A fun challenge
GolfWest publisher Keith Powell rediscovers the flagship of Kootenay golf courses
The master plan for Kokanee Springs Golf Course includes cottages, clubhouse villas and much more.—photo by Keith Powell
Tee’er up and let it rip—that’s the type of golfing Kokanee Springs is designed for and that was the game we brought to the venerable course in early August 2008. The course plays long and yet graceful with a few tricky par 3’s sprinkled throughout to test your irons and give your Big Berthas a breather. Kokanee Springs Resort, a stone’s throw from beautiful Kootenay Lake at Crawford Bay, is often referred to as the flagship of Kootenay golf courses. In fact, it is one of the original resort destination courses in the Kootenays. I had the opportunity recently to renew my acquaintance with this magnificent 18-hole track while vacationing just north of Riondel. And yes, Kokanee Springs still plays challenging on every hole while offering spectacular and varied scenery with every fairway. My son-in-law, Jonathan Momy, and I had the pleasure of teaming up with local Gray Creek residents Irv and Leone Lund to play the immaculately groomed course. The Lunds, who play Kokanee Springs several times a week, were gracious and knowledgeable hosts. They were diligent in recommending the best landing target on every fairway and the break on every green—now if only my driver and putter would have followed these well-intentioned instructions. Without question, Kokanee Springs Resort is one of Canada’s finest championship 18-hole courses. Every hole is framed by spectacular panoramic views of the Kokanee Glacier and surrounding area. Kokanee Springs is a Norman Woods original, characterized by its long driving fairways, immense rolling greens, immaculate course upkeep and ability to interest and challenge golfers at all levels. Kokanee Springs is set to undergo a major transformation with its new Kokanee Springs Resort Club development. As you walk off the 18th fairway, there is a brand new discovery centre, which maps out the exciting new resort master plan. Real estate experts Al and Vivian Pollard said the new development plan includes the Big Bend Cottages along the famous 12th fairway and the Clubhouse Villas to be perched on the highest point at Kokanee Springs, just off the first tee box. Resort club membership will include access to a pool and hot tubs, a marina, a mile of lakefront and the resort village lifestyle. If you haven’t played Kokanee Springs in a while, take the time to drive to this magnificent course and you may just end up owning a bit of the legend as well. A glance at the 114 on my score card reminds me how tough Kokanee Springs plays and why golf is the ultimate ego buster.
Developments key contacts
Invermere, BC
Slow the pace, change the scenery and bask in the moment.
Own your piece of adventure with a resort condominium in Invermere, British Columbia. Nestled in the heart of the Kootenays, between the Purcell and Canadian Rocky Mountains overlooking the The Ridge at Copper Point, Copper Point Resort is more than your ordinary destination property. With easy access to premier golf courses, world renowned skiing and the picturesque Lake Windermere, Copper Point Resort offers year round attractions. With a condo at Copper Point Resort, you can enjoy all the amenities of a five-star hotel at home, including a full service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness facilities, restaurant, lounge and much more. Whole and fractional ownership is available.