Whistler, Canada's number one golfing destination

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The world-famous Rocky Mountain resort of Whistler, B.C. is ranked as Canada’s number one golfing destination. With four stand-out championship courses, each designed by an internationally-renowned architect and boasting spectacular scenic backdrops, it’s hard to imagine a better place in the country (if not the world) to hit the green.

Incorporating sweeping valley floors, mountain slopes, emerald-coloured lakes, gushing streams and majestic old growth trees, the courses here wind through a landscape that is both stunning and full of plenty of interest and challenge for play. As you make your way between holes, take time to breathe in the invigorating alpine air and soak in the gorgeous vistas, and you’ll soon realise that Whistler and golf are a match made in heaven.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a more casual player, you’ll be sure to find something to suit your tastes and abilities. Each of Whistler’s four golf courses features its own unique terrain and aspect, along with impeccable course conditions and state-of-the art practice facilities to help polish those skills. When you’re done for the day, unwind at the club house, making the most of the sublime patios quality drinks and food menus and live entertainment, or head into Whistler village for plenty more shopping, dining and exiting nightlife options.

Quick tips:
- The golfing season in Whistler runs from late April/early May to mid-October. This means there are plenty of months available for making the most of the courses. If you’re visiting Whistler during the summer and fancy a break from golf, there are plenty of other exhilarating outdoor activities on offer, from hiking and mountain biking, to ziplining, white-water rafting and even skiing
- Tee times should be booked in advance, particularly during busier times in mid-summer
- Many courses have a dress code in effect, so be sure to check ahead of time

Here is our overview of Whistler’s four world-class signature golf courses:

Big Sky Golf & Country Club

Located at the base of Mount Currie in Pemberton BC, just a short 25-minute drive from Whistler village, Big Sky Golf Club is one of the country’s most spectacular and highly-acclaimed golfing destinations. It boasts numerous awards, from being listed among the top 30 public courses in Canada by Golf Digest in 2015/6 to currently being ranked as the best golf course in the Whistler region.

It’s carefully-designed layout and tranquil setting make it a must-try for all golfing enthusiasts. The natural surrounds are truly awe-inspiring, offering beautiful mountain, valley, forest and lakeside vistas all around.

Big Sky offers four tees to choose from, ranging from 5,200 up to 7,001 yards, making it the longest of Whistler’s golf courses. The 18-hole course was designed by the renowned course architect Robert Cupp. It features bent grass fairways from tee to green, Ravensdale sand bunkers and is famed for its gentle rolling links and pristine condition, all of which guarantee an unmatched golfing experience.

A top range academy offers numerous practice facilities, including a double-ended 350 yard driving range, a 9-hole course, practice bunkers and plenty of putting greens, along with a wide variety of programs and lessons suited to varying skill levels.

Away from the course, Big Sky Golf Club is home to the delightful Fescue’s Restaurant & Patio. With a fantastic range of world cuisines featured on the menu, one of BC’s most scenic outdoor patios, along with impeccable service and live music at the weekends, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a long play.

Nicklaus North Golf Course

This spectacular award-winning course is considered one of the finest in North America, offering a dramatic natural stage for a memorable round of golf. Designed by the renowned Jack Nicklaus (and the only course in the world to bear his name), it’s played host to prestigious events such as the Skins Game and attracts enthusiasts from wide and far keen to put their skills to the test.

The course has five sets of tees, features a mix of blue and bent grass fairways, bent grass greens, along with trademark Nicklaus bunkering. The par 71, 18-hole course winds along the valley floor for 6,925 yards and provides plenty of unique challenges for even the most experienced golfers. What’s more, all this is framed by a spectacular backdrop of snow-capped peaks, glacier-fed lakes and ancient fir trees to provide a truly unforgettable experience.

Also on offer are golf lessons with fully-certified pros, a golf shop stocked with the latest apparel and equipment, and practice facilities encompassing a full-length driving range, chipping and putting areas and practice bunker.

Post-round, retire to the attractive lakeside clubhouse where you can choose to unwind by the fireplace in the cosy lounge, enjoy an exquisite meal in the elegant dining room, or best of all, head out onto the expansive patio area overlooking the stunning Green Lake, surely one of the most enticing après spots in all of Whistler.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club

For one of the best mountain golf experiences on the continent, you can’t do much better than this spectacular internationally-acclaimed course at Fairmont Chateau in Whistler. Carved out of the rugged slopes of Blackcomb Mountain, this beautifully-manicured course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr and features a par 72 18-hole course stretching 6,635 yards and offering plenty of fun and challenge along the way.

Designed to make the very most of its stunning surrounds, the course weaves in and around granite rock faces, ravines and ledges, ponds, creeks, waterfalls and towering Douglas fir trees. As you make your way around, take time to admire the dramatic elevated views over the Whistler valley, as well as keep an eye out for the myriad wildlife species that roam the area.

The Practice & Learning Centre is one of the best of its kind in BC, including a Short Game Area complete with tees, practice bunkers and an expansive putting green. Whatever your fancy, it’s the ideal place for all skill levels to fine tune their play and gain real game experience, and all in an unbelievably scenic setting.

This is also Whistler’s only golf hotel destination, making it the perfect choice for those players looking to extend their stay overnight or over several days.  Guests of the Fairmont Chateau have access to complimentary and unlimited use of the golf course and practice facilities. There are also plenty of attractive packages on offer, ranging from “1 night + 1 round per person”, to a self-drive vacation package taking in several of Canada’s very best Rocky Mountain golf resorts.

Whistler Golf Club

Located in the heart of the village, this is Whistler’s most played course, and also one of its most captivating. Snow-capped peaks and densely forested slopes tower around the course at every turn. Immaculate bent grass greens and white sand bunkers are interwoven with fir trees, lush greenery, lakes and streams. The course is also home to plenty of wildlife, including beavers, coyotes and even the occasional black bear.

Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, the course is a par 71 championship 18, offering 5 sets of tees and stretching 6,722 yards. It’s sure to impress and test even the most discriminating golfers, whilst also being accessible to the more causal player.

The Learning & Performance Centre features a driving range and putting green for extra practice, as well as clinics and private lessons with CGPA professionals. The staff here are known for being especially friendly and courteous and will go the extra mile to make you feel welcome and well-accommodated. Be sure to visit the highly acclaimed Golf Shop to browse the latest clothing lifestyle lines. There’s also a “juniors play for free” program, that’s the perfect excuse to bring the whole family along.

Whistler Golf Club is a popular destination for tournaments, lessons, golf schools, golf vacation packages, along with weddings, banquets and other special occasions that are hosted in the stunning clubhouse. After a long day on the course, unwind at Palmer’s Gallery Bar & Grill where you can enjoy outstanding food, sit out on the 100-seat patio and admire unparalleled views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

If you’re looking for a combination of challenging, rewarding play and jaw-dropping scenery, with a fantastic selection of world-class amenities and exciting entertainment options thrown in, Whistler is undoubtedly one of the best places in Canada for the ultimate golfing getaway.