Kokanee Open

Kokanee Springs Golf Resort

British Columbia, Canada

Nestled at the base of the Purcell Mountains in Crawford Bay, British Columbia, the Kokanee Springs Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-71 layout designed by Norman Woods. The course has been in operation since 1968, offering a mountain-framed journey through the Kootenay Rockies. The terrain is characterized by significant elevation changes, with many greens situated on elevated plateaus or tiered levels, requiring precise approach shots to carry hazards or reach the putting surfaces. The layout is defined by its challenging topography and strategic water hazards. Several holes feature multi-tiered greens, such as the second hole, Birch Grove, and the seventh, Tam O'Shanter, which is noted as the course's most difficult par-3 due to the demanding tee shot required to reach the correct plateau. Water comes into play on multiple holes, including the 15th, Willowbrook, where slender creek guards the front of the green, and the 18th, Apple Island, which features a pond with a single tree on an island to the right. The 14th, Peninsula, offers a tee shot from a peninsula overlooking a scenic pond, while the 9th, Hazel May, presents a creek short of the left and a pond to the right. Hole names on the course often reflect local history or construction anecdotes. The 18th hole, Apple Island, is named for the island situated in the pond to the right of the green. The 8th hole, Tinkers Grave, is named after the architect Norman Woods' dog, Tinker, who is buried behind the tee. The 11th hole, Satan's Woodbox, takes its name from the deadfall present during the course's construction. Other notable holes include the 5th, Poop Deck, which offers a view down the fairway from an elevated tee, and the 16th, The Fort, a par-3 where a large treehouse built by local youth during construction remains adjacent to the tee. The course is known for its fast, sloping greens and narrow fairways that demand accuracy. The 3rd hole, The Shute, features a narrow, sloping fairway that requires a strong drive to reach the green, which breaks severely from left to right. The 12th hole, Big Bend, is a sprawling dogleg where strategic placement is essential to avoid a deceiving inlet. The 17th hole, Lombardy Lane, is a par-5 that demands players stay centered to avoid a tree wall on the left and water on the right, finishing on a triple-tiered green.