JEFF PATERSON - - - Golfing My Way

Jeff Paterson is a sports talk host on Vancouver's TEAM 1040 SPORTS RADIO, can be seen from time-to-time on Rogers Sports Net TV and is a freelance writer/commentator for BC Golf News.

A classic when it opened in 1980, the spectacular Bill Robinson-designed, layout carved into the hills high above the city of Kelowna, remains a gem as it prepares to celebrate 30 years in operation.

Gallagher's Canyon is just a good old-fashioned test of golf. The fact that the test takes place in a sensational setting only adds to the appeal of one of the GolfBC Group's premier properties. Among the best features of Gallagher's is that the golf course seems to fit perfectly as it winds through a forest of towering Ponderosa pines. None of the holes feels forced or out of place and there are no tricks or gimmicks. While there are certainly many challenges to the course, they are all presented up front allowing players to take the obstacles into account as they plot their strategies on each hole.

Not long by modern golf standards at 6,802 yards from the black tees, Gallagher's features a quirky stretch of three par-5s in four holes (9, 10 & 12), giving players of all abilities a real chance to score in the middle of their rounds. The 12th is the most interesting---and challenging---of the long holes with an S-shaped fairway limiting big hitters from attempting to reach the green in two and forcing shorter hitters to think about the way work their way from tee to green.

While some golf courses save their best for last, Gallagher's gives you one of its best holes right out of the gates. The par-4 first is a terrific hole that ensures players are paying attention right off the bat. From an elevated tee, the 420-yard opening hole requires a strong drive to a narrow landing area which sets up a mid-iron play to an elevated green which slopes sharply from back to front. Take par here every time.

Perhaps the greatest challenge on the golf course is its collection of par 3 holes which, depending on pin placements, may just be the best quartet of short holes on any course in the province. The third hole, anywhere from 150-175 yards, is all carry over a ravine to a shallow green guarded by bunkers. The eighth plays 180-197 yards to a long, narrow green requiring accuracy from a mid to long iron. The 13th is listed at 166-197 yards on the card and plays up a steep hill to a deep green with three distinct tiers making par a challenge. The 16th plays considerably shorter than the 196-218 yards it's listed at, but club selection is a factor because the hole features a massive drop from the tee to the well-protected green below.

While the golf course had a few bare spots due to a summer of Okanagan water restrictions they were limited to low-traffic areas, did not affect play and Gallagher's greens in late August rolled fast and true.

Other golf courses in the area may attract more headlines these days, and certainly they're worth a first look, but golfers seeking a great day on a terrific stage should always remember Gallagher's Canyon.