Talking Rock

By Jim Lee
 
While Tobiano may have gathered most of the attention in the Kamloops region when it opened last year as “Best New Course in Canada”, another course quietly opened in the region that also should be recognized.

Talking Rock at Quaaout Resort was developed by the Little Shuswap Band on the lake that bears their name. The course opened in 2007 to provide additional reasons to visit the Quaaout Resort and Conference Centre. The Resort is designed to reflect elements of the Band’s heritage, and the art, design and artifacts all lend to the ambiance. If you want to experience native culture while not sacrificing those creature comforts we all enjoy, this resort is the place to go.
 
The golf course extends to 7,129 yards from the black tees with a course rating of 74.5 and a slope rating of 126. Most golfers will play from the gold tees at 6,634 yards with a course rating of 72 and a slope rating of 128. This is one of those unusual situations where the slope rating for the shorter tees is greater than for longer tees. I played from the gold tees and thought that the ratings were appropriate.
 
The front nine plays almost exclusively through a tranquil pine forest with only the sound of birds in the trees. The sandy soil makes for excellent drainage and turf conditions and the course is in excellent condition. The back nine increases in elevation and there are views of the lake and surrounding mountains. About the only negative, and one beyond the control of the course, is the spreading deforestation on the adjacent hillside caused by pine beetle infestation. (For those from the Lower Mainland, seeing what this is doing personally rather than on television is a shock.)  Luckily, it has not impacted the course and the surroundings. 

The signature hole is #18, returning to the Lodge along the shore of Little Shuswap Lake. The Lake does not really come into play of this 365 yard par 4, but the views of the Lake add to the charm of the hole. Talking Rock is an honest course which doesn’t resort to trickery to provide challenge and makes the best use of its environment without having to artificially create it. All in all, a course you could play a lot of and enjoy.