The Okanagan Valley is one of the warmest regions in all of
Canada. It doesn't conform to the preconceived views many have of the country
that might include hockey, ice fishing and snow storms. In this part of the
country golf can be played for the better part of the year.
High above Okanagan Lake is one of the newest and most spectacular layouts in all of North America, The Golf Club at The Rise; Western Canada's only Fred Couples Signature Golf Course.
"The course is absolutely stunning," said Couples, the 1992 Masters Champion after a recent tour of the layout. "It will set the standard for championship golf in the Okanagan. The first three holes are the best holes I've ever played opening up a golf course."
Pretty dramatic words for a legend of the game whose favorite golf course, Augusta National Golf Club, might set the standard for breathtaking and beautiful.
Couples designed the course, which is slated for an opening late this spring, along with long-time design partner Gene Bates. The Golf Club at the Rise is truly a sight that must be seen to be believed. With 12 of the 18 holes featuring dramatic views of Okanagan Lake, the course boasts numerous spectacular panoramic views of the valley below.
"It's a very special spot," said Couples. "I feel very lucky
to have been chosen with Gene to build it here. My expertise is coming in and
just touching the corners of a Picasso."
Perched well above Okanagan Lake, this visually stunning layout will be able to accommodate golfers of all ability levels. With generous landing areas and five sets of tees on every hole, The Golf Club at The Rise will offer a balance of variety, enjoyment and challenge.
The 18-hole course will stretch to over 7,000 yards and will play as a par-72. Each hole is distinct in its character with dramatic elevated tees.
The signature hole is a 180-yard par-3 with an elevated tee box more than 100 feet above the putting surface. A sheer rock wall frames the right side of the green with a waterfall cascading into a pond that will add to the beauty and challenge of this beauty.
"The nines are totally different," said Couples. "It's really breathtaking. It's not a totally overpowering golf course, but you have to know what you're doing and how to play."
The Rise is located in Vernon, British Columbia which lies in the southern portion of the province. Vernon is a few hours from the Washington State line and six hours by car from Spokane.
One of the oldest communities in British Columbia's interior, the Okanagan Valley's Vernon has been shaped by gold rushes, ranching, orchards, adrenaline seekers and business visionaries.
You can ski in the morning and play golf in the afternoon, see a ballet in the evening and visit a brewery the next day. It has the services of a large centre, yet its heart is still pure small town.
The Rise will only contribute to the Okanagan's growing reputation as a world-class golf destination that includes premier golf resorts like Gallagher's Canyon, Okanagan Golf Club, Predator Ridge and the Harvest.
Golf Tips magazine called the region "Napa North." The
Okanagan Valley is not only packed with spectacular golf but extraordinary wine
as well. In keeping with that tradition, the Rise will feature vineyard living
for an unbeatable one-two combination of golf and wine. It's starting
construction on its winery this year, planting an additional 13 acres of
vineyard and having its first harvest this year.
Specific design plans for the state-of-the-art gravity-fed winery will be announced this spring and construction will begin. The winery will feature a significant underground facility complete with the winery visitor facility, barrel caves, VIP tasting room and private wine storage.
Upon completion the vineyard will consist of a total of 40 acres of Reisling, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris grapes.
This year The Rise will launch new neighborhoods of vineyard home sites and the opportunity for purchasing membership to the signature golf course will be included in all real estate offerings.
More information about the course is available at www.therise.ca.