Two New B.C. Courses Set To Open In Spring Eagle Ranch, Near Invermere, Will Welcome Golfers In April; St. Eugene, Northwest Of Cranbrook, In May

Sat., March 18, 2000

By Chris Wille chrisw@spokesman.com

British Columbia seems to sprout golf courses like Holland does tulips.

The B.C. Rockies have two layouts opening this year, right on the heels of one new course last year. And yet another new course is scheduled to begin construction next year.

One of this year’s new designs is Eagle Ranch, near Invermere, which had hoped to open last year. With the extra time for the grass to sink roots, the fairways and greens should be in prime shape when play begins in April.

The other new layout is called St. Eugene Mission Golf Course, scheduled to open May 20. It’s located a few miles northwest of Cranbrook on the road to Kimberley.

Jeff Adams, the director of golf operations, says the course features three style of golf: links, marsh and highlands. He describes the course as “very player friendly” - with tee boxes that allow play anywhere from 5,398 yards to 7,007.

“We’ll be fighting for best course of the year designation,” he says.

Last year’s new layout, Greywolf, won acclaim from Golf Digest as best new Canadian golf course of 1999.

St. Eugene gets its full name from the huge, historic mission that the course developers plan to convert into a resort hotel and casino. The massive stone building dates back to 1910.

Les Furber, the renowned golf architect responsible for Trickle Creek and the Springs at Radium, among others, designed St. Eugene Mission.

Here are the anticipated opening dates of some British Columbia courses (please call to confirm):

Riverside, Fairmont Hot Springs: scheduled to open today. (800) 665-2112.

The Springs at Radium, Radium Hot Springs: March 27 to April 1 (800) 667-6444.

Eagle Ranch, Invermere: April 7-14 (877) 877-3889.

Kokanee Springs, Crawford Bay: April 15. Catch the new hot tub at the Kokanee Lodge. (800) 979-7999.

Trickle Creek, Kimberley: May 5 (888) 874-2553.

Greywolf, Panorama: May 12 (800) 663-2929.

St. Eugene Mission: May 20 (877) 417-3133.

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