GolfWest Summer 2007

Land Of Champions
With the stunning views, gorgeous summer weather and challenging terrain, the Kootenay Rockies region of British Columbia is home to a number of impressive and world-class golf resorts – with several more in development.  The region, which stretches into neighbouring Idaho and Montana, is increasingly becoming a preferred destination among professional and amateur golfers.  And PGA championships are being courted to design and endorse several projects already in development, heightening the area’s profile.  Jack Nicklaus, Andy North and Nick Faldo have already lent their names to several projects, and Gary Player is on board with the new Wildstone golf resort underway in Cranbrook, B.C.  Now, former Masters Champion Fred Couples is teeing up to join the pack.

Bringing in the Champions
Couples was on hand June 9th, 2007 at the new Whiskey Jack golf resort development in Sparwood, B.C. to lend his name to the project and design.  Couples spoke of his appreciation for all the region has to offer in terms of scenery and potential for the course. “This is a great community but (known for) golf” said Couples. “But that’s really not the point.  The point is the property and that’s spectacular.  This is an area that, when we’re done, will have some unbelievable water features; it will be very playable for the people and it will be absolutely beautiful”

Couples said Whiskey Jack will present something for every level of player; it will be demanding on some shots and easy on others.  He also said the weather will provide very lush conditions that will be appreciated by all players. “When you play it, I think you’ll have a lot of fun” said Couples. “Everyone says that; but here, while you’re hitting, you can be looking at the Continental Divide and all these beautiful mountainsides and some great, great views.”

Couples said the nearby mine will not detract from the scenery; most of the holes are being designed so as to mask the smokestacks.  In fact, said Couples, the 13th hole – which will directly face the mine – will be one of the most gorgeous holes on the course.  “You tee off and there’s a creek that runs across the fairway down the left side that goes into a pond – almost a lake – that surrounds the green,” he said.  Couples promised that he would be visiting the course several times during and following construction of the project to check the progress of the course.

Great names = great games
Couples is pleased to have his name associated with Whiskey Jack Resort, joining other prestigious PGA champions-turned-designers who have lent their efforts and names to courses in B.C.’s Kootenay Rockies and the neighbouring states.

Gary Player’s name is one that Kootenay Rockies residents have quickly become familiar with as well; Player is designing and endorsing his first Canadian golf course, in association with Havaday Developments’ Wildstone resort in Cranbrook, B.C.  The vision for Wildstone is to create two 18-hole championship courses, each measuring over 7,000 yards.  Joel Savage, president of Havaday Developments, believes that the East Kootenay is a natural location for championship golf as well as year-round recreation.  “Four-season lifestyle, there is nowhere better than this region.  It is truly a unique place.” said Savage.  “Everything is here other than the ocean – and we’re working on that,” he added with a laugh.

Nick Faldo, Andy North and Jack Nicklaus have all been associated with golf course designs in nearby Montana and Idaho.

“Nicklaus and Player – they’re prolific,” Couples said.  “They do golf courses pretty much all over the place.  So when I go into an area (where they have designed courses), that tells me that golf here is needed and I feel great that they’re in the area.  My goal is to be known by building good golf courses, and certainly it helps to say there is a Nicklaus course and a Gary Player course not far from here.

Gaining a reputation
Bill Bennett, MLA for B.C.’s East Kootenay region, was in attendance for the groundbreaking at Whiskey Jack, and he believes that the region is just beginning to heat up in terms of championship level golf.  “I think we’re fast becoming known as the place to golf in Canada,” said Bennett, “and we are going to be one of the places to golf in North America.  It’s a beautiful climate and beautiful surroundings.”