Sagebrush Golf Club

It is situated on a remote site of 389 acres on top of a hill overlooking Nicola Lake in British Columbia, Sagebrush Golf and Sporting Club is now referred to as SagebrushThe course is the result of a collaboration between designer Rod Whitman, developer Dick Zokol and the agronomist Armen Suny. The course began play in 2009 to acclaim from the critics.

The terrain wasn't going to be simple to manage but by a bit of tweaking here and there Whitman could create 18 unique fairways that offer an fun and engaging game on a huge course that has big views.

First impressions can mean much, but in this instance, the dull opening hole is easily missed because the architect was trying to counter the drastic elevation change on the property by constructing a broad and forgiving par five hole that was straight upwards.

The holes then are a mix of up and down, in and out of the hillside, with many of the fairways providing several routes from the tee to the green. Two par threes in the inside are played both sides of the short, driveable 11th hole, leaving demanding two and three-shot holes back to the clubhouse.

As is the case with the minimalist style of the majority of things at Sagebrush there are no distance markers in any fairways, and oddly, neither is there rakes on any of the bunkers, although some might feel that this idea goes against the "back to the roots of golf" concept a little too far.

Sagebrush was hit with serious financial issues and was forced to shut its tees at the end of October 2014, and was set to reopen in 2016. It was an elite pay-and-play facility operated by Troon Golf, however, the course remained closed until 2021.

The year 2021 came around, Randy Smith (the club's new Head Professional) called us and made comments on the following:

"A small group led by Langley real property developer Andrew Knott now own the long-term lease of the property. It is situated over Nicola Lake, fifteen minutes east of Merritt BC. Andrew and his company have made significant investments in the course as well as the entire property in an effort to restore it as a Course in the top tier of top in Canada. The Club has elegant and comfortable suites that are available for overnight stays too. The aim is to create an exclusive residence and destination golf club.

Former Superintendent Neil Pilon has been brought back to help restore his Golf Course which has been neglected over the past few years. Pilon and his team have been working hard since the beginning of fall and have been working after the winter snow has melted. Neil is aided by the General Manager Mark Strong and Head Golf Professional, Randy Smith who have been working on every aspect that are part of overall Club and Golf Operations."

In the summer of 2021, Sagebrush was reopened and is likely to be back to its proper spot on the Canadian rankings.