The forgiving Bear Mountain Valley Course is second of two Nicklaus courses at the Bear Mountain Westin Golf Resort. It is the only location in Canada with two Nicklaus courses. The original course is the challenging Mountain course. Both courses are open to the public in this semi-private resort. Upscale real estate communities surrounding the golf courses offer optional memberships. Golf is playable year round in the temperate climate of Victoria Island in British Columbia, Canada. Only 30 minutes from the scenic city of Victoria, hiking, biking and exploring the Victoria Island are just some alternatives to the excellent golf.
Bear Mountain Valley – The Course
Opening in 2008, it is the second course at Bear Mountain. In 2016, it ranked #38 on Canadian Golf Magazines “Top 50 – Best You Can Play”, slightly higher than its sister Mountain Course. It ranked #32 in 2017 on ScoreGolfs Top 59 Canadian courses you can play. Although the Bear Mountain Valley course is less hilly than its sister Mountain course, most tee shots also have modest forced carries. Pine trees and moderately sloping fairways are the rule.
Undulating greens can be dangerous depending on the pin positions. Elevated teeing grounds and large non-native rock outcroppings (know as glacial erratics) are common. Water comes into play on only three holes. The Bear Mountain Valley Course cuts through the forest with superb landscape views. It’s shorter than the Mountain Course with larger fairways and greens providing an easier experience. Nevertheless, don’t confuse the Bear Mountain Valley course with a simple resort course. There is plenty of punch to be an interesting and memorable experience.
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