Fairwinds Golf Club
is one of those places that absolutely offers something for
everyone. Snaking along the edge of a rugged peninsula that
curls out into Nanoose Bay between Parksville and Nanaimo,
the Fairwinds resort and surrounding community includes a
360-slip marina, tennis, beach volleyball, an exercise centre,
and a championship golf course.
At 6,151 yards, the Les Furber designed course is a wonderful
throwback to the days when golf was more Albert Einstein than
Arnold Schwarzenegger. At Fairwinds, which is a canny mix
of ponds and streams, as well as oak, fir, and arbutus trees,
you need to think your way around the course, not overpower
it. It’s a strong course from the first tee to the final
green. For instance, the opening hole is a 310-yard, par four
that features out of bounds all the way down the left side
of the fairway, with water swirling off to the right. The
two-tiered green is guarded with splashes of sand on both
sides of the putting surface.
The eighteenth offers the same kinds
of challenges. The 518-yard, par five is again staked with
out of bounds on the left, with a long pond running down the
right side. The gamblers in the group might try to rip it
over the edge of the water and fly some heavyweight bunkers.
Mere mortals will play it in regulation and go for a two-putt
par.
It should be noted that there is nothing regulation about
the scenery at Fairwinds, especially around the marina where
you can spot eagles, seals, sea lions, and the occasional
whale. What a perfect way to end a day of golf.
Contact Fairwinds Golf Club
3730 Fairwinds Drive, Nanoose Bay, BC V9P 9J6
tel: (250) 468.7666 - toll free: 1.888.781.2777
email:
golf@fairwinds.ca
web:
www.fairwinds.ca
