The Okanagan in the southern interior of BC is a beautiful place to be in the summer. There are wineries, activities to do at the lake, and oh–there’s also GOLF! One course that we just experienced was Gallagher’s Canyon Golf Club and Country Club located in Kelowna.

Here’s a brief description of Gallagher’s Canyon, which is part of the GolfBC family:

Rated as one of the best in the country, Gallagher’s Canyon Golf & Country Club is a spectacular par 72, 18-hole championship course full of challenging fairways, well-protected greens and awe-inspiring vistas. Throughout the course, you’ll marvel at the scenery around you as play through tall groves of ponderosa pine and along the very edge of the picturesque canyon. Just minutes from downtown Kelowna and Lake Okanagan, the warm arid climate and brilliant sunny days common to this part of the province consistently serve up ideal conditions for exceptional golf.

The summer rate is $115+HST per person, which is on the high end of golf rates. However, for that price it does include a bucket of balls at the range. The Canyon is walkable, but given the terrain and change in altitude riding in a golf cart would be your best bet. Gallagher’s Canyon took care of the carts for both my golfing companion and myself.

Upon arriving at Gallagher’s Canyon, the friendly workers at the bag drop immediately took care of our bags. In the pro shop everyone was very welcoming and we were in and out quickly.

We practiced a few putts on the practice green and were informed that we would be starting on the 10th hole as there was some early maintenance on the first nine holes. Not a problem.

We then made our way to the range, which is a short drive away by cart. As the weather started to turn, we got through our buckets and proceeded to the 10th tee. By now, it was raining pretty hard. The starter explained the course layout to us and provided us with scorecards and some extra tees.

Picturesque, signature hole #6 overlooking Gallagher’s Canyon. Here’s a short video I took of this hole (it’s in 720p HD, shot on my iPhone 4):

Incredible views:

The entire course was very green and well maintained. Challenging holes throughout the course. Very enjoyable.

Do not hit balls into the Canyon! You might hit nail a hiker on the head:

Each hole has a nicely painted and carved sign:

We enjoyed our round at Gallagher’s Canyon. The course was well maintained, however our round ended up taking longer than normal. The pace of play that day could’ve been faster as we were kept waiting at pretty much every hole. The marshal did come by to check the pace of play for everyone, but when people are playing slowly and enjoying the scenery it’s not hard to take your time.

Here’s one of the best deals at Gallagher’s Canyon: Nine and Dine, $49 after 5 PM and includes 9 holes of golf, cart, and a $20 voucher for the restaurant. That’s pretty amazing! Don’t forget to check out the Okanagan Golf Alliance for golf packages too.

I would recommend Gallagher’s Canyon to be played at least once, however the peak rates are expensive. Twilight rates are a better deal, but either way the course is in excellent shape with amazing views. This is a must-visit if you’re looking for one of the nicest courses in the Okanagan.

Posted under: Golf Courses, Reviews