Bear to golf in Whistler?

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This is the third in a series of British Columbia golfing from our guest blogger, golf fanatic and business coach, Karen Thrall, enjoy!

Whistler, British Columbia is considered one of the greatest year-round resort destinations worldwide.  There’s a good reason for its reputation.  From mountain, forest and water activities to scenic trails for hiking and cycling; various extreme adventures to push your boundaries; and every outdoor sport imaginable, you will love the Whistler experience.  What do you feel like doing while you’re in Whistler?  Whatever you want.  Breathtaking views surround you.  You’ll also enjoy exceptional restaurants and boutiques; relaxing spas and poolside lounges (all year, even in the winter months); fun nightlife, great pubs and live performances; a friendly and engaging community, … and yes, golf! (saved the best one for last!). 

Golf.  Oh, Whistler golf.  How I pine (no pun intended) after thee.  Three outstanding courses:  Whistler Golf Club, Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club and Nicklaus North Golf Course

I’ve played all three.  And enjoy all of them.  Each unique.  All challenging.  All scenic.  All representing British Columbia and the Whistler culture in their finest of ways.

I played in a fundraising tournament at Whistler Golf Club hosted by my good friend Matt Yasinchuk.  He organizes these Battle Of The Elements charitable tournaments every year.  It’s one of my favourites to attend.  Needless to say, we had a blast.  Prizes and winnings were generously distributed amongst the foursomes.  The beverages were a flowin’ and the food, delicious.  The staff at Whistler Golf helped our experience be unforgettable.  This is also one of the first golf courses I ever played when I was newly learning the game.  I highly recommend you grab a pull cart and walk it.  Soak in its surroundings and enjoy the evergreen lands.

I’ve enjoyed a few games at Chateau Whistler.  You’ll want to drive a golf cart: up and down rolling hills, with plenty of opportunity for panoramic photography.  They have excellent doglegs throughout the course design.  I may or may not have lost a few balls playing this course.  I do suggest the ball land in the fairway for every hole. But I’m sure your ball always lands in the fairway... it's probably just me that has that attraction to trees... J

And then there’s the legendary Nicklaus North.   One of my closest friends, professional snowboard photographer, Chad Chomlack, is a member at Nicklaus North.  Teeing off in the early morning, we talked golf for 4 hours.  (“C’mon Karen.  You didn’t really talk golf for four hours?!”)  - Oh yes we did, Invisible Cyber Voice.  We nerd out on golf and it’s magical.  J

Chad enjoys golfing with his two boys at Nicklaus North.  Both of these young lads are competitive snowboard enthusiasts.  Chad believes that the golf culture is a great place for his sons to learn the etiquettes of being gentlemanly; and how golf teaches his boys the art of the mental game as well as learning how to manage your plays on the course.  The skills they learn through golf are transferrable to their passions in the extreme sports culture.  He strongly believes that golf is one of the greatest ways to build a father bond with his children.

Enjoy Whistler, and what better way than a home exchange vacation and golfing!    

And don’t be alarmed if one of these little bear cuties wants to join your foursome.  The golf marshals and forest rangers take good care of you.  Get your camera out and enjoy BC’s captivating wildlife.