If you want to keep cool while playing golf this summer, head to Sun Peaks. At 1,200 metres, the Sun Peaks Golf Course is currently the highest golf course in the province. At this elevation, the ball flies farther.
“The elevation up here definitely makes a difference,” said golfer Brendon Slaney. “I’m from Nova Scotia and my golf course was right on the beach. The elevation we’re playing at (in Sun Peaks) is 1,200 metres; I find it a one-club or even a two-club difference.”
And with slightly cooler temperatures, the only thing to sweat is how well the game is played.
A little competition and camaraderie always makes a game of golf better. For the past three years, men have been playing the SPIN Cup Men’s Night at Sun Peaks. This year, Men’s Night will be in its regular slot on Thursday evenings with tee times running from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. To qualify for points and prizes, scorecards have to be in by 7:30 p.m. at the Golf Shop. Prizes are awarded at an after-game dinner.
Points can be earned in three ways. “Participation is probably the most important one. You can get a majority of the points just by participating every week,” said Kelly Dye, SPIN Cup Men’s Night organizer. “There’s random draws every week for points. The winner and runner up each week get points as well.”
“At the end of the year, there’s a SPIN Cup champion, and an award given out based on the total from the entire year,” Dye added.
This year, participants are playing for two grand prizes: a set of Nike Ignite Steel Irons courtesy of Nevada Bob’s and an Okanagan Golf Getaway sponsored by Powder Hounds Restaurant.
“The sponsorship itself for the Men’s Night, because it’s such a small community, is very, very strong in my opinion,” said Slaney.
Slaney, a new resident of Sun Peaks and last year’s SPIN Cup winner, said joining the Men’s Night helped him get to know people in the community.
“I’ve been involved in about three or four (golf events similar to) Men’s Nights, and this one is unique. The community setting is different than what you’d normally find. The group of guys is definitely key,” he said.
You don’t need to be an expert to compete. The point system gives any golfer of any skill level a chance at winning the grand prize.
A golfer for over 20 years, Dye said the frustration that comes with playing golf is one of the reasons he plays.
“It’s always a challenge,” he explained. “It’s always changing. No matter how long you play, you’re always learning and trying to get better.”
The incredible views make it worthwhile to go out, said Slaney.
“It’s pretty difficult to find a course . . . with mountains surrounding you when you play,” he said. “And the wildlife—you can’t match it.”
The course setup also offers a suitable challenge for every skill level. Slaney recommends holes 11 to 16 for the spectacular backdrop and hole 18 if you’re looking for a challenge.
“Hole 18 is pretty tough. It’s par 5. There’s trees on the right side the whole way down and the left side is not too friendly.”
“(The golf course is) almost like two different courses: the front nine is long and it’s not as wide open. It makes you use almost every club in your bag. And then the back nine, you can feel free to pull the driver out a little bit more if you choose. There’s a nice diversity.”
It costs $10 to join a game of Men’s Night. You can also play an optional Skins game for an additional $5. To sign up, head to the Golf Pro Shop.
For more information, contact Kelly at 250-377-1015.
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