News & Notes From Up & Down The Island

Deals, appointments, and announcements from Metchosin to Port Alice and all points in-between...

News from the South Island

Professional Upping Credentials

Tyler Thorau has completed the National Training Program and becomes a Class “A” Professional at Olympic View Golf Club. Ditto for Benjamin Griffin at Uplands Golf Club.

News from Arbutus Ridge

The Arbutus Ridge Invitational will be held on June 19-20, 2021. With June 20th being Father’s Day, an entry to the event could make a great Father’s Day gift. Arbutus Ridge has made a switch and now is partnering with Titleist as their primary hard goods vendor. Arbutus also has a different take on the “Golf and Dine.” During their “Value Season,” they offer a $10 voucher off any meal on the regular menu, at any time of day, before or after your round! Cost of the golf is $50 before 12:00 p.m., $40 between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., and just $32 after 2:00 p.m. Call 250-743-5000 or book online using promo code ARGD.

Ardmore Makes Unique Claim

While you may be teeing off mats in the winter here in an effort to let the grass tee boxes recover, you will never play temporary greens... an unusual but welcome commitment. Winter rates at the 9-hole course are $20 for 9 holes and $30 for 18 holes.

Gorge Vale Has New Head Professional

Look for a new face behind the golf shop counter by March 15th when Mike Heenan takes over as the Head Professional at Gorge Vale. Heenan comes from the lower mainland where he was most recently at The Vancouver Club.

News from the Mid Island

Nanaimo Has One New Face & Another Changing Seats

Nanaimo Golf Club has found a new General Manager — by promoting their Food and Beverage Manager Charles Stephen to the role. Also new at Nanaimo GC is Robert Clarke, who has transferred from the Alberta Zone and is to be congratulated on recently achieving his Class “A” Professional designation.

Morningstar May Have New Owners By March 2021

According to General Manager Barrie McWha, there are two interested parties looking at purchasing the facility. Read the full story here.

Arrowsmith Has Membership Opportunity

As part of their 25th Anniversary, this executive-eighteen is having a Membership Sale where you can play for just $145 per month. There are a whole bunch of other freebies added in for this offer that runs through March 15, 2021. Also as part of the anniversary celebration, they are giving away a $25 gift certificate every Friday through 2021. Go to their Facebook page to find out more.

Eaglecrest To Stay At 18 Holes... Possibly

It may not be well known but a small part of the Eaglecrest Golf Club is actually owned by the Town of Qualicum Beach. While it appears the lease-of-the-land issues have been resolved, whether the owners will choose to only keep nine holes in play is still open to question. Read the related Time-Colonist story here.

News from the North Island

Crown Isle Has New Head Professional

Crown Isle has a new Head Professional in Jared Siminoff. Siminoff was born and raised in Powell River where he was a member of the Myrtle Point Golf Club. Read the full story here.

Storey Creek Pros Offering More Speed

For those looking to increase their distance while still managing their dispersion, the PGA Pros at Storey Creek are offering their SuperSpeed program. Students can purchase three SuperSpeed Sticks and at no additional charge attend several sessions designed at moving the clubhead faster to promote extra distance with all clubs. Also, new this year, those looking to improve can reserve golf lessons online.

Glacier Greens Opens Up Access Policy

This happened last fall but worth the reminder. Glacier Greens Golf Club is now open to the public 7 days a week. Please call the Pro Shop for details at 250-339-6515.