With ski season done and dusted, the many beautiful golf courses of the Kootenays are starting to return to life after a long, strange winter. Here is a look at when the courses of Kimberley and Cranbrook are opening up and what some of them have in store for the year.
Purcell Golf
For Purcell Golf - Home of the Kimberley Golf Club, 2024 is a special year, as it marks 100 years since the course was first put in the ground.
The Kimberley Public Library will be helping commemorate this momentous anniversary by creating an exhibit. If anyone has any old photos or memorabilia, they are encouraged to bring it by the course or the library, to either loan for the exhibit or make a copy.
Purcell will be celebrating with a locals appreciation day on July 1, where anyone who lives in the East Kootenay can golf for $19.24, honouring the course’s opening date.
Additionally, as the future site of the Purcell International School, members and guests will know that some major changes are underway in terms of the course’s layout.
The Perch, a stunning par 3 with an incredible view of the valley, was first introduced in 2022 and golfers were able to add it to their round in the 2023 season. It will still be in place this year, with some of the holes along the river to be gradually introduced throughout the season for people to try.
Purcell’s director of golf Simon Jones said there is still a bit more work to be done, including more work on the road leading to the holes and the installation of cart paths, so an exact date for the opening of the new holes can’t be confirmed just yet. Be sure to stay tuned for that exciting announcement.
This year the BC regional final will be held at St. Eugene, in previous years this has been in the interior region. Purcell golf want to maximize the participation for this regional final so they are hosting a local qualifier on June 2nd. Purcell golf is offering free golf for the event, you just need to register your team online via rbcpgascramble.com/local-qualifiers/bc-local-qualifiers
The driving range is, as of Tuesday, Apr. 9, now open with at least nine holes or more set to open on April 19.
“As of right now we’re in good shape, so we’re pretty pumped, it looks like the course wintered well,” Jones said. “We have a few spots here and there because of the weather but I would say overall we’re in good shape.”
Bootleg Gap Golf Course
Following another successful golf simulator season over the fall and winter, Bootleg Gap has pushed its opening date back a little bit this year, with the opening date for their Championship 18 is scheduled for May 10.
Their Rec 9 will open on April 26 and their driving range opens on Thursday, Apr. 11.
This year the course is excited to host the Canadian Blind Golf Championships from July 7 to 9. Blind golfers from all over the world will come to Kimberley to compete in this year’s tournament. The course previously held the Western Canadian Championships in 2019.
Trickle Creek Golf Resort
Trickle Creek will be opening for the year on May 10.
Rob Duncan, Resort Business Development Manager, spoke with the Bulletin shortly after a meeting he had with Dave Hockley, the course superintendent.
“They’ve cleared the greens, the snow is melting on the fairways and we anticipate we’ll be opening with good conditions,” Duncan said. “That’s very positive.”
“We’re really pleased, our bookings are up, which means the course is booking up very busy, which is great for business,” Duncan added. “Pre-season bookings are looking very strong and we anticipate that we’re going to be very, very busy.”
With that in mind, golfers are encouraged to book well in advance to avoid any disappointment of not getting the day or tee time you desire. Bookings can be done online at tricklecreek.com and Duncan said the course welcomes any local groups, businesses or tournaments to contact golf course manager Murray Thompson for group bookings. Again, don’t wait until the last minute.
Trickle has a ton of offers for golf available online as well, including their non-restricted eight packs, that can be played at either Trickle Creek or Wintergreen in Bragg Creek. They’re also offering the East Kootenay Locals five and ten packs again this year. They can be purchased online and picked up at the golf course. Season passes are also still available, offering unlimited play.
Pars and Guitars, the resort’s live music series, will make its return this year as well, with dates tentatively booked for June 27, July 18 and August 29. Stay tuned for more details.
To close out their season, the Locals Cash Scramble Tournament will return this September for its second year, bigger and better than ever. Last year’s event was a huge success, selling out completely and sending the winning team home with around $3500.
Cranbrook
In Cranbrook, Wildstone Golf Course, St. Eugene and the Cranbrook Golf Course all open on Friday, Apr. 12. Shadow Mountain will open on April 28.
Mission Hills, which as of March 8 is now under new ownership, having been purchased by Chris and Kimberly Carrier, opened nine holes and their driving range last week, with the full course opening April 12.
Carrier told the Bulletin they are currently in the midst of a major renovation and restoration project, particularly in the clubhouse. The kitchen’s been torn out, they’re building a new bar and are upgrading all the equipment. They will be opening a full service restaurant, which hasn’t been in operation for many years, shortly. They also just gave the driving range a major face lift.
Look for a full story on that soon.