Victoria and Vancover golf

[John Bernhardt]

One of my golf friends is going to Vancover for 4 or 5 days and to Victoria for 8. What courses are recommended in the area. Also is there a Stanley Thompson course in either place?

[Craig Van Egmond]

John,

In Vancouver, you must play Stanley Thompson's Capilano golf course.  

I don't know if he built any others in that area.

[David Wigler]

John,

I second Craig's comment.  Capilano is a Thompson and one of my 5 favorite courses in the world.  I cannot improve on Ran's review in the Course Review section of this web site.  Ran is right on in his comments though.

I also enjoyed RTJ jr. and Jack's courses in Whistler (About 90 minutes north).  Neither is going to win a best course in the world award but they are very pretty, very scenic, and very fun to play.

[John Bernhardt]

I have played the two in whistler and feel the same. they are not worth the drive when there is alot to offer there. I am trying to remember the course in Victoria I saw. My mind is mush today.

[Craig Van Egmond]

I prefer Nicklaus North over RTJ Jr's Chateau Whistler myself. The Nicklaus course is walkable by humans and Chateau only by mountain goats.

For something different your friend could try Hurdzan's Westwood Plataeu or the Lee Trevino/William Graves courses at Swan-e-set.  The Peace Portal course is an old course (built in 1928) that is fun to play and cheap. There is a new course by Graham Cooke, that is actually in Washington that is only accessible from Canada though called Pointe Roberts.

Of course there is also Furry Creek a Robert Muir Graves course that was used for the Adam Sandler golf movie.

[Jeff Goldman]

A couple I played in Banff with a couple of weeks ago had just come from Whistler and liked the Bob Cupp course called Big Sky the best.  They said it was very strategic and were not particularly impressed with Nicklaus North or the others beyond the scenery.

[Jeff Mingay]

Just returned from a long three days of travel, so I must be short -- don't miss Capilano in Vancouver or Victoria Golf Club in Victoria. Everything else is secondary in those two cities.

[John_D._Bernhardt]

Thank You guys, How hard is Capilano to get on.

[-2]

What do all of you know of Furry Creek?  All I know is that it is between Vancouver and Whistler.

My people tell me its one hilly little creature, save for a few flattish holes near the water waaaaaaaaaay down below the rest of the course.

Is this a redeeming use of a piece of land?  Is this golf?  Is this real estate gone amok?  Should this be known as the location of Bob Barker's best acting scene ever?  

In truth, any golf is better than no golf, or maybe that is a thread in and of itself.

[Dennis_Harwood]

One of the great golf trips anywhere--

Play Capilano in Vancouver as the first (and/ or also the last event)--Also in Vancouver Point Grey, Marine Drive and Shaunessy are all worthy--

Then--for one of the highlights, catch the morning ferry from Vancouver to Victoria(having a great breakfast on the vessel and watch the Orca in the channel) and play Royal Colwood(second only to Capilano in the area) and Victoria(get the old Wide World of Golf tapes of matches there to appreciate that course) and take the late(it stays light until 10pm in the area) back to Vancouver with an ale or three--

[John_D._Bernhardt]

Dennis, I can see we would enjoy a day of golf together. LoL thanks John

[David Wigler]

John,

I had my head pro call Capilano and explain my passion for golf.  They were very accomodating.

-2,

Furry Creek is not golf but damn if it isn't fun.  The views are as good as any course I have played.  Almost every hole is a blind tee shot or a blind landing area.  It makes ridiculous turns and bends.  The elevation is all misplaced.  The only thing missing is windmills and a free round if you hit the putt on 18.  

That written, I enjoyed the heck out of it.  The best analogy I can give is that it is like a Mike Myers film.  It will never win any awards and if you go there expecting greatness you will be throughly disappointed.  If you go out strictly to enjoy yourself and bring a six pack of good Canadian beer with you, I would recomend Furry Creek all day long.

[-2]

Mr. Wigler,

Many thanks for your candid, yet very thoughtful, comments regarding my query.

It's most disappointing to place a question or idea out there like so much bait, yet to have no bites, as one would expect with my own personal fishing skills.

All that you mentioned of that particular course is of great interest.  For how many courses can one say those things of?

A real find, I would have to believe, to come upon a course that has no allusions as to what it is about, just a place to swat the ball about with some fun.  I would be curious to know of more of these sorts of places.  Yet, owing to this format, I would be more assured of answers by opening another thread, most probably.

[Ben Cowan-Dewar]

-2,
Furry Creek is not an architectural winner.  The people on this site tend to be drawn towards courses with great architecture.  Therefore, it is not surprising that Furry Creek did not draw responses, especially since I imagine few have played it.

PS.
Played Capilano on Friday, while passing through town and was suitably amazed.  This requires a new topic, which I will get to this week.

[David Wigler]

It's most disappointing to place a question or idea out there like so much bait, yet to have no bites, as one would expect with my own personal fishing skills.

-2,

I think Ben is half right.  Many people on this site do not respond to anonymous posts.  We refer to ourselves as a "Treehouse" and act like a large fraternity.  Since so many people are involved in the golf business, it is risky to "Take the bait" when you are unsure of whom the fisherman is.  

As for Furry Creek, I tried to think of another course like it and could not.  The very first hole is an absolutely gorgeous par four with 50+ feet of elevation change from tee box to landing area.  The view is striking of the bay in the background.  Of course, the landing area is blind and a lake covers half of it.  It sets the perfect tone for the course.  You know it will be extremely visually appealing and fun but goofy golf.  I would never be a member here, but would happily play it once a year if I lived in the area.  If you do play it, please write your comments.  I would love to hear them.