Westwood Plateau ?

[Matt_Ward]

I will be in the greater Vancouver area in mid-May and have heard some comments about Westwood Plateau Golf & CC.

Does anyone (who has played it) have any general comments.

I have seen their Website but it always pays to get comments from others who know firsthand.

Thanks ...

P.S. How far in drive time is Capilano from Westwood Plateau for those who know ?

[Steve Hyden]

I wish I could could remember more from 10 years ago, but all I do remember is that I was disapppointed and didn't care for it much.  Blasted out of the side of a mountain, it is rather overwrought, very much "constructed" and is a cart golf kind of a place.  I remember being warned about going straight down the slopes from the cart path (i.e., perpendicular to the path) to the ball lest you tip over.

Capilano is a classic and I would recommend trying to get on other private clubs.  I regret not playing Shaughnessy, and there are good courses on Vancouver Island (Victoria) if you have time.

[Sean Leary]

I have played it once, and I thought it was a standard ccfad, on a very severe site.  Beautiful views, but an awkward routing only to be done by cart.  Maybe 8 years ago since I have been there, but housing was going up all around it. I normally can remember a lot about individual holes but not on this course.

It is east of Vancouver, so I am guessing 30 min or so to Capilano..

[Bob Jenkins]

Matt,

From what I see in Sean and Steve's posts, there is no disagreement with what I mentioned in the email to you.

It is about an hour from Capilano which is, of course, a must, but very private. Others to play are Shaughnessy in particular, then Point Grey, Vancouver Club (also in Coquitlam but on much less severe land) and Marine Drive, all private.

If you have time, Victoria Club is very old and unique.

As I mentioned, feel free to contact me and I will help in any way.

[Matt_Ward]

For those in the immediate area of Westwood Plateau -- maybe it might be possible to hook up for a game there on Sunday, May 13 (Mother's Day)?

[Bob Jenkins]

Matt,

Have not heard back from you. If you are still going to be in this area on the weekend, get in touch and hopefully we can arrange something.

Bob J

[Matt_Ward]

For those who can recommend -- is it better to play at Westwood Plateau or head to Mayfair Lakes. I have a few options and these two are on a short list given to me. Any clear recommendation between these two specific courses is much appreciated.

Thanks ...

[Craig Van Egmond]

Played Westwood Plateau about 10 years ago.. pretty severe terrain, soggy conditions with some memorable views.  I'm glad I played it but I wouldn't do it again.

Hopefully drainage has improved or it will be very soggy in early May.

[Matt_Ward]

Just my word of thanks to all those who weighed in on Westwood Plateau.

Played it this past Sunday and have to say the remarks / comments from the group were spot on for the most part. I thought the terrain was quite dramatic and just as nearly severe -- no doubt cart ball rules here.

There were a few holes of note - I liked the downhill 15th -- because it provided a solid transition from the upper part of the property to the next lower section.

Given my early play time -- the course was still soft and frankly I was blessed with one of those "warm" spring days -- the kind where the marine layer simply refuses to budge and you need to keep moving or else the chill will envelope any exposed pore on your skin. The temp when I played hit 53-55 degrees but it played much cooler than that.

I've been told that the plateau is often the reverse of what the actual temps are in downtown Vancouver and I can certainly believe that.

Overall, the course was a "C" -- nothing glaringly bad but nothing that would prompt a quick return.

P.S. For those who read this -- I understand Nicklaus is designing a course on Vancouver Island -- I have to question if such a course is meaningful given the proximity to the rain forest and the general gloomy weather that persists for much of the year. Comments ?

[Bob Jenkins]

Matt,

Sorry I missed you. Did you get a chance to play anywhere else while you were here? The day was mostly gray, much of a contrast to Monday which was sunny everywhere around here.

The Nicklaus course under design which is close is on Vancouver Island, about half way up the island, and is in a very windy and stormy area and is a long drive for anyone. It is near the town of Tofino which is very scenic, big waves crashing, etc. For someone who grew up in this part of the world, it is difficult to think how that area will draw will be a golf destination. Probably lots of fun for guys like you and me to go over and visit but it will be a tough golf destination draw, very isolated.

Bob J

[Tony Ristola]

Nicklaus has done a project outside of Victoria. It's called Bear Mountain....replete with a TPC 17th style island green. There's a second course coming I believe.

It was to be one of the lower Nicklaus Company designs...whatever they call them, but he made a site-visit, got paid more, and now it's on the next level...whatever they may call it. At least that's what I've been told from a very reliable source...that spent time on the project.

[Matt_Ward]

Bob, Tony, et al:

The aspect of Vancouver that bears noting is that the weather patterns in the great NW can be so utterly varied. The weather when I arrived last Thursday was grand stuff.

In fact, I had the pleasure in taking a heli-jet service from the Int'l Airport and flying over to Whistler -- absolutely stunning stuff indeed !!!

The golf dimension was rather limited for me. I only had a few days and spent that time at just two courses -- Chateau Whistler and Westwood Plateau. I only wish I had more time. However, the marine layer that can arise with ongoing frequency does take some gettin used to when compared to the northeast's warmer and more humid air masses.

Bob, the new Nicklaus course on Vancouver Island will make for an interesting situation. Yes, it will be isolated and I have to say the weather patterns there will certainly be a major factor in whether it can have the kind of success envisioned.

I'd have to say from my limited knowledge of the overall area that what takes place will be of immense interest as matters proceed.

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