The snow is melting, the birds are chirping, and Revelstokians are practicing their swings in preparation for another season at the Revelstoke Golf Club ahead of opening day.
A late thaw of the snow at the course has caused a late opening, but Dean Jackson, General Manager of the Revelstoke Golf Club, is hopeful that this week’s forecast will lead to an opening day as early as next week. This is only the second time in the last 10 years that the course has had to wait until May to open to the public.
“A cool April has affected the melt, like everywhere in town, and pretty much everywhere across the Okanagan,” added Jackson.
The driving range is set to open on Friday (April 28), with the clubhouse restaurant set to follow in early May with a limited menu.
Jackson applauded the work of Mark Hoey, Superintendant at the course, as well as the rest of the team on their work preparing the course again this season.
“There were a few years where we opened with pretty rough greens, but the last two years, with Mark’s expertise, we’re definitely way ahead of the game,” added Jackson.
The Revelstoke Golf Course is sporting a few new features this season, including brand new signage featuring their distinct branding on the way to the first hole.
“We are really trying to help improve the curbside appeal,” said Jackson. “Every year we’re just trying to make improvements and make it look better to attract more people to come out and play here.”
The club also has a record number of members this season, even before the opening day has arrived. According to Jackson, they already have over 40 more members this year compared to last year.
24,000 rounds of golf were played at the Revelstoke Golf Club in 2022, 40 per cent of which were played by tourists according to Jackson.
This year, the golf club will be hosting the PGA of BC Championship from Aug. 14 to 15, an event which will feature 99 of the top golf professionals in the province including Jackson and Charles Beneteau, head professional at the club.
“They’ve asked us to host, which is quite an honour because it just shows that we are on the map, and our golf course is of that quality to be able to host these men and women,” said Jackson.
Then, in 2024, the club will celebrate its centennial year by hosting the BC Senior Men’s Amateur Championship in July, featuring 155 of the best senior golfers in the province.
“Great things coming, being asked to host two provincial championships in back-to-back years, I mean, I don’t know how I can describe it,” said Jackson with a smile. “I’m doing cartwheels around here, man.”
Jackson is encouraging all locals, no matter their age or skill level, to get out this spring and try their hand at a round of golf.
“We just want to introduce the sport to as many people as we can,” said Jackson. Not to mention, we got a pretty banger patio, so if you’re not into golf, come have a bite to eat with us, right?”
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