Wildstone such a nice layout, it doesn't need any tweaking

Jamie Curistan, a golf professional at Wildstone GC, has been on site since it opened and is in full agreement that this track doesn't have anything that needs to be fixed.

By Gord Montgomery (iG)

CRANBROOK, B.C. — Not much has changed at Wildstone Golf Club in Cranbrook, BC, since it opened six years ago, but then again, considering what a beauty it is, why would they want anything different?

After all, this layout, starting at the first tee and running right through the 18th green is magnificent from the grass on the greens right on up to the mountain vistas in the distance.

But just don't take my word for it. Let the one of the course's pros, Jamie Curiston, fill you in on the details.

"I just think they did such a good job on the design," he said of the Gary Player Black Knight playpen. "Nothing is out there by accident. Every bunker is in the way or is an aiming point. The only thing that has changed is the maturity of the golf course. The greens have become a little more receptive over the past few years, but really,  nothing has changed."

And that, my friends, is why this place is such a great play.

With five different tee boxes and huge greens, its set-up is designed to let everyone from the low handicapper to the most novice of players tee it up here and have a blast. The layout offers everything you want including holes with lies that are either uphill, downhill or level and green complexes that have huge swales on them, where if you get on the wrong side, well, good luck with a 2-putt.

Thankfully though all of those components work together to make this a most enjoyable play even if it's the same now as it was before. Because good never ever gets old.

Asked how the public has responded to this amazing  track, Curiston said word-of-mouth reviews have been nothing but positive.

"When people come off the course I think they're very pleased with the experience and when you step up to the top deck of our driving range, with Mount Fisher in the background, there's really nothing like it," continued Curiston, "That is such a good start to people's days.

In regard to the course itself, the pro said that one of the great features of this layout is the variety one runs into. Sure the course still plays the same as it did on Day 1, but this is a playground that didn't need to be tweaked.

There are long par fours (like No. 3 which plays to 395-yards from the middle tee box) but it is all uphill, making this test a whole heck of a lot sterner. The quiz master then gives you a “gimme:” of sorts with the next hole, a par 4 measuring in at 253-yards that is, for the most part, is all downhill making it play much shorter.

One of the big things here is that there are five tee boxes, ranging from 7,127 yards at the back end all the way down to 4,947 yards, so really, there is the right length of course here for one and all. Thus, everyone has the chance to walk away with a smile on their face at the end of the day because if you start in the right spot the ending has every chance of being a happy one.


"There really is a little bit of everything out here," Curiston noted.
Now if you're perhaps thinking I've gone a bit over the top in my praise for this B.C. beauty, here's some more food for thought. SCORE Golf ranked Wildstone as the 42nd best public golf course in Canada (where there are reportedly over 2,000 golf facilities) and the ninth best for value. It was also listed as Golf Digest's Favorite Round in 2011.

Oh, and speaking of value, Wildstone has realized that golfers like great deals so they have a variety of special rate to help sate the public's appetite for those. Curiston said there are lots, but the most popular ones like the All Inclusive or the Nine 'n Dine with a cart for only $45 (with a $15 food voucher),

So, don’t just take my word for it. See what everyone is talking about when the name “Wildstone” comes into play, because trust me on this one, you won’t be disappointed.

For more on the first Black Knight Design course in Canada, check out their website at wildstonegolf.com or call them toll free at 1-855-565-4653.

About the writer: Gord Montgomery is a retired sports editor of two weekly newspapers in the Edmonton area and is a member of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada. He is now in his eighth year of writing for Inside Golf.
He can be reached at noraltagolf@gmail.com. He’s also on Twitter at @gordinsidegolf.

The driving range at Wildstone is a great place to get your day underway, not only to warm up for your game but also for the spectacular views it provides.

Don't judge a golf couse solely on its length

Simon Jones, the new director of golf at the Kimberley Golf Club, welcomes one and all to a club that used to be home to a huge private membership. Now, anyone is more than welcome to take on the challenge os this scenic B.C. track.

By Gord Montgomery (iG)

KIMBERLEY — At first glance this assignment seems pretty pale in comparison to some other tests you may have undertaken. After all, the first hole at the Kimberley Golf Club is a par 4 measuring out at only 290-yards from the tips. I mean, how hard can that be?

And then one step further down the scenic fairways, this whole track is compressed into less than 6,300 yards. So basically, it’s a walk in the park, right?

Well, maybe not so much.

This is a case of not letting first impressions fool you. You see, that first hole test is a downhill gem but it leads you into Never-Never Land off the back edge if you muscle up even a bit too much. And after that,  trees seem to jump out of nowhere to get in your way, hole after hole after hole.

So a walk in the park, while a good descripion of this wonderful old layout, established in 1924 as a 9-hole challenge, is anything but reality as to its playability. It is a true case of accuracy over length on the opening nine, and for us distance-challenged types that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Then again, if you also tend to wander around on the grassy slopes, well, good luck out here.

Simon Jones, the affable new director of golf at the Kimberley GC, who moved to this mountain paradise from the Fairmont Banff Springs, agreed golf courses don’t need to be long to offer plenty of challenges.

“The front nine is a little more parkland, a little bit tighter,” he said of the original concept. “It is definitely more challenging off the tee.

“Then, the back nine opens up with some great views,” of the river that sits far below and the incredible vistas in the distance. “You have a great view from almost every tee box with the mountains.”

The one thing the new head  honcho wants to emphasize to the general public is this: You don’t have to be a member to play here. While that was the original case, it’s not so anymore.

“Historically, with the mine here we were very fortunate to have over 800 members but the membership has gone down,” Jones explained. “We are trying to attract people, let them know that we are available. We are definitely surrounded by a lot of good golf courses, so it’s about how we can we get people to come here and enjoy it here.”

Well, once you’ve played here you are likely to become a walking, talking billboard for this track. It’s fun, it’s pretty and it should be on your must-play list.

What may surprise some people is the talent level that has come out of this historic old gem, again showing big, intimidating holes don’t necessarily always make the best golfers in the country. For example, the No. 1 amateur player in Canada called the Kimberley GC home at one time.

“For a small town it’s a fantastic achievement,” Jones said of local product Jarret du Tois held the No. 1 ranking as the best amateur player in the country for several consecutive weeks. “And we’re very fortunate to have a lot of other young golfers here that are taking inspiration from him.”

One of the ways in which the old course is promoting golf is by bringing those youngsters into the fold. Jones has teed up a great junior program which has already met with overwhelming success in its first year and he’s looking to grow that going forward.

“With our membership declining, one of our avenues to try and grow it is the junior program.”

Of course, the venerable old lady of the golf world in this part of the country is also welcoming everyone, of any age, to come and give it a whirl because the membership is willing to share what they have.

“We’ve got some great members here (who like to share their course knowledge with visitors), some great stories, great legends,” Jones said of the open-arms policy for tee time bookings. “We save tee times every day for the public.”

In closing, Jones said he was delighted to make the move to the Kimberley course from the high profile posting he had in Banff.

“Part of my reason for coming here was this is a beautiful golf course and we are going to open it up more to the public. We just try to keep opening those doors a little more,” so all golfers visiting this area can taste the history of the Kimberley Golf Club by simply taking a walk in the park.

For more information on the Kimberley Golf Club, go to their website at kimberleygolfclub.com or for tee times, give them a call toll free at 1-877-427-4161.

The Kimberley GC is a fun place to play, but do be warned: Some of the fairways, especially on the front 9, don't leave you a lot of room to wander.

About the writer: Gord Montgomery is a retired sports editor of two weekly newspapers in the Edmonton area and is a member of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada. He is now in his eighth year of writing for Inside Golf.
He can be reached at noraltagolf@gmail.com. He’s also on Twitter at @gordinsidegolf.

St. Eugene Golf Resort looking to expand portfolio

Barry Zwueste, the new CEO of St. Eugene Golf Resort, which is looking to expand its offerings and become, hopefully, a year-round destination.

CRANBROOK -  As of right now, St. Eugene Golf Resort is seen by many as a two-dimensional recreational area, a golf course and a casino. That's about to change though, thanks to the vision of the property's new CEO, Barry Zwueste.

The new head honcho wants to take this area, set amongst some of nicest backdrops anywhere in B.C. to hew heights by expanding on the services offered and by partnering with other facilities in the area to grow the interest of travellers by building off a great golf course and the popular casino.

"In addition to those, we want to expand to more activities by bringing together local businesses," he began in explaining where he wants to take this entire recreation-rich area. "We want to make those opportunities available to our guests so we have more of a family inclusive resort for a broader demographic."

One of the most intriguing ideas proposed in this interview by Zwueste was to incorporate the rich history of the St. Eugene property.  Initially constructed as a residential school, the main building houses a wealth of back stories that until now hasn't been made use of. The new boss though wants to change that by using local First Nation knowledge to inform and educate visitors about the traditions that are still alive but which may have been buried by time passing.

"We want to incorporate more First Nations programming, more hands-on activities to bring more people to the area to educate people on the culture and the school itself, no pun intended."

GOLF

Of course the No. 1 draw for people to head to this area of southern B.C. is the wonderful golf assignment. The 18-hole test is set up to be a fun challenge for anyone thanks to four tee boxes and provides great affordability with some wonderful Stay and Play packages.

Noting the abundance of courses in the area, St. Eugene's head golf pro, Max Sherwood stated, "When you want to stay on a golf property it all adds up that St. Eugene is a great place to come and stay ... and it's nice to just have to walk 80 yards from the hotel to the first tee box."

Over the years, his track has received rave reviews because of its playabiity.

"I have a conversation over and again about that," said Sherwood. "I had one yesterday with a gentleman who said that the course is so playable for his handicap level. He was your 20-plus handicapper and he said to me it was an appropriate challenge for his level of ability. If you want more of a challenge, well, just change up your tee box. And we've got our green speed at an appropriate level that mid-handicap, higher handicap players won't struggle. We don't need to make the game any more challenging than it already is."

One interesting note presented by Sherwood is that they are "seeing more and more groups of women, eight, 12, 16 on a getaway, coming here because of the entire resort, including a golf course with forward tees and bathrooms every three holes. We've tried to make ourselves accessible to everyone."

One other interesting tidbit Sherwood teed up during this interview was the fact that St. Eugene is willing and ready to work with other golf venues and help guests set up times to play them if they so choose.

"We have seven golf courses, five of which are public in the Kimberley/ Cranbrook area, Seven or eight years ago there were only a couple of golf courses down here. Now, once you get down here, people realize the value, the selection of courses, the different layouts have made this a destination," and to add to that, the course will set up tee times for you at any of the neighbouring courses.

SMOKEHOUSE RESTAURANTS

One of the great features at St. Eugene is the food - and this comes from a non-foodie writer. The fare offered in the two restaurants in the main building of the resort is outstanding and local produce is used as much as possible in satisfying the desires of hungry guests.

"We gave an incredible, dedicated culinary team here," the CEO proudly proclaimed of chefs that have come from across the country, and the world, for that matter. "They've made a lifestyle choice to settle here and they've brought their skills with them. They've seen what we have to offer locally in terms of protein, produce, fruits," in putting together a 100 Mile Menu.

"We do all our own smoking here and we are the only ones in the valley that provide in-house smoking. There is nothing that Chef Lonnie or Chef Doug won't smoke. We smoke our own cheese, we smoke our own tomatoes, we smoke our own protein products and it's all down in-house. We have very unique flavours and signature approach preparation," that must be sampled to truly appreciate.

CHANGING THINGS UP

Over the years this resort has been primarily seen as a three-season area starting in spring and ending in fall. Yes, it's a great spot in the spring for early season golf and the fall offers play until late in the season but Zwueste wants to take the seasons here one step further.

"It should be," he commented in relation to being a four-season destination. "We don't have an issue with 150 days of summer," and because of that, he wants to being offering more for resort guests who may not be into golf, or gambling, 24 hours per day, every day.

"There is fly-fishing, whitewater rafting, a trail that connects Cranbrook to Kimberley for cycling. This area has always been known as a good place for skiing, but there is also snowshoeing, ice climbing," and the hopes to open up the trail system to snow biking and this coming winter cross country ski trails will be cut into the golf course in order to add "the 150 days of winter," to the resort's recreational menu.

Also on tap is a new spa opening in the resort which will be the perfect way to end a tough day on the greens, on the slopes, or on the water in this wonderful area. On July 3 of this year, a full-service spa will swing open for business, marking the first of many new steps in the future life of St. Eugene.

"We'll offer the typical array of spa activities - massages, manicures, pedicures, but it's owned by two physicians out of Vancouver and they area also doing rejuvenation practices as well, so it is actually beyond a full-service spa. We are hoping to develop some really unique getaways and retreats for people."

In other words, Zwueste wants to make St. Eugene, and its neighbours, into a place where you can get away from it all, all year.

"This will all help our 150 days of winter (grow) and our summer business as well," Zwueste ended.

For more information on the St. Eugene Resort, go to their website at steugene.ca.

The scenic backdrops at St. Eugene GR can help one get over any wayward shots they may hit during the day.