Golf

Facilities & Challenges at Fairview Mountain

Surrounded by dry grasslands, ponderosa pine woodlands and overlooking vineyards and orchards in the valley, this course is as beautiful as it is challenging.

Take a big swing from the tee box. The wide fairways can be forgiving and there's no water, but trees that ricochet poorly aimed shots pose just as big a hazard, and beware the fast and tricky greens. They can destroy any hope of making par 72.

Only fit golfers should tackle Fairview Mountain on foot. Also, consider selecting a tee time that avoids the sizzling mid-day summer heat. Sharpen those short game skills on the extensive practice facility or let it rip on the driving range. Pro shop and rentals available. Unwind on the patio at the Diamondback Grill & BBQ overlooking the 1st and 9th holes or in the dining room, with menu options from breakfast to special dinners and a wine list to match.

Nk'Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course

Nk'Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course reflects First Nations respect for the land and connection with nature. The facility is owned and operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band, which carried out extensive course expansion and renovation completed in 2001.

Overlooking Tuc-el-Nuit Lake and the orchards, vineyards and mountains surrounding Oliver, the 6818-yard course is mainly cut from the semi-arid antelope brush and sage scrubland native to the region.

Drive for accuracy rather than length on the Canyon Nine fairways. This desert area challenges golfers with the natural topography while the more easy-going Grove Nine is friendlier to long drives on lush fairways. Accuracy is still key in shooting for a par 72.

Hazards include a big fairway pine and although this is a desert course, there's still water along with the sand to trap wayward balls. Nk'Mip is a walkable course, but early or late tee times are advisable in mid-summer when temperatures soar.

Warm up on the putting and chipping greens, the driving range and the three practice holes. The Canyon Restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, features excellent views from the patio and a wide selection of South Okanagan wines.

Practical Points

• Oliver is located in a semi-arid environment, home to spiny cacti, rattlesnakes and very sensitive native plants.
• Don't leave the cut areas of the golf course. Consider balls in the rough to be lost.

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