Future Pilsner Opens
There
are of course hundreds of spots that we could choose for the next (and future)
Pilsner Opens, however, there are a number of criteria that should be
considered, including:
1.
Weather – one of the primary criteria given that we like to hold
the Open after the September long weekend.
The experience of both Whistler and Victoria over the past two Opens has
highlighted the importance of nice weather to enjoying the weekend. Being rained or snowed on would, of course,
severely hamper the golf experience.
With any of the cool weather locations, we would probably need to
consider moving the Open into August for that year.
- Accessibility –
Given that at least half of the members have to travel a significant
distance to the Open, we need to make it as easy as possible for the group
to get to all three golf days at reasonable cost and convenience.
- Courses (Cost) –
Members have emphasized a desire to keep costs reasonable, thus the outlay
for green fees have always been kept towards the middle of the pack. The goal is to play good to excellent
courses without paying top dollar to do so. A good average would be $50.
- Courses (Proximity to
Base) – Courses should be relatively near our accommodations. This last year in Whistler probably was
the outside limit of distance to courses, as we traded distance for
cost. The closer the courses are
to the hotel, the more drinking and sleep time that we have available
(example – Dennis, Saturday A.M. in Whistler!)
- Accommodations –
In Whistler we tried a new approach by staying in two townhouses. For the most part it was considered a
success and added a great sense of camaraderie within the group. Also having kitchen and BBQ facilities
helped keep restaurant/beer costs lower than in previous Opens. Hot tubs were an added bonus that a few
took full advantage of (Walt…step forward).
- Nightlife –
There should be some opportunity for the single members to slay a
cougar or two!
- Variety –
Although some cities warrant a return visit due to the location and number
of good courses (ex. Kelowna), there should be a bias towards trying
somewhere new whenever possible.
Suggested Future Locations:
(Click on course name to go to website)
|
Place |
Course 1 |
Course 2 |
Course 3 |
+ve |
-ve |
? |
#Votes |
|
Oliver/Osoyoos, B.C. |
$45, Score #18 in Canada (#5 BC) |
Osoyoos G&CC $41 ($58 27 holes) |
?Cherry Grove 9 holes (new 9 being built) |
1, 3, 4, 7 |
2, 6 |
5 |
|
|
Salt Spring Isle, B.C. Stay at Chuck’s Dad’s Place – pay for maids only! Golf on Vcr Island in Duncan Area |
$45 (10 mins from Duncan) |
Duncan Meadows #9 Most Underrated in Can. |
Cowichan(Duncan) |
1, 3, 5, 7 Perhaps, night golf on Salt Spring! |
2, 4, 6 |
|
|
|
Radium/Golden,
B.C. |
Radium
Springs $55, #6 in B.C #37 in Canada |
Greywolf $95 (#2 new in Can.) or Eagle Pines $85 (Both incl. cart) |
Golden $49 (top 10
BC & #75 Canada) |
5, 6, 7 |
1, 2, 3, 4 |
|
|
|
Kimberly/Cranbrook, B.C. |
Trickle Creek $69 (#62 in
Canada) |
St Eugene $55 |
Kimberly or Riverside $60
(Fairmont) |
3, 6, 7 |
2 |
1, 4, 5 |
1 |
|
Calgary, AB |
Heritage
Pointe $90 incl. cart (27 holes avail.) #35 Can. |
? |
D’Arcy Ranch (Okotoks) $50
#76 Can. |
2, 3, 5, 6, 7 |
1, 4, 7 |
|
|
|
Canmore/Kananaskis,
AB |
Silver Tip #68 Can. |
Kananaskis – Mt.Kidd #32 Can. |
Kan.- Mt.Lorette #44 Can. |
2, 3, 7 |
1, 4 |
|
1 |
|
Free accoms at Maurer’s (did you confirm w/ the wife?) |
St. Marlo U.S.$76 |
Laurel Springs U.S.$83 |
TPC Sugarloaf U.S.$150 PGA Championship @ AAC U.S.$150 |
1, 5, 6, 7 |
2, 3 |
4 |
|
|
Las Vegas/Mesquite, Nevada |
? |
? |
? |
1, 6, 7 |
2, 3, 5 |
4 |
|
|
Kelowna, B.C. |
Kelowna Springs? $35 |
The
Bear? $80 |
Predator Ridge
($80 or $100 – 27 holes), Quail ($80), Gallager’s ($85) or
Harvest ($80)? |
1, 2, 3, 6 |
7 |
4, 5 |
1 |
|
Saskatoon, Sask. |
Willows (Lake/Island
18) |
Saskatoon West $33 or Willows (Bridges/Xena 18) |
Moon Lake (27 holes) |
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
1 |
|
|
|
Others? |
? |
? |
? |
? |
? |
? |
|
Email your suggestions and votes (including reasoning) to [email protected]