Whistler Golfing

Start with Whistler’s first course – the Arnold Palmer-designed Whistler Golf Club. At the heart of the village, it’s a walkable, playable course with a youthful, energetic vibe.
 
Play through a peaceful valley setting with towering fir and ancient cedar  trees leaning into the fairways, or challenge the doglegs with gutsy drives that cut corners and shorten the 6,722-yard route. Avoid the nine ball-hungry lakes and white-sand bunkers. Overall, this is a mature, parkland-style course that will test every part of a golfer’s game. Post-round, hit the patio at Palmer’s Gallery for a pint of local beer with fish and chips.

About a five-minute walk from the doors of the stellar The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club is a thrilling mountain course with a well-deserved 4.5-star rating by Golf Digest.

Traverse creeks, ponds and ancient stands of Douglas fir while playing through rugged, mountainous terrain. Start with a challenging uphill journey to the fourth green; from there, the course softens somewhat. Expect impressive elevation changes, scenic tees and greens surrounded by wildflowers and creeks. Close out the round with a string of holes that descend through the forest.

Afterwards, enjoy a quick bite at the course – they offer light clubhouse fare – or head back to The Fairmont Chateau Whistler for a memorable dining experience in The Grill Room, known for fantastic chops, steaks and seafood. A massage at Vida Spa feels terrific after golf. Insider tip: patrons of the hotel receive discounted rates for golf.

Nicklaus North is resort golf at its finest, located five minutes from the village along the emerald waters of Green Lake. The Jack Nicklaus design is softer and more playable than many of his other “tournament” courses. Low handicap players can move to the gold tees where it stretches to 6,961 yards and is a stern test. Twice the course has hosted the prestigious Telus World Skins Game, which draws some of the world’s best golfers.

The layout here features peaceful, gently bending holes that follow the valley floor. The walkable course also incorporates fir trees and a lovely – but challenging! – finale along the shores of Green Lake. After sinking a birdie putt on 18, hit the largest lakeside patio in Whistler at The Den. Enjoy West Coast cuisine and panoramic mountain views.

Big Sky is beautifully situated at the base of Mount Currie in Pemberton, a twenty-five minute drive north of Whistler. This 7,001-yard Bob Cupp design  is on SCOREGolf magazine’s Top-100 Courses in Canada list. The lush course has a quiet, pastoral feel. It’s relatively flat and a joy to walk.

Enjoy playing smooth, bentgrass fairways, green sites featuring closely mown chipping areas, and interesting slopes. Mount Currie creates a jaw-dropping mountain backdrop. After a round, sample from the West Coast contemporary menu at Fescues Restaurant and Patio.