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After months of rigorous research and debate, FORE! magazine is proud to present this year's best in the West. These golf courses are overachievers in each of their respective categories. The best part is you'll find many of these world-class facilities right in your own backyard. To participate in next year's picks, fill out the survey form on page 17.
Best Onsite Real Estate
1. Silvertip Resort, Canmore, Alberta
Silvertip's beautiful incorporation of nature into its architecture lends warmth and serenity to this newly developed mountain resort community. The avid golfer will appreciate the course's proximity. Hiking, biking and climbing opportunities are a stone's throw away. When it's time to relax at home, plush residences with panoramic views ensure you continue your golf experience.
2. Predator Ridge Resort Properties, Vernon, B.C.
From studio suites to three-bedroom fairway cottages, luxury has many forms. Just a short walk from the pools, fitness centres and the first tee box.
3. Emerald Ridge at The Falls, Chilliwack, B.C.
Wake up to the alpine valley setting of this world-class course. Fairway and 10,000 square feet.
Best Academy
1. David Leadbetter Academy, The Fairmount Chateau Whistler Golf Club, Whistler, B.C.
At less than two years old this premier facility, named for one of the world's top golf instructors, features some of the most advanced teaching methods and products. It includes computer aids and swing analysis as well as grass teeing areas, target greens and a short-game area. Programs range from one- to four- day schools, private and group lessons, corporate retreats and custom events.
2. Brent Morrison Golf Academy, Pheasant Glen Golf Resort, Qualicum Beach, B.C.
This academy truly has the individual in mind, delivering personalized instruction through a variety of teaching methods.
3. The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Academy, Banff, Alberta
Offering getaway packages combined with world-class golf training, this is a perfect learn-play environment.
Best Private Courses
1. Capilano Golf & Country Club, West Vancouver, B.C.
Who wouldn't want to be a part of such a timeless masterpiece? Legendary Canadian golf course architect Stanley Thompson placed the Capilano among his finest achievements. From the ele-vated clubhouse, he masterfully created the first six holes along a 300-foot incline, then raised the elevation ever so slightly so as not to be perceived. And for its mountain scenery and quality of play, the final six holes are among golf's great finishing stretches.
2. Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, Vancouver, B.C.
This year's site of the Bell Canadian Open is one of the most scenic parkland-style courses in the country.
3. Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club, Priddis, Alberta
Mature forests and large undulating greens greet members on these two immaculate 18-hole courses.
Best Pro Shop
1. The Harvest Golf Club, Kelowna, B.C.
The Best thing about the pro-shop at Harvest isn't the high-end boutique offering custom fitting for Ping, Taylor Made and Titleist golf equipment. It isn't the Cleveland, Cobra, Callaway and Jazz merchandise counted among its brand-name stock. And it isn't the CPGA professionals always on hand to help. The best thing is revealed when you pick up your score card: it's the only pro shop that offers pencils with erasers.
2. Kananaskis Country Golf Club, Kananaskis Village, Alberta
A first-rate assortment of brand names and one of the largest selections of women's golf apparel in the country.
3. Fairwinds Golf & Country Club, Nanoose Bay, B.C.
A constant rotation of feature brands makes this pro shop a new experience each time. Free year-round gift wrapping is a plus.
Best Clubhouse
1. Swan-E-Set Bay Resort & Country Club, Pitt Meadows, B.C.
Set on two championship courses, this stunning 65,000-square-foot chateau-style clubhouse is definitely a sight for sore eyes after the hour-long drive from downtown Vancouver. The amenities include a well-appointed members' lounge, meeting and banquet facilities, and a fully equipped spa, fitness centre and games room. A post-game drink on the luxurious patio is definitely in order.
2. Northern Bear Golf Club, Sherwood Park, Alberta
This gorgeously modern facility doesn't hibernate when the season ends. The Jack Nicklaus-course clubhouse hosts brunches, dances and wine tastings.
3. The Glencoe Golf & Country Club Calgary, Alberta
Its large timber frame and great view of the course and mountains beyond make the Glencoe clubhouse a classic.
Best Signature Hole
1. Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club's 9th, "Cleopatra," Jasper, Alberta
The story behind this par 3 is wrought with as much strategy as the hole itself demands. Set against Pyramid Mountain, you can just make out the figure of Cleopatra amid the mounds and bunkers. Legend has it, in order to collect on a debt, 1920s course designer Stanley Thompson built the unseemly hole on purpose, then agreed to tone down its curves on condition of payment.
2. The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course's 7th, "The Cauldron," Banff, Alberta
The opening shot requires a carryover a small crystalline lake, onto a banked green framed by colossal evergreens.
3. Wolf Creek Golf Resort's 4th, "Hawk's Alley" (West Course), Ponoka, Alberta
The tee shot through a bottleneck of trees leads to a green surrounded on two sides by water and a deep bunker to the right.
Best Value
1. Paradise Canyon Golf Resort, Lethbridge, Alberta
Paradise Canyon is Southern Alberta's top rated course. Set among the coulees of the Old Man River valley, the views are as exquisite as the course is challenging. Gracious accommodations await in spacious onsite southwestern-style villas. A night stay plus golf, power cart and practice-range access runs a remarkable $139.
2. Skeena Valley Golf & Country Club, Terrace, BC
This is simply one of the meatiest layouts and Best maintained courses you will ever find. A steal at $35 a weekday round.
3. Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club, Medicine Hat, Alberta
Given its natural beauty and top notch grooming, this is a highly underrated course. A pack of 10 rounds of 18-hole golf, plus cart is $275.
Best Kids' Golf
1. Kinsmen Pitch & Putt, Edmonton, Alberta
The Kinsmen pitch and putt is the perfect place to learn without the pressures found at most courses. Tucked away in Edmonton's river valley, this little par-3 course is just the right size for kids. It's easy to navigate with just an iron and a putter, and the entire 18 holes can be played in under two hours. For $8 to $14 a round, the price can't be beat.
2. Stony Plain Golf Course, Stony Plain, Alberta
Over 350 juniors receive instruction at Stony Plain each season. Their four-hole junior course is the perfect place to wet little feet to the game.
3. Valley Ridge Golf Club, Calgary, Alberta
Kids 7 to 15 can take part in the golf camp: a full five days of golf instruction in the morning followed by fun afternoon activities for everyone.
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