Kelowna Golf & Country Club

Kelowna Golf & Country Club is a semi-private, membership owned facility located in the heart of the city, surrounded by the fertile, Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. The original 9-hole club opened 1899 but comes with a storied past due to the number of times it has been relocated or redesigned.

In 1962, under the guidance of architect Vern Macan, the course expanded to an 18-hole layout on the current site. However, in 1993, as fate would have it, the City of Kelowna decided to widen nearby Glenmore Avenue and both parties eventually agreed to swap land that would ultimately effect holes 7,8 and 9. There are still six greens remaining from Macan’s original design (#6, #10, #11, #15, #16, and #18 greens) and I would have to say the final product was worth the effort.

Today, there are now six optional tee areas to choose from on this par 72 that range from 4337 to 6323 yards making it pleasurable for all golfers. The layout is relatively flat and an easy walk. The towering Ponderosa pines define the fairways and the surrounding mountains set the backdrop.

The front nine circumnavigates the perimeter of the property in a clockwise direction and water comes into play on holes 2 through 4. The 5th hole makes a visual statement since it points directly towards the Dilworth Mountain. However, if it were up to me, I would declare the #12 as their signature hole. This par 5 requires a downhill approach shot to a peninsula green jutting out into Eagle Lake that is stocked with salmon. The scenery is as stunning as making a birdie on this hole.

From there you start a series of holes that are affectionately known as Kelowna GC’s version of “Amen Corner”. 13 is a short par 3 to a peninsula green,14 a par 4 that gentle sweeps around a pond and 15 another par 3 with water lining the entire right side.

The overall conditioning of the course is excellent. Especially noteworthy is the impeccable grooming along the fairways, and around the trees that gives this semi-private a very private feel. The clubhouse atmosphere is vibrant, and the facilities are well utilized. The course is normally open from early March until the end of November. Green fees for public players in 2020 are $98 + $20.50 cart fees per person plus applicable taxes.

Wij hebben hier op uitnodiging van familie gespeeld en het was in 1 woord GEWELDIG.

De baan is schitterend gelegen en prima onderhouden; snelle greens en uitdagende fairways met hier en daar waterpartijen en wat hoogteverschil.

Het was een prachtige dag dus aansluitend heerlijke lunch genuttigd op het terras van het clubrestaurant met uitzicht op de baan en de omgeving.