Below the Radar: Spallumcheen Golf & Country Club

by Glen Erickson

Over the past couple of decades, the industry of golf in the Okanagan Valley has been part of the region’s steady stream of tourism initiatives. And while a number of high profile facilities seem to contribute the lion’s share of the marketing efforts and resources, there are many facilities that have successfully established a reputation for providing a very positive golf experience.

Near Vernon, the very walkable Spallumcheen G&CC is one such golf course. It has opened the season in absolutely outstanding condition, despite a lengthy and unseasonably cool winter. The turf conditions at ‘Spall’ may be the Okanagan’s best to date.

“We are in terrific shape right now,” beamed Jody Kinsman, the Director of Golf at Spallumcheen. “We didn’t tarp the greens for the winter and they came through in great shape.”

Indeed each spring, lifting tarps from putting surfaces can dictate what kind of season a superintendent and his staff might be in for. Ice can be a killer, yet a blanket of snow can serve as an effective insulator during the winter. At Spallumcheen, the past winter did not conspire to produce any adverse conditions.

And the superb early season playing conditions have Kinsman ecstatic about the 2009 season, his third at the helm at Spallumcheen. Since his arrival, the new ownership has invested $250,000 to renovate the clubhouse and a new patio area has been constructed across the pond that borders the 18^th green. The facility upgrades are certainly welcome, but it is the golf course that continues to draw rave reviews.

“It’s a Les Furber design, so there is some slope to the greens,” Kinsman acknowledged. “We have to be careful about the speed.”

The majority of Okanagan Valley golf courses opened quite late this season. Kinsman noted that over the past two seasons, Spallumcheen opened on March 8 and March 14. This year, March 31 was opening day.

Prior to his current gig, Kinsman played a major role in the operation of the Golden West Golf Course, recognized as one of Edmonton’s busiest facilities. The golf course ownership group is also involved in the publishing business and operates Carma Golf Systems, a management software package for golf courses. The move to the Okanagan Valley has been a long time in the works.

“I spent 40 years in Edmonton before coming to Vernon a couple of years ago,” Kinsman said. “And if this isn’t the most beautiful part of Canada, I’d like to see where it is. And my folks are here in Vernon. They’ve been here for 20 years.”

News & Notes…Spallumcheen host the annual Canada Goose Tournament mid September…The professional staff at Spall includes Al Pisch and Myles Johnson…Green fees range from $60 during the week to $65 on weekends. If you know a Member, the Guest green fee is $55… The par-71golf course can be stretched out to play a deceiving 6,500 yards…There is also a nine-hole Executive Course at Spall, available for play at about $20 per round…The facility has a driving range and offers golf instruction…Spallumcheen has a long history in association with the BC Children’s Hospital, due in part to the Annual Kal Tire Brent Gilchrist Invitational Golf Tournament…The club hosted the 2008 BCGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship.