Kamloops, British Columbia, offers an exceptional range of golf courses that cater to every skill level. The area is known for its varied landscapes, from sand dunes to lakefront fairways, giving golfers diverse experiences all within a short drive. Here’s a look at the ten best golf courses in and around Kamloops, each with its own unique challenges and features.
Tobiano Golf Course
Tobiano is located 15 minutes west of Kamloops and is frequently ranked among the top courses in Canada. Designed by Thomas McBroom, the course integrates natural elements with precision. The layout takes advantage of rugged terrain, offering a challenging experience for seasoned players while remaining enjoyable for those less experienced. Panoramic views of Kamloops Lake enhance the experience.
What makes Tobiano unique is its meticulous design and the way it blends with the surrounding environment. The fairways are framed by sagebrush hills, and the elevation changes create dynamic challenges. Its signature holes, such as the par-4 7th with a green perched against the lake, are unforgettable. The facilities, including a pro shop and a top-tier restaurant, add to the course’s appeal. The restaurant serves locally inspired dishes and offers stunning lake views, making it a popular choice for both post-game meals and special occasions.
The Dunes at Kamloops
The Dunes offers a links-style course defined by its sand dune landscape. The fairways are open, allowing players of varying abilities to navigate the course without intimidation. This par-72 course spans 6,944 yards and includes multiple tees, accommodating players from beginners to advanced.
What sets The Dunes apart is its natural design, which emphasizes the beauty of the sand dune terrain. The greens are fast and smooth, providing a consistent playing surface. Its practice facilities, including a large driving range and putting greens, are excellent for honing skills. The modern clubhouse features a restaurant with a casual menu, perfect for grabbing a bite after a game or enjoying a laid-back meal with friends and family.
Eaglepoint Golf Resort
Eaglepoint is set within the Thompson Valley, known for its rolling terrain. This course challenges players with its layout while offering flexibility for beginners. With 18 holes and a par 72, it’s 6,762 yards of carefully crafted fairways and greens.
Eaglepoint stands out for its elevation changes and natural obstacles, such as water hazards and strategically placed bunkers. Golfers appreciate the variety in hole design, which keeps the game engaging. The surrounding scenery, including views of the valley, adds to the experience. The resort also provides a well-stocked pro shop and casual dining options, including a cozy restaurant with a simple but satisfying menu, ideal for relaxing after a round.
Kamloops Golf & Country Club
Established in 1914, this course is one of the oldest in the area. It features a parkland-style design with tree-lined fairways. The course has a reputation for fast greens that reward accuracy. Its flat terrain makes it a comfortable walk, adding to its appeal.
Kamloops Golf & Country Club is notable for its classic design and community focus. The mature trees and traditional layout create a timeless golfing experience. Regular tournaments and events foster a sense of camaraderie among players. The clubhouse combines historic charm with modern amenities, including a restaurant known for its welcoming atmosphere and varied menu, making it a favourite for both locals and visitors.
Rivershore Golf Links
Rivershore is a true links course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. It stretches over 7,067 yards and includes 95 bunkers, making it a challenging experience. The South Thompson River borders the course, adding natural hazards and views.
What makes Rivershore unique is its authentic links-style design, which is rare in this region. The course’s wide fairways and large greens encourage strategic play. The desert-like surroundings and proximity to the river create an environment unlike any other. Practice facilities and a welcoming clubhouse with dining services enhance the overall experience. The restaurant serves hearty meals and is a popular spot for golfers to unwind after a challenging round.
Sun Peaks Golf Course
Located at Sun Peaks Resort, this course is the highest-elevation golf course in British Columbia. The front nine requires precision due to narrow fairways, while the back nine offers a more forgiving design.
Sun Peaks is special for its mountain setting and the challenge of playing at higher elevations. The thinner air can add extra distance to shots, creating a unique dynamic. The course layout is well-balanced, offering both challenge and relaxation. Players can also take advantage of resort amenities, including dining, accommodations, and outdoor activities. The restaurant at the resort offers a varied menu, including locally sourced ingredients, making it a convenient choice for extended stays or celebratory meals.
Talking Rock Golf Course
Talking Rock sits on the shores of Little Shuswap Lake and winds through a mature forest. The course ends with a striking 18th hole along the lake’s edge. Opened in 2007, it’s known for its detailed design and natural setting.
Talking Rock is distinctive for incorporating Indigenous elements into its design, reflecting the culture of the Little Shuswap Indian Band. The fairways are lined with tall pines, and the lake views add to its appeal. The finishing hole is especially memorable, with the lake providing both a scenic and strategic element. The clubhouse offers a restaurant with local cuisine, including fresh fish and other regional specialties, making it a highlight of the golfing experience.
Bighorn Golf & Country Club
Bighorn is close to downtown Kamloops and offers a desert-style experience. Elevated tee boxes provide views of surrounding canyons, while the course’s design encourages strategic play.
Bighorn is notable for its dramatic elevation changes and desert environment. The course rewards precision and careful planning, particularly on holes with steep drops. Its bent grass fairways and contoured greens are consistently well-maintained. The course’s proximity to the city makes it convenient for visitors and locals alike. The clubhouse features a restaurant serving casual meals and beverages, offering a relaxed space for post-round gatherings.
Mount Paul Golf Course
Mount Paul is a 9-hole course located near the city center. It’s accessible and welcoming, ideal for beginners or those looking for a shorter game. The course is well-maintained and provides a relaxed atmosphere.
Mount Paul stands out for its simplicity and focus on accessibility. The narrow fairways offer a challenge for players looking to improve their accuracy. Its central location makes it a convenient option for a quick round. While it lacks a full-service restaurant, the clubhouse has a small café serving light snacks and drinks, ensuring players have a comfortable resting place.
Pineridge Golf Course
Pineridge is another 9-hole course that focuses on providing a casual experience. It’s family-friendly and caters to golfers of all abilities. The course is surrounded by natural beauty, offering a quiet environment for a round.
Pineridge is notable for its welcoming environment and straightforward design. The course is perfect for beginners and those seeking a relaxed pace. Basic practice areas and a small clubhouse provide the essentials without overwhelming them. The clubhouse includes a snack bar that offers quick bites and beverages, catering to the needs of golfers during or after their rounds.
Kamloops offers a diverse selection of golf courses, each with its own unique characteristics. From championship layouts to beginner-friendly options, these courses showcase the variety and quality available to golfers in the region.
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