New Bear Mountain Valley Course Opening

Jim Lee

When the International Association of Golf Tour Operators designated British Columbia as “North American Golf Destination of the Year” in 2007, they were impressed by the diversity and quality of BC courses. With the opening of the new Valley Course at the Westin Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria, golfers can experience both in one resort.
 
With the opening of the Jack and Steve Nicklaus designed Mountain course in 2005, golfers were over-awed by the stunning vistas from a number of the holes but challenged by the elevation changes, bunkers and fast greens. 
 

 
However, with the new Valley Course, The Nicklaus Design Group has been able to design a more playable course for the average golfer. Opening for full play May 31, 2009, it still offers some dramatic elevation changes that provide for some very pretty holes. You rarely see another hole from fairways. The Valley course is still challenging, particularly from the back tees at 6,807 yards, where the course rating is 72.9 and the slope rating 135 but the course is much easier from the forward tees at 4,674 yards. 
 
Bear Mountain is an excellent starting point to the Vancouver Island Golf Trail. Include a little salmon fishing and Ontario golfers have the perfect summer getaway.  More information on Bear Mountain is available on the website as well as packages.