Win Free Golf, 2 for 1, and 50% Off Green Fees !

The Tee-Off Frequent Player Program is the most respected golf discount program in Canada. Order the 2006 edition of Tee Off for B.C. OR Manitoba and Saskatchewan and receive a free annual subscription to Score Golf Magazine. Also, win one of two copies of the play and save golf program guide valued at $39.95. Enter the contest now. MORE >>

$ave big buck$

Tee-Off, based on Vancouver Island is the oldest and most respected of all the golf discount programs in Canada. It publishes several regional play-and-save program guides including an edition for British Columbia. Course descriptions are accompanied by photos, course maps and lists of services that give you a good idea what’s in store.

Tee-Off discounts include 2 for 1 green fees, 50 per cent off and even free golf. For most golfers, playing twice will pay for the cost of the $39.95 book. The company currently has a deal where if you order a book now, you get a free subscription to Score Golf Magazine. MORE >>

The GolfBC consortium that owns Olympic View and Arbutus and others has a number of great deals at http://www.golfbc.com/.

BCGolfGuide.com and the Kiwanis in B.C. also offer discount programs

Weather and clothes

Vancouver Island is not Nassau or Mesa with endless sunny days, so there will be some drizzle or rain. Don't plan on golfing every day - there are lots of other great things to do. But if you can pick your days and times, there will be some great golfing at great prices to be had. It's also easier to get tee times during the fall, winter and spring months.

• There's likely to be a few raindrops, since it's late fall or winter after all. But you never know - this writer golfed on the Island in January 2003 and there was one rainy day out of 21. Typically, expect a couple of rainy days a week – when the weather is good, drop everything and go golfing.
• Just in case bring an umbrella, good rain gear with a waterproof cap, dry towels, waterproof golf shoes and a couple of spare golf gloves. It may be sweater weather and you won’t need any of this stuff.
• A water resistant bag or club cover will help keep those clubs dry.

The images capture the essence of these five golfing great on and off the course. The photos are drawn from Sprayregen’s book Power, Passion, Honor and Glory: Five Heroes of Modern Golf.

A new spin on golf

U.S.-based NanoDynamics will soon be introducing a new ball that promises to reduce your slice or hook and make your putts go straighter. The company says it’s the most revolutionary thing to happen to golf balls in 50 years – it employs nanotechnology to change the physics of how the balls spins. Materials in a golf ball are changed at the molecular level so the weight inside shifts less as the ball spins. The less it shifts, the straighter even a badly hit ball will go. www.ndmxgolf.com

Extra yardage

Hear the one about the bad tempered golfer who bought a new set of Great Big Bertha Woods. After playing with them for a couple of rounds he returned to his pro shop and said these were the best clubs he had ever played with. In fact, "I can throw these clubs 40 yards further than my old ones", he told the pro.

The next protégé

Is 16-year-old Michelle Wie the next big thing in golf, a Tigress on the prowl for greatness? You would have to agree, if you consider her competitive track record, and the hype from the news media and advertisers. The Honolulu schoolgirl is believed to have signed endorsement deals worth $10-million U.S. annually making her golf’s richest females and one of the highest paid athletes in women’s sport. She is the most trumpeted teenager since Tiger Woods made his debut. For her autobiography, click here.

	What's the greatest sin in golf? Cheating? Not raking a sandtrap? Sandbagging? Cursing? Talking on your cell phone? Putting out of turn? Talking too much? Not replacing your divot? View results

Green fees affordable

Compared to golfing in Saskatchewan - a bargain at about $30-35 a round - golf prices in B.C. vary depending on the course. The fall/winter rates tend to be considerably less, 25-50 per cent less than peak season. There are deals - Golf BC has five and 10 game packs that average only $25-$30 a round.

In this writer's experience, expect to pay $25-$50 for a round. A couple of the high-end courses are more than that. That compares wonderfully with fees stateside, especially since you won't have to fork over big bucks for healthcare insurance and the dollar difference.

The hottest equipment?

High MOI putters. Nano technology balls. Drivers with adjustable perimeter weighting? Trying to keep up with the latest golf technology and sorting through what’s great and what’s not is a full-time job for most duffers.

Golf Digest Magazine and a team of 17 experts has done the work for you for several years now. That last of what drivers, clubs, putters, hyrbrids, balls, training aids and so on that are highly recommended are now available online at www.golfdigest.com/hotlist/

Much more info

• Impressive British Columbia tourism websites at www.hellobc.com, www.islands.bc.ca and www.tourismvictoria.com. The latter has a lengthy list with details on 16 facilities in Victoria and the Island
• All your weather at WeatherOffice.ec.gc.ca
• bcgolfguide.com is the premiere golf website and general portal for the province
• Find a copy of Canadian Golf Directory at golf course clubhouses. It's published out of Duncan, Vancouver Island. They offer a complete listing and contact information for all golf courses in Victoria and on the Island .

Amen Corner

"Unlike the other Scotch game of whisky-drinking, excess is not injurious to your health."

- 19th century golf writer Sir Walter Simpson, on the growing popularity of golf in 1879

Golfing Victoria, a big hit

By Jeff Sutherland & Darrin Morton, Inside Golf Magazine

Backed by the magnificence of the Olympic Mountains, Olympic View is a course where you can fully feel the unique nature of Vancouver Island. The rocky outcroppings dominate the landscape, and the arbutus and garry oak trees that are found only on Vancouver Island, join with the roar of two spectacular waterfalls.

This is also home to the GBC Golf Academy - a destination golf school headed by Inside Golf columnist John Randle who is the director of golf. Randy Frank, however, who selected the 8th hole as their most difficult; a par 4 that is protected by two water hazards. The first starts directly in front of the tee box and the second starts 270 yards out in the fairway extending all the way to the right of the green. A good tee shot of 250 yards will leave an iron approach of 185 yards to a deep, 3-tiered green. Being on the right tier is a must, otherwise a 3-putt is a definite possibility. Pray for a tail-wind, or playing this as a par 5 can be a wiser choice. www.golfbc.com.

Overlooking the southern Gulf Islands, Arbutus Ridge near Mill Bay outside of Victoria is a beautiful course that pleases the eye at the same time as offering a true test of golf. Arbutus will be host to the Canadian Jr Ladies Championship this summer. Between the precision requirements of Arbutus' opener, to the demands of its famous 18th, you will find fantastic variety that makes this course a must play. And it is the 18th that Director of Golf Scott Kolb has selected, “Arbutus Ridge has some of the toughest finishing holes around, capping it off with the par four 18th. It’s straight up-hill with O.B. left, hazard right and a 10,000 square foot green protected by a water hazard. Four is a great score... www.golfbc.com

Located just minutes from the Schwartz Bay ferry terminal, the mature Glen Meadows G&CC features treelines of majestic garry oaks. The course stretches to over 6800 yards to challenge the longest hitting males, but they do cater to the women as well. They were actually the first club in BC to entitle women full privileges and equal membership back in 1970.

Still they do have holes that can give even the best player fits. Don’t be fooled by the card, the 355-yard par-four 3rd is no pushover. Assistant Professional Germain Francoeur puts it this way, “There is O.B. right and luckily the fairway slopes right to left. Unfortunately, there are trees there. You are best to use a 4-iron or 3-wood off the tee. Left of the green are bunkers that can save you from some more O.B.”

Bear Mountain has quickly settled into being the biggest golf draw on the island. It seems to mix the scenery required of a resort course with the challenge that better players demand. Located on Mt. Finlayson, it has unparalleled views of Victoria below. It even has a “19th” (extra) hole that plays across a chasm to a putting surface perched over the city skyline but that is not the toughie selected by Director of Golf, Todd Mahovlich.

The 488-yard par four 13th is a slight dogleg right with water running up the left hand side. Add to that a narrow green that is over 40 yards long making club selection on your approach more difficult and you’ve got some real challenge.“ There is also a large real estate component to Bear Mountain that has been one of the most successful ever in B.C. An unbelievable 190,000 square foot, six-story clubhouse is scheduled to open in 2006.

Prospect Lake GC, a 9-holer is nestled on the water’s edge of the lake of the same name, located just 20 minutes from downtown Victoria. This par 32 layout consists of five par fours and four par threes. With $250,000 worth of renovations in the past few years, there is a new halfway house, terrace seating area and improvements to five holes. According to Head Pro Doug Schneider the signature and toughest is the par three 6th with a 130-yard carry over the lake from a raised rock teeing area. A floating walkway takes you to the green.." MORE >>

Oceanside region features great golf

Mid Island between Qualicum Beach and Parksville is the other hotspot for golf on Vancouver Island. The climate is drier – golfers enjoy the game year-round - and the courses are on par with those in Victoria. Oceanside Tourism Association (www.oceansidetourism.com) is useful in tracking down local services, facilities, accomodation and events. Phone 1-888-799-3222.

Oceanside enjoys Canada's mildest year-round climate next to Victoria. This not only means that there is great golf all the time, but, that whatever time you arrive, you can enjoy the many natural attractions.

The Oceanside Region has one of the lowest annual rainfall levels on Vancouver Island. (37.7 inches annually). The daily average Farenheit temperatures are: Oct. (57), Nov. (47), Dec. (42), Jan. (40) and Feb. (46). Temperatures tend to warm nicely by mid morning for golf - think Saskatchewan in September or October.

Great vacation packages

With Golf Vancouver Island, Vacation planning is easy!Check out the highlights of the most popular feature packages at www.golfvancouverisland.ca and they will customize a vacation package just for you.

Convenience, savings and the assurance that you are getting the best in golf and accommodations, that's what you get when you book one of our packages. Their staff have worked hard to bring you the best that Vancouver Island has to offer at incredible prices. Our super steal packages start at just $175 Canadian for two nights and two rounds!

Pheasant Glen relaunched

The one in the mid-Vancouver Island Oceanside’s region between Qualicum Beach and Parksville that has been creating most of the buzz recently is the revamped and now renamed Pheasant Glen. They have recently rebuilt many of the holes turning it into a 6,600 yard championship layout that puts a premium on accuracy and choosing the right tees for your ability among four options.

Of note, the new championship venue of Pheasant Glen will host the BCGA Mid Amateur Championship in June 2006.

Links style holes meander through an open meadow on the front side, with spectacular Mount Arrowsmith in the background, while much of the back nine winds through dense woods, with an environmentally protected forest as a centrepiece. Water is in play on ten of the holes and both nines open and close with par fives.

With that backdrop of Mount Arrowsmith, maintaining the focus required to score well could be a problem. Getting a fix for concentration loss won’t be a problem, however, because they also have what has to be one of the country’s top academies under the well respected Director of Instruction Brent Morrison. Gord Melissa, director of golf, has chosen the straight-away par four 17th as their toughest,” It has water up the entire length of the hole on the left hand side. A cluster of three bunkers on the right narrows the fairway even further.” www.pheasantglen.com

Fairwinds, a must play

Designed by renowned architect Les Furber and voted 1999 BCPGA Facility of the year, the Fairwinds Golf Club offers golfers one of Vancouver Island’s finest courses. Play on lush fairways lined by towering fir, garry oak, and arbutus trees while more that 70 sand traps guard the immaculate greens. Challenging the low handicapper while rewarding the recreational player, Fairwinds Golf Club has spectacular ocean views, abundant wildlife and pristine natural surroundings that combine for an unforgettable golfing experience.

Schooner Cove Hotel and Marina at Fairwinds offers newly renovated spacious guest rooms and spectacular ocean views from your private balcony overlooking the 360 slip marina. Unwind and enjoy the great food and breathtaking scenery from the patio of the Laughing Gull Pub.

Stay and Play Packages Starting at $89 pp - Schooner Cove Hotel offers a number of Getaway Packages, designed to accommodate both individuals and large groups. Choose from golf, fishing, sailing, kayaking, and other adventure packages. The wide range of amenities and activities, including on-site meeting facilities and banquet areas, make Schooner Cove Hotel & Marina the ideal location for a group retreat or conference. Let the friendly staff plan your next event.

Live the life you’ve always dreamed of, live at Fairwinds. The ongoing residential development offers as wide variety of spectacular home sites available for purchase within the natural beauty of Fairwinds. Fairwinds, Live Here, Live More.

Fairwinds is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island , midway between Parksville and Nanaimo and can be conveniently reached by plane, car, ferry, or boat. Visit www.fairwinds.ca or call Golf: 1-888-781-2777 . Hotel: 1-800-663-7060.

Arrowsmith, a favourite

With the backdrop of Mount Arrowsmith, staying focused with the level of concentration required to score well could be a problem at Arrowsmith Golf and Country Club. It’s a course that still is a true executive length layout that’s beautifully manicured Arrowsmith.

This par 61, 3,724 yard course is the perfect combination of test for the regular player and enjoyment for the more occasional golfer. Boasting the driest layout on the island, the court is continuously cart pathed. Their large greens will keep you guessing and as dominating as snow-capped Mt. Arrowsmith may be in the background...no, not all putts break away from the mountain. www.golfarrowsmith.com

Morningstar, future host of the 2007 BC Amateur Tournament, is one of the most popular courses on the Island. Utilizing rolling terrain, and water as its main defenses, Morningstar starts you out in open meadow and then takes you quickly into an evergreen forest. Getting off to a good start is key if you want to have a good round at this challenging course. No hole better signifies the high standard of the golf here than the one chosen by Head Professional, David Kuss, “The 7th is a long par-four that sweeps from the right to the left with bunkers all the way down the left. The green is wide but shallow in depth, guarded by a pond to the left with bunkers in front and behind.”

Sister course to Morningstar, is the locals’ course of Eaglecrest, located between the Island Highway and the Straights of Georgia in the historic Eaglecrest section of Qualicum Beach. Starting at the rustic log clubhouse, the golf course meanders through the Eaglecrest and Oceanside waterfront subdivisions.

The course has an excellent set of finishing holes and it’s no surprise that Head Pro Cory Betz picked the par-four 17th, “ This straightaway hole is well guarded with bunkers lining the landing area. Correct club selection on the approach is imperative as the long green is angled and guarded by on the front right by bunkers. Tough tee shot, tough approach.” MORE >>

“Destination golf” lauded

Sixteen golf course projects and thousands of homes are under development from Victoria to Campbell River, with more on the horizon, according to the Victoria Times Colonist in a full three-page article earlier this fall. It’s reported the various projects are feeding the interest by a Baby Boomer generation that’s on the verge of retiring and who want a moderate climate and a golf course at their doorstep.

Tens of millions of dollars are being spent on what planners and developers are calling “destination golf” areas where there are several high-end golf courses in close proximity. In the Victoria area alone, there are six major golf course resort developments underway.

At Gorge Vale in Esquimalt, a 110-unit residential development beside the course was expected to be finished in October. At Cordova Bay four more buildings will be built over the next few years to add to an already completed nine-hole Ridge golf course and six residential buildings. At Olympic View, there’s land for about 1,000 homes in Langford and Colwood, as well as a new nine-hole course. At Centre Mountain Golf Course at Metchosin a Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course and three resort lodges are planned. At Bear Mountain, the biggest development on Vancouver Island, some 3,500 residences are planned over the next 10-15 years. A second Jack Nicklaus course is scheduled for 2007. And finally, Silver Spray Destination Resort in East Sooke plans to include a nine-hole course as part of their project.

Apres golf awesome

Voted #1 Island destination in North America and #3 in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine, and #2 Island destination in the world by Conde Nast Magazine, Vancouver Island is a golfing paradise! From the breathtaking beauty of Olympic View Golf Club in the South to the opulence and luxury of Crown Isle Resort in the North, Vancouver Island has some of the best golf in North America.

Sound too good to be true? It's not. You can choose from activities as diverse as

Winery tours Whale watching Hiking Sea-kayaking Butchart Gardens Museums Salt & Fresh Water Fishing Sailing Great Dining Shopping Beaches Biking

Scenic Flight-seeing Haunted Walks Spa Treatments Canoeing White water rafting World Class Diving Micro-brew pub tours Scenic rail trips Skiing

Green fees affordable

Compared to golfing in Saskatchewan - a bargain at about $30-35 a round - golf prices in B.C. vary depending on the course. The fall/winter rates tend to be considerably less, 25-50 per cent less than peak season.

In this writer's experience, expect to pay $25-$50 for a round. A couple of the high-end courses are more than that. That compares wonderfully with fees stateside, especially since you won't have to fork over big bucks for healthcare insurance and the dollar difference

Miraloma launches golf deal

Miraloma on the Cove is an experience of West Coast luxury. Nestled on a beautiful seaside property at Sidney, this boutique-style inn boasts elegantly appointed suites featuring sumptuous fabrics and ultrasoft linens, a fully equipped kitchenette, and deep, jetted soaker tubs.

In addition to luxurious seaside accommodation with continental breakfast buffet each morning, weekly and monthly long-stay guests receive a winter membership to the Cordova Bay Golf Course, featuring discounted green fees… and we’ll even throw in a bucket of balls! Blessed with the mildest climate in Canada, golf is a year round activity on Southern Vancouver Island. And as one of Victoria’s most modern and well-designed courses, Cordova Bay’s good drainage means plenty of opportunity for quality winter play.

Miraloma’s enticing new weekly rates start at just $665 CDN. Reservations can be made by calling 1-877-956-6622 or emailing stay@miraloma.ca

Victorian Club Tour Deluxe

For those all about the good life...this trip is truly first-class fun. Your private chauffeur and guide will be waiting to greet you once you have arrived. Each day your private chauffeur will take you to a different championship course. And to top it off you get to stay in a spectacular ocean front suite at the Victoria Regent Hotel on Victoria's Inner Harbour.

The cost: 3 day Package: FROM ONLY $399 PER PERSON includes: 3 Championship Rounds@ Cordova Bay Golf Club, Olympic View Golf Club and Bear Mountain Golf & Country Club with preferred advance booking and power carts.

Plus, 3 days and 2 nights accomodation in a 2-bedroom Ocean Front Suite at The Victoria Regent Hotel including superb continental breakfast each day. Private Chauffeured Shuttle Service with terminal transfers on arrival & departure transfers to and from the clubs each day, introduction to course with cart set up and use of professional yardage guides. Club washing & luggage handling, range balls & yardage guides...and copious amounts of incredible memories!
www.victoriaregent.com www.golfcentraltours.com

$399 Value $429 Shoulder $549 Peak
*Subject to applicable tax. Some restrictions apply. Based on 4 per 2-bedroom suite with 4 queen beds.

Have a friend stand behind you in the sand and place a rake about two feet behind your ball--holding it in approximately a 45-degree angle. The goal here is to get you to swing up the rake handle and feel as though your plane is steeper than that of a normal swing. Take several swings like this and soon you'll hit high, soft shots from the bunker.

Fairway Bunker Shot:
When taking on this shot be sure the club you are using has sufficient loft to get the ball over the front lip of the bunker. You do not want to strike the ball perfectly only to see it smash into the face of the bunker and dribble back to your feet.

If you are to hit your ball 150 yards out of a bunker towards the green you must catch it cleanly, that means removing as little sand as possible. In order to catch the ball cleanly just below its equator, you should stand tall and grip a couple of inches down the handle. Also, don’t shuffle your feet down into the sand as you would for greenside bunker shots where you are trying to hit the sand before the ball.

Try to remain on the surface. Play the ball an inch further back in your stance that normal to help guarantee you catch the ball, not the sand. Keep the swing short and quiet-that means a smooth takeaway and no lunges from the top of the backswing-and pick the ball off the top.

How does Tiger Woods play golf?

If you don’t know, you may be interested in winning the glossy table top book "Tiger Woods: How I play Golf" published by Golf Digest. It’s a great book valued at $49.95. For your chance to win, click here now. MORE >>