The South Thompson Okanagan climate makes Penticton an ideal golf venue. Long dry summers and short winters with very little snow keep players on the links. Penticton is home to the only Okanagan golf course that stays open year round, while another local club lists available tee times from early February through mid-December. Play any one of a dozen courses within 60km/37mi of Penticton, four of them right in the city. The Penticton courses are generally laid out with easy walking in mind, but they still deliver some terrific mountain and lake views and designs to challenge every handicap.
Championship Play
The Penticton Golf Club opened the first 18-hole course in the Interior of BC. Since then it has shifted location and developed the course for championship play. The current location, adjacent to the Okanagan River Channel in the heart of the city, is flat – definitely a bonus for players used to the significant elevation changes of many Okanagan courses. But that's the only concession to easy play. Straight drives are critical on the narrow fairways and anybody who has trouble with water hazards better bring lots of spare balls. Water comes into play on 12 holes. Polish up the wedges and putt strongly to come close to the par 70 on this 6101-yard course. Warm up on the putting and chipping greens and in the practice cages. Driving range hours depend on conditions. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and light dining. Pro shop and rentals are available.
Nine-Hole Executive Courses
Penticton is home to three 9-hole executive courses that provide three very different golf experiences.
Sage Mesa Golf Club
Sage Mesa Golf Club is a 2152-yard course, but alternate tee choices on each hole give players on this Arizona-style desert layout the feel of an 18-hole round. While advanced golfers tee up to drive from a cliff to the green far below and tackle a cross-canyon shot to the fairway, average players can skip the heroics and line up for safe shots. Loss of concentration is one of the biggest hazards on this par 33 course with wide open views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains. Amenities include the driving range and a snack stop.
Pine Hills Golf and Country Club
Pine Hills Golf and Country Club is another course with a view. Here the 9-hole layout overlooks both Okanagan and Skaha Lakes with the Okanagan Highlands for a backdrop. It can be tough to keep your eye on the ball! The 2127-yard course demands precision drives on narrow fairways and skill with the putter on undulating greens for a par 28.
Skaha Meadows Golf Course
Skaha Meadows Golf Course is designed for easy walking, but flat doesn't mean a stroll in the park. This 2435-yard course throws out plenty of obstacles with water hazards to intimidate and trees to boomerang shots that don't hold straight. Par 35 is just a dream for most golfers. Carts and rentals available in the pro shop.
For more information on where to play golf in and around Penticton, stop by the Visitor Centre, on the corner of Elkhardt Avenue and Highway 97.