Golf in Kamloops, British Columbia
Rocky Mountain High! Kamloops, BC
October 2013
Kamloops is about a four-hour drive from Banff, Vancouver or Seattle and is actually at the northern tip of the Sonoran Desert that is tucked into the valleys between the Coast and Monashee mountain ranges. Their semi-arid desert climate is perfect for golfers plus the topography changes dramatically offering a tremendous diversity of golfing experiences.
Talking Rock Resort is 45 minutes east of Kamloops and set along the shores of Little Shuswap Lake. From the moment you step onto this spectacular piece property you are immediately absorbed into the Native tradition. As their motto suggests “Hear the legend…Feel the spirit…” This Cooke Carleton International design is well forested and offers tremendous elevation changes, large greens, wide fairways and lots of bunkers.
Rivershore Golf Links is one of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s last signature designs and has hosted many national golf events including the inaugural Canadian Tour’s Western Championship and the 2011 BC PGA Championship. Built in the late 70s Rivershore sits along the northern bank of the South Thompson River with sagebrush-covered hills as its backdrop. Even though the property is relatively flat, the combination of fast greens and 95 well-defined bunkers will definitely test your skills.
Tobiano Golf is a 20-minute drive west of Kamloops and was voted “Best New Canadian Golf Course” and I can see why. This Thomas McBroom design is one of the most unique and challenging golf courses you will ever play. With five sets of tee blocks to choose from, ranging from 5,358 to 7,367 yards, my guidance would be to play forward on the tees or you will be faced with long carries over fissures and gullies surrounded by untouched waste areas filled with natural grasses and cacti.
If you like fine wines, great golf and superb weather, Kamloops and the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia will steal your heart away.
