Playing golf in Vancouver Canada (NO POLITICS!)

[Phireside]

Fortunate to play Seymour today as a guest. Course was in great shape. Greens like lightning.

 

As usual, it ate me alive. I do get to play once a year or so and it's just not enough to get used to the tee shots and blind shots. The visuals mess with my eye and in turn often lead to uncommitted and poor shots. Until next year...

[myspinonit]

11 hours ago, Phireside said:

Fortunate to play Seymour today as a guest. Course was in great shape. Greens like lightning.

 

As usual, it ate me alive. I do get to play once a year or so and it's just not enough to get used to the tee shots and blind shots. The visuals mess with my eye and in turn often lead to uncommitted and poor shots. Until next year...

Another bit of local golf wistful memory:

Some golfers and I were chatting about  Seymour in the past week or so about changes for public play there over the years. This was maybe close to 40 years ago, but  Seymour had an after-work men's night and each member could bring up to three guests. I have a good friend  who worked with a member and I was fortunate to play with them several times. It was I recall $17 (!!) which covered the 18 hole green fee, par points after 9 (guests too), a baron of beef buffet dinner and a bottle of wine at the table. At dinner each member stood up and introduced his guests, with applause by the attendees. Classy and a heck of a way to encourage new members.

 

At one time my thought of a perfect early summer day would to play a nine hole early round at Gleneagles as a warmup, Yukon Breakfast after at the Tomahawk, then off to Seymour for a booked time on a public day.  Maybe it still is..but now I'd probably take a cart. 😀

Edited June 21, 2024 by myspinonit

[Phireside]

Which one of you was it? 🤣 I know a few of you get out to Riverway regularly.

 

https://x.com/NUCLRGOLF/status/1808496581571743961

[Boney]

I'm thinking of crossing the border to play The Hills at Portal, maybe Monday the 8th. Anything I should know about the course? How are the conditions? I've never played there.

[Phireside]

4 minutes ago, Boney said:

I'm thinking of crossing the border to play The Hills at Portal, maybe Monday the 8th. Anything I should know about the course? How are the conditions? I've never played there.

Haven't been there in years when it was called Peace Portal. Have no recent experience to share. But I have no desire to play there. Just drive the extra 15 min and play Morgan Creek. You'll find some of the best conditions locally and a far better course layout. 

[IcemanYVR]

10 minutes ago, Boney said:

I'm thinking of crossing the border to play The Hills at Portal, maybe Monday the 8th. Anything I should know about the course? How are the conditions? I've never played there.

I played there last year. Same old sad course with some odd holes and super slow play. Like 5-5 1/2 hour round. So no. I don’t think it’s worth a trip or the money. 
 

Last time I played Morgan Creek we were done in around 4 hours. On a weekend no less. 

[Shushwap]

Sunny day at black mountain 

[Boney]

Well, I decided to save a lot of time and money, and played down here in the States, for $30 including tax and all, Lake Padden was a good deal. I posted a few pictures here (and whined about putts that didn't go in the hole):
 

https://forums.golfwrx.com/topic/889344-washington-state-golf-course-reports/?do=findComment&comment=25458128

Some day I will play Morgan Creek! I'll have to just rationalize the price. Which is a skill that I have.

 

[bekgolf]

19 minutes ago, Boney said:

Well, I decided to save a lot of time and money, and played down here in the States, for $30 including tax and all, Lake Padden was a good deal. I posted a few pictures here (and whined about putts that didn't go in the hole):
 

https://forums.golfwrx.com/topic/889344-washington-state-golf-course-reports/?do=findComment&comment=25458128

Some day I will play Morgan Creek! I'll have to just rationalize the price. Which is a skill that I have.

 

 

Lake Padden is one of those "hidden gems" imo.

[myspinonit]

On 7/6/2024 at 9:42 AM, Shushwap said:

Sunny day at black mountain 

I take it you are off the sick list now. Good.

[Shushwap]

10 hours ago, myspinonit said:

I take it you are off the sick list now. Good.

Ya things seem to be on the up and up... I have been working with everyone i can find.. Chiro..physio..massage..osteopath...

The osteopath has been a game changer for me... I have played 4 rounds or so in the last few weeks...

I just need this 40c to go away as this not fun... We ran out to shuswap national the other day for a morning tee time... off the course by 12... The shocking part were the people showing up to play at noon in 39c...

Heading to Cali in a few days and the weather there is 20c LOL

Going to pack my winter jacket

[myspinonit]

12 hours ago, Shushwap said:

Ya things seem to be on the up and up... I have been working with everyone i can find.. Chiro..physio..massage..osteopath...

The osteopath has been a game changer for me... I have played 4 rounds or so in the last few weeks...

I just need this 40c to go away as this not fun... We ran out to shuswap national the other day for a morning tee time... off the course by 12... The shocking part were the people showing up to play at noon in 39c...

Heading to Cali in a few days and the weather there is 20c LOL

Going to pack my winter jacket

Good stuff and good luck.  I thought all of Cali was in a heatwave still.

 

I remember being in Osoyoos/Oliver area with my wife two or three years ago in September when the wildfire smoke was very thick.  People were still teeing off in really thick smoke conditions.  We stayed for the holiday though (cancelled golf) as at least we could at  be in an ac vehicle and ac hotel room most of the time. At home no ac and hot and we would need to keep windows closed with the smoke that also affected Vancouver.

 

We just came back from the East Coast (no golf) and it was really hot and muggy there. Coastal cruise and time in NYC. Charleston was unbelievable with the heat and especially humidity. Myrtle Beach is now OFF my bucket list. Late the night before we hit Charleston we noticed that a steady stream of smoke/steam (whatever) from the ship smokestack  was flowing down into the water in a tight pattern as we cruised. I presume that was an indication just how heavy the air was.  Lightening was in the distance. Maybe it is common, just never have seen that before on a cruise.

 

 

Edited July 11, 2024 by myspinonit

[myspinonit]

Any Ping fans with money burning a hole in your pocket Ping just told retailers to drop prices effective today on all the G430  ( except the 10k driver) from 18% to 25% depending on caregory/ model.  Prices now are on GolfTown site. 

[myspinonit]

20 hours ago, myspinonit said:

Any Ping fans with money burning a hole in your pocket Ping just told retailers to drop prices effective today on all the G430  ( except the 10k driver) from 18% to 25% depending on caregory/ model.  Prices now are on GolfTown site. 

You are welcome, instron. I drank the Koolaid, went to Rochmond GT to try the G430 4  and 5 hybrids on the monitor, esp the 5.  To replace my G410 4 and 5. Only left handed in stock and no 5 period. So went fo Peak where i would normally choose to buy from anyway and got a 4 and 5  G430. They seem to have better club stock than GT and better service and appreciate and reward customer loyalty.

Edited July 17, 2024 by myspinonit

[Shushwap]

Busy week on the links 

Snuck out to mabel lake..salmon arm and the rise 

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer and getting out on the links 

Edited August 2, 2024 by Shushwap

[mukster]

 I played in my annual golf forum group tournament this past weekend.  We played 2 rounds at Avalon links and our final round was Sunday morning at Shuksan.

Shuksan was certainly not in good shape.  Some of the greens were awful.  Having said that, it is always a fun layout to play and the course staff were very good to us.  They organized a really nice dinner for us afterwards. Pace of play was good.

As far as Avalon is concerned, we played all 3 nines.  It certainly is not a good layout for me and I do not think I will go back soon. Some funky holes and the greens were slow.

[Shushwap]

Beautiful day at Salmon arm today. 

Sad to see old man winter coming in the months ahead 

[The Beav]

Been awhile since I've checked in here.  Been playing various courses locally this summer.

Morgan Creek - as good as it's ever been.  Pricey but money well spent.  It's a private course masquerading as public, and I love it. 

Northview - It's good.  Not as good as it could be but better than most.  Don't love the prices but at least it's somewhere you can always get a tee time.

Swaneset - Complete disgrace.  Ownership/management should hang their heads in shame.  Conditions stink, customer service stinks, pace of play stinks, the air on the property stinks...it's just not good.  And LOL at them charging $120+ on weekends.

Northlands - Gotta be the best weekend deal around at $83.  Very good conditions.  Worth every penny. Wish they'd speed the greens up a bit so you can experience/enjoy the tiers and bowls properly, but that's just me.  

Redwoods - It's good, but its pre-7am or not at all for me.  They seem to lose control of pace early and every round there get's to 5 hours somehow.  Again, wish they'd speed the greens up a bit. 

 

 

Would love to hear where you guys have been playing and your thoughts.

 

[myspinonit]

4 hours ago, The Beav said:

Been awhile since I've checked in here.  Been playing various courses locally this summer.

Morgan Creek - as good as it's ever been.  Pricey but money well spent.  It's a private course masquerading as public, and I love it. 

Northview - It's good.  Not as good as it could be but better than most.  Don't love the prices but at least it's somewhere you can always get a tee time.

Swaneset - Complete disgrace.  Ownership/management should hang their heads in shame.  Conditions stink, customer service stinks, pace of play stinks, the air on the property stinks...it's just not good.  And LOL at them charging $120+ on weekends.

Northlands - Gotta be the best weekend deal around at $83.  Very good conditions.  Worth every penny. Wish they'd speed the greens up a bit so you can experience/enjoy the tiers and bowls properly, but that's just me.  

Redwoods - It's good, but its pre-7am or not at all for me.  They seem to lose control of pace early and every round there get's to 5 hours somehow.  Again, wish they'd speed the greens up a bit. 

 

 

Would love to hear where you guys have been playing and your thoughts.

 

Really this year have just been playing the munis, in Vancouver plus a few at University,  Riverway, one at Northlands. Really no complaints  generally at course conditions.

 

Agree with you on the slow greens at Northlands. I played on a Monday four weeks go and don't think they were cut that morning. However my game was being tortured in other ways (worst round in a very long time)  forgetting the layout and I guess losing my confidence early. I also "lost" my scorecard early. 🤫

However it got me thinking about swingpath that night and my game has turned around a lot since that horror round.

 

Playing Surrey tomorrow in a fun "tournament" outing. We all know not to expect much in course conditions  but we all had so much fun  last year the way the organizers ran it, we really don't care.

 

Weather permitting in a few weeks will be playing one of the Comox/Courtenay courses (don't think it is Crowne Isle, a friend is arranging it), then we are hopping the ferry to Powell River and playing one of the Sunshine Coast courses combined with a family visit.

 

 

Edited August 19, 2024 by myspinonit

[The Beav]

1 hour ago, myspinonit said:

Really this year have just been playing the munis, in Vancouver plus a few at University,  Riverway, one at Northlands. Really no complaints  generally at course conditions.

 

Agree with you on the slow greens at Northlands. I played on a Monday four weeks go and don't think they were cut that morning. However my game was being tortured in other ways (worst round in a very long time)  forgetting the layout and I guess losing my confidence early. I also "lost" my scorecard early. 🤫

However it got me thinking about swingpath that night and my game has turned around a lot since that horror round.

 

Playing Surrey tomorrow in a fun "tournament" outing. We all know not to expect much in course conditions  but we all had so much fun  last year the way the organizers ran it, we really don't care.

 

Weather permitting in a few weeks will be playing one of the Comox/Courtenay courses (don't think it is Crowne Isle, a friend is arranging it), then we are hopping the ferry to Powell River and playing one of the Sunshine Coast courses combined with a family visit.

 

 

I like Surrey.  They have an identity and aren't trying to be anything they are not.  I've heard they have a very active men's group & they are great with kids/juniors.

[Shushwap]

I guess with the high cost of living you all get a break on green fees 

I will stay in the okanagan and continue to drive to the cheaper tracks in the area 

The rise today and shuswap national next week 

 

[Shushwap]

I have asked about travel bags before and everyone seems to like the sun mountain club glider 

After my last trip with west jet and them throwing my bag from the top of the plane 

I'm in need of a new one.. I have been keeping my eyes open for a sale on them and it just hasn't happened this year 

I just can't bring myself to purchase something unless it's on sale.. it goes against my DNA lol 

Golf town has the club glove collegiate and the xl on sale again 

$192 for the collegiate 52% off 

$240 for the last bag xl at 52% off 

Both include a stiff arm 

I don't think I'm getting away this winter for a golf trip 

You never know though 

Do I just wait for a sale to come up on the sun mountain 

Or do I pull the pin and grab a club glove 

I need someone to slap me one way or the other 

My birthday is coming up if that helps any 😆 

[bekgolf]

5 minutes ago, Shushwap said:

I have asked about travel bags before and everyone seems to like the sun mountain club glider 

After my last trip with west jet and them throwing my bag from the top of the plane 

I'm in need of a new one.. I have been keeping my eyes open for a sale on them and it just hasn't happened this year 

I just can't bring myself to purchase something unless it's on sale.. it goes against my DNA lol 

Golf town has the club glove collegiate and the xl on sale again 

$192 for the collegiate 52% off 

$240 for the last bag xl at 52% off 

Both include a stiff arm 

I don't think I'm getting away this winter for a golf trip 

You never know though 

Do I just wait for a sale to come up on the sun mountain 

Or do I pull the pin and grab a club glove 

I need someone to slap me one way or the other 

My birthday is coming up if that helps any 😆 

 

Shipsticks has a great reputation.  I know someone who sent his clubs from Wa state to Scotland and back with no issues. 

 

I'd vote to buy the bag you want and never worry about airline damage again by using a company that specializes in shipping clubs.  I'm cheap so I'd wait for a Black Friday sale in a few months.

[Shushwap]

4 minutes ago, bekgolf said:

 

Shipsticks has a great reputation.  I know someone who sent his clubs from Wa state to Scotland and back with no issues. 

 

I'd vote to buy the bag you want and never worry about airline damage again by using a company that specializes in shipping clubs.  I'm cheap so I'd wait for a Black Friday sale in a few months.

I like the way you think 

I had a hard case and they had to have thrown it from the top of the plan 

It was destroyed.. even the stiff arm inside the case was shattered 

[myspinonit]

14 hours ago, Shushwap said:

I have asked about travel bags before and everyone seems to like the sun mountain club glider 

After my last trip with west jet and them throwing my bag from the top of the plane 

I'm in need of a new one.. I have been keeping my eyes open for a sale on them and it just hasn't happened this year 

I just can't bring myself to purchase something unless it's on sale.. it goes against my DNA lol 

Golf town has the club glove collegiate and the xl on sale again 

$192 for the collegiate 52% off 

$240 for the last bag xl at 52% off 

Both include a stiff arm 

I don't think I'm getting away this winter for a golf trip 

You never know though 

Do I just wait for a sale to come up on the sun mountain 

Or do I pull the pin and grab a club glove 

I need someone to slap me one way or the other 

My birthday is coming up if that helps any 😆 

I guess Shipsticks (though expensive IMO) is ok if one stays at a resort or such that will accept them.  But we usually go VRBO and that would be complicated at best.

 

 

The CG sale is  a great deal. But for me, I  vote big-time for the Gliders. We had Sun Mtn Gliders for at least 10 years and replaced them a year or so ago (after a bit of damage finally just to be safe) with new Meridians when we went to PEI. I think they are the bank for the buck option and the new ones are a touch lighter than the older ones.  We are seniors...it is hard enough for me to convince my wife to play and take clubs. I don't think she would manage (or try to manage, lol) a typical "pull a dead body" type golf travel bag plus suitcase and carry on. Plus the padding and harder shell on the bottom is hard to beat.

 

Edited August 20, 2024 by myspinonit

[myspinonit]

On 8/18/2024 at 9:31 PM, The Beav said:

I like Surrey.  They have an identity and aren't trying to be anything they are not.  I've heard they have a very active men's group & they are great with kids/juniors.

We had a blast at Surrey, mostly from the organizers in our group. Staff were great and a couple even helped pick numbers in our raffles. I had a burger after that was ok and my carpool partner said his pizza was surprisingly good.

 

I rode, figuring it would  be a warm and long day and that was a correct choice and I guess preserved the energy for a great round for me.  Fortunately I had a careful driver partner. He, and others that rode suffered real back pain from the unavoidable uneven and bumpy ground...cart paths are worse with lack of grading small potholes.  The cart girl said she even had the back part of her cart fall off one day. 

[Golfnuck]

18 hours ago, Shushwap said:

I have asked about travel bags before and everyone seems to like the sun mountain club glider 

After my last trip with west jet and them throwing my bag from the top of the plane 

I'm in need of a new one.. I have been keeping my eyes open for a sale on them and it just hasn't happened this year 

I just can't bring myself to purchase something unless it's on sale.. it goes against my DNA lol 

Golf town has the club glove collegiate and the xl on sale again 

$192 for the collegiate 52% off 

$240 for the last bag xl at 52% off 

Both include a stiff arm 

I don't think I'm getting away this winter for a golf trip 

You never know though 

Do I just wait for a sale to come up on the sun mountain 

Or do I pull the pin and grab a club glove 

I need someone to slap me one way or the other 

My birthday is coming up if that helps any 😆 

 

For me the SM Glider is so much better than anything else due to the fact you are not dragging around "a dead body" as myspinonit has perfectly described.

 

For that alone I would be willing to pull the trigger at a "non sale" price as that would be cheaper than buying the club glove on sale and then replacing it with the SM when it ever comes on sale.

[mukster]

Played Tower Ranch in Kelowna on the weekend. Fun track for a mountain course.  

Edited August 22, 2024 by mukster
Picture

[The Couv]

I’ve been playing the 3 Vancouver munis this year, playing a lot of back nine rounds first thing in the morning.  I’m on track with the loyalty card to get free winter golf from mid-October to the end of the year.

 

[Shushwap]

Amazing day at Talking rock 

Crying shame the fires swept through. The area