If you’re looking for one of the best public golf courses in Vancouver, the University Golf Club (UGC) situated in the University Endowment Lands is one to consider. This 18-hole par-72 course is cut straight out of rich forests and has been in operation since 1929. UGC is fully public and sports the mantra ‘Everyone Welcome’. The location is fantastic as it is steps away from downtown.
Situated on West 10th just prior to UBC (the original clubhouse sits at 10th and Blanca, now known as the BC Golf Museum), the University Golf Club is a decent blend of narrow holes lined with douglas firs, some holes wide open for big hitters, a variety of terrains, and some water to challenge the golfer of all abilities.
UGC has a full driving range facility and banquet halls too. Full locker rooms and showers are provided for guests. The staff are friendly, and an organized marshal will greet you at at the first hole.
How is playing UBC? The course has always been in excellent shape, with green fairways and delicate greens cared for beautifully by Phil Bunting, the Golf Course Superintendent. Since trees line the sides of most holes, this classic course will require some precision shots to avoid trouble. Shrubs aren’t that much of a factor, so errant balls can be easily found if you track it off the tee.
The 10th hole is one of my favourites, a par 4 shooting downhill off a bit of plateau. It’s nice and wide so don’t be afraid to crank it with your driver. UGC is definitely a walkable course, but there is some terrain involved, but it’s nothing like the steep terrain of Northlands in North Vancouver. Overall, UGC remains one our favourite courses because it’s well maintained by excellent staff, and is challenging yet not too difficult for the beginner.
Rates are UGC are comparable to other courses in the city, but for a few extra dollars you’ll get a course in much better shape. You can’t go wrong for $59 Mon-Thurs, but once the busy weekend approaches prices jump to $67.
Here are their rates for May 2011:
First Tee Time of the Day
To March 31st – 7:30am
April 1st to April 15th – 7:00am
April 16th to April 30th – 6:30am
May 1st to August 7th – 6:00am
August 8th to September 11th – 6:30am
September 12 to TBA – 7:00amExceptions: All four weekends in June and the first two weekends of July the first tee time will be 5:30am. The second two weekends of July the first tee time will be 5:40am. The fifth weekend of July the first tee time will be 5:50am.
Note: Weekends refer to Saturday and Sunday ONLY.
UGC can be contacted at the following:
University Golf Club
5185 University Blvd.
Vancouver, BC V6T 1X5
Here’s the number for booking tee times (1 week in advance!): 604.224.1818
Posted under: Golf Courses, Reviews, Vancouver
