Information:
- Vernon, British Columbia
- Public – Daily Fee
- Gene Bates & Fred Couples (2008)
The Rise’s main claim to fame is the views of Lake Okanagan. After all, the course sits some-1000 feet above the lake, and looks out at two fingers of the massive interior British Columbian lake for 180 degree views. The course opened in 2008, and it’s been known to spice up an Instagram account or website. Check out my 18 hole photo tour below!
Front Nine
The par 5, 1st hole with the Okanagan Lake in the background
The uphill, demanding approach to the 440 yard, par 4, 2nd
The dogleg left tee shot at the 3rd
Looking at the green complex at the drivable par 4, 4th with the Okanagan Lake in the background
Looking down at the short par 4, 5th
The only par 3 on the front features a nice view down the valley
Another uphill, dogleg left par 4 comes at the 7th
Nice bunkering akin to a lot of the Okanagan and Thompson Valley courses comes at the par 4, 8th
My personal vote for the best hole on the course, the 9th features a a slightly downhill approach
Back Nine
The green complex at the short par 4, 10th
The longest 3 on the course comes at the 11th
Following the long par 3, the shortest 5 on the course is the 12th, measuring 480 yards
The par 3, 13th is the third of four par 3’s to play downhill
Yet another uphill, dogleg left par 4 comes at the 14th before the home stretch
The 15th is a tough, 410 yard par 4 with water in the driving zone and surrounding the green
The final par 3 on the course plays over water to a sliver of a green
The 434 yard par 4 17th plays straight downhill towards the Okanagan Lake
The 18th tumbles down and to the left on this par 5 finisher
Takeaways
Best hole: The 590 yard, par 5 9th is by far the best hole here in terms of architectural design and interest. A dogleg to the left off the tee, the hole bends back to the right around a bunker in the layup area with a bunker guarding the left side of the green.
Worst hole: The 2nd, which plays as a 440 yard par 4 straight up the hill, is by far the worst hole here. It plays so severely uphill and even doglegging to the left around a bunch of trees that it might as well be a par 5. Look below at the elevation profile by Google Earth Pro, which shows it plays a total of a ridiculous 494 yards, which is 13 yards longer than the par 5, 12th.
Overall, The Rise is great for the camera. The setting is good, the course looks nice within the local setting, and the views are pretty much second to none. Bring your camera and enjoy the round!
