well-equipped pro shop with power and pull cart rentals, two putting greens, and fully licensed clubhouse completes the appointment of this facility. Tee time reservations are recommended.

At Armstrong, just 20 minutes north of Vernon on Highway 97A, the Royal York Golf Course presents a deceivingly difficult nine hole, par 70, 3200 yard course. The course is extremely varied, with both gently rolling and strongly contoured ground. Natural conifers and deciduous trees complete the "pretty as a picture" public course. Other Royal York amenities include a driving, range, power cart rentals, restaurant and lounge along with serviced RV stalls.

Further north on Highway 97A, approximately 30 km north of Vernon, Birchdale Par 3 Golf offers an easy walking nine hole gaame, covering 1257 yards of mostly level ground. The towering, red-tinted laval face of the Enderby Cliffs on the east side of the valley make a spectacular setting for Birchdale.

For quite a different golfing experience, visit the 18 hole upland course of Predator Ridge. This course may be reached by travelling 10 km south of Vernon on Commonage Road, or via Highway 97S to Bailey Road, then on to Commonage Road. Predator's par 73 championship course features open, links-style fairways, delineated by different coloured grasses, as well as more familiar tree-lined fairways. A choice of four tee-off platforms offer golfers a range of 5500 to 7200 yards to play.

Numerous water holes and silica sand bunkers present challenges to even the most avid of golfers. Great views of the surrounding countryside make Predator Ridge a pleasure to walk or drive. Valet service is available at the parking lot and pro shop. After your game, enjoy the view from the resort's comfortable clubhouse.

Any of these courses will ensure that you enjoy your golf experience in Vernon - at the top of the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada.