GOLF
SUMMER FUNTips from the Pros for Golf in Kamloops, BC
Looking for that extra edge during your Kamloops golf getaway? Read on to find out how the pros would play their course's signature holes.
Miles Mortensen - Hole #7 @ Tobiano
Tobiano in Kamloops, BC "#7 comes with much anticipation as many holes here do. This desert oasis hole is set upon an historical old hoodoo. This all-or-nothing, heart-thumping, island-like green will find the highs and lows of many a round with the yardage ranging from 109 - 197 yards. When playing this hole, I recommend you take into account the direction of the breeze along with all the front and back yardages when making my club selection. The local lingo on this hole is 'green means go - finding nature means no' and until you arrive at this hole, your fate with nature or success awaits."
John Powell - Hole #16 @ Sun Peaks
"The signature hole honour goes to #16, a short par four which is 364 yards from the tips. There are terrific views of the homes and village below while facing Mt. Morrisey. The tee is actually BC's highest, and at 1,333m (4,353ft), commands a feeling of empowerment. For those seeking immediate reward, you can drive the green, though the risk is missing left, into the trees and vacation homes, which line the entire fairway. The large, but tricky, sloped green, requires delicacy in the approach shot and putt."
Ian Hensen - Signature Finish @ Sun Rivers
Sun Rivers in Kamloops, BC (photo image@hux.net)"#14 is a long par four with substantial elevation changes where I try to keep on the fairway off the tee so I can judge the large elevation change on my second shot to escape with par. This is followed by a narrow par three on #15, where par is a solid score. #16 is a birdie hole where I'll try to sneak my tee shot between the bunkers and over the crest of the fairway, leaving a 70 yard approach. Next is a sort par three followed by #18, a narrow but short par five with a steady increase in elevation. If all goes well, you should complete the last five holes with a few birdies."
Bill Bilton Jr - Hole #10 @ The Dunes
"I typically tee up the ball on the right side of the tee box and aim up the left side of the fairway. A dead straight shot will take some yardage off the hole, but I then may be faced with a challenging lie as the fairway has some slopes along the left side. If my ball fades to the centre of the fairway off the tee, I'll have a nice flat lie with a great view of the green. This green has many difficult pin placements so I usually have a conservative approach and aim towards the middle. Error left, right or long and you'll face a difficult up and down."
The Dunes in Kamloops BC (photo Tyler Meade)
Rhett Boktich - Hole #15 @ Talking Rock Golf
"From the elevated tee box, golfers have Little Shuswap Lake as the backdrop. The hole plays downhill, so normally where I'd hit a 4 iron from 210 yards, standing on this tee box I use a 6 iron. Factor in the wind because if it's blowing, it comes off the lake right at you, requiring you to use another club or try to hit a punch or knockdown shot. The challenges are to the right, with two deep sand traps and past the green, with thick rough and a 10-15 foot drop off. The green is big and flat, bit if the flag is in the back right, be prepared to funnel into a bowl that's almost two feet lower than the rest of the putting surface. Par is a great score on this whole, but it is no gimmie."
Doug Lecuyer - Hole #15 @ Eagle Point
"This, in my opinion, is one of our signature holes because of the incredible views of mountains and the South Thompson River valley in the distance, plus, it's the last of the challenging set of par threes, playing from 148 to 239 yards. This hole never seems to play short, even from the forward tees. It's perched on a hillside and the smaller green is protected by a deep bunker guarding the front left. If I am going to miss this green, I try to avoid the bunker on the front left and favour the right side, where I know I'll have a better chance of saving par or securing a bogey, which on this hole, isn't bad."
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