When in North Van, don’t miss Northlands Golf Course. We heard about it, we Googled it, we got in touch with the team (read on to meet Curtis), and we set up a tee time.
Best decision ever.
Northlands Golf Course
Vancouver, British Columbia
Just 40 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Northlands Golf Course is a spectacular public course where all the lush West Coast greens are on full display. But be forewarned: Northlands isn’t a walk in the park. The steep slopes, towering trees and undulating fairways make for an interesting—and very fun—afternoon. The last hole will leave you wanting more.
Once you’ve wrapped things up, take it all in at the Bar & Grill (but watch out for the giant crows, they’ll steal your french fries and wings). On the terrasse is where we sat down with Curtis Johnston, Supervisor of Golf Play Operations, to chat about Northland’s mission and year-round golf concept.
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Tell us about the District of North Vancouver’s involvement in Northlands and why it’s important to the course’s mission.
The golf course was built by the district because a committee on Vancouver’s North Shore wanted a public facility. Northlands’ mandate is to offer tee times on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of special interest groups. The golf facilities are business-focused, and the green fees take into account municipal debt servicing and all legislative obligations. The products and services are of the highest quality, and green fees and cart rentals are competitively priced. Our goal is for the golf facilities operated by the District of North Vancouver to maintain a community legacy of superior golf. And they benefit everyone by being managed and maintained to the highest professional standards and operating in ways that reflect integrity, honour, service and fairness. All the facilities are aesthetically pleasing and supported by sound financial policies.
So year-round golf, eh?
With our mild winters, you can play golf at Northlands 12 months out of the year. We do face the odd closure during cold snaps or snow falls and frost delays on those crisp winter mornings, but we can have some amazing stretches of off-season golf. We’re also one of the only golf courses in the world where you can play a round, ski or snowboard and then be out on the water within a 20-minute total drive. And on sunny days, we’re PACKED all winter!
Out of the 18, which is your favourite?
My favourite is no.2. As a shorter dog-leg right par 4, it plays perfectly to my fade. I’ve had a couple of opportunities at an eagle on that one (none have ever fallen for me though!).
Green fee: Can$55 to Can$85
Course open year-round
Impressive views, more impressive course.
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