By Jim Lee
Shadow Mountain, which opened this July 1, could be the next course in BC to receive the “Best New Course” award in Canada.
Located in Cranbrook, the course joins nearby Bootleg Gap, St Eugene and Trickle Creek as destination courses and could be a course that does for the region what Grey Wolf did for the Columbia Valley or Tobiano for the Kamloops region. While still under construction – off the course – it is in remarkable condition for the July opening. The course was designed by Wayne Carlton and offers spectacular shots, challenging and interesting elevation changes and the mountain scenery the region is well known for. Very little soil had to be moved to create the course, and the natural sand base will provide great growing conditions.
The development will someday host 600 single family homes and 600 multi-family dwellings, adding considerably to the population of Cranbrook. At this point, construction of the residential roads and services are still underway, and the resulting noise and dust is somewhat of a distraction. But not that much of one once you get on the course. There is still an operating gravel pit, but once that is gone in the next year or so, the area will begin to take shape.
The course draws its name from a local native legend. To the east of the development during certain times of the year at sunset, there is an interplay of shadows on nearby Fisher Peak that suggests a bear (to me it looks like its rolling on its back). Bear Mountain was already taken, so Shadow Mountain it was. You’ll have to check the photo in the clubhouse for yourself.
Looking at the model of the development, the local ownership group has gone to some lengths (and cost) to separate the course from the residential development. The natural lodge pole pine forest of the region covers the terrain, rising from the banks of the St. Mary River. The property is somewhat terraced up from the river, and this natural terrain helps to create the drama and adventure that I think the course will become known for. It is also challenging, with its 7,405 yards from the back tee (but more playable 6,410 yards from the white tees) and a slope of 126 and rating of 70.2 from the white tees. The bent grass fairways add to the feeling of a quality course.
A couple of holes really stand out, but really the entire course is well designed with no obvious problem holes or blind shots. I’m a big favorite of elevation drops on holes (primarily, I think, because it makes my drives seem longer), because they add to the scenic qualities and offer unique challenges to the average golfer. There are two holes, #15 and 17 which must drop 150’. From this height, the fairways seem narrow, and the green looks a very, very long way away. # 17 also includes a pond which will gather errant tee shots (and adds to the anxiety) with a second/third shot also needing to go over the pond.
Time, and other reviews, will tell how Shadow Mountain stands up to other new courses.
