Short Okanagan winters make for a long golf season in Vernon. Locals start hitting balls at the driving range in March and will still be teeing up in early to mid-November. Five different courses, all within a 15-minute drive of downtown, provide five very different golfing experiences.
Predator Ridge has two top-rated golf courses: the Predator Course and the Ridge Course.
The Ridge Course is the newer of the two, and was named the "Top New Golf Course in Canada" for 2010 by SCOREGolf. At the Predator Course, stay and play in the footsteps of PGA pros – it's hosted two PGA Skins Games (2000 and 2008), which speaks volumes for the caliber of this 18-hole course that winds through pine forest, rolls over former cattle rangeland and threads among the homes of the Predator Ridge community.
There's also a Golf Performance Centre with grass tee driving range, short game area, practice bunkers, indoor and outdoor putting greens and fitness centre. Amenities include rental clubs, which guests can keep with them to play other area courses, carts, a pro shop and dining at the Clubhouse restaurant. Accommodations range from suites in the lodge to individual golf cottages. Twilight and day fees vary according to season.
Vernon Golf & Country Club
Vernon's longest-established Golf & Country Club moved to its current location between downtown Vernon and Kalamalka Lake in 1922. Stroll the gently rolling 18 holes shaded by Lombardy poplars and weeping willows and finish the round with a cool drink on the patio or a meal in the restaurant/lounge. The semi-private club welcomes visitors and offers all the standard amenities, golf shop, power carts and club rentals. The 6,597-yard course is rated par 72.
Hillview Golf Club
Another easy walk, Hillview is an 18-hole, mid-length course at 3,375 yards and rated at par 57. Accuracy is the key with a creek and eight lakes ready to swallow balls. Facilities include a restaurant and 24-stall driving range with CPGA on-staff pros ready to give lessons. Club and cart rentals available. Rates vary for 9 and 18 holes.
Spallumcheen Golf & Country Club
Located across from historic O'Keefe Ranch on Highway 97, the 27 holes of the Spallumcheen course occupy land where herds of cattle once grazed. The 6,423-yard, par 71 championship course requires a good aim to stay out of Deep Creek, the ponds and 60 bunkers, while the 9-hole, par 35 course is a good executive challenge at 2,624 yards. Tune up in the practice facility with two putting and chipping greens, a putting green and driving range. Amenities include a clubhouse with patio, club and cart rentals and pro shop.
Golf Digest 4+ Star Courses
Predator Ridge Golf Course
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