On The Rise Again
I was doubtful. While winding our way up the scenic road in Vernon, British Columbia last year I was unsure if the Freddy Couples and Gene Bates designed golf course, The Rise, was still breathing. In my last visit to the course they were using a portable as their pro shop and clubhouse and the gravel parking lot looked lonely for cars. But something altered my mood.
The usual entrance to the course was blocked off by cement blocks and a newly paved road pushed us to the right. As we drove further, I could sense something was anew. We saw golfers and a new parking lot had been created. An important point to note, was that you could now see the beautiful landscape of the course, mountains and water from this higher elevation. The course sits 1,000 feet above Okanagan Lake. The old location cheated you of any sights of golf holes. This was an odd set-up because I did not get a sense of what the course would be like. Now I got it. Incredible views!
A friendly attendant met us in the parking lot and asked if we needed help. I expressed my interest in knowing about the changes. I sensed a re-birth. And there is. Rob Gebert, who I knew from Sagebrush is the new Golf Operations Manager and I went up to re-introduce myself. The temporary pro shop was much better than the portable and I found out a few things that made me re-think The Rise. We would have to re-consider this course for our international and domestic clientele to play.
First and most importantly, they had a new owner from Alberta with deep pockets. Taking this perspective of not wanting to turn a quick profit is more applicable in today’s golfing landscape. Rob mentioned that the owner is passionate about the game and wants to make it work. Great. I set up a game with Rob and we went off a month later.
The nine’s were reversed and it was back to the original routing of Freddy’s course created in 2008. That year is a memorable one as the economic collapse that sent shockwaves throughout the financial sectors impacted the golf industry dramatically as well. The many homes that were to be built around the golf course were much fewer than expected. But the golf course is visually stunning and a challenge.
The first hole is breathtakingly beautiful. You can see water, mountains and more as your first tee shot shoots downhill and to the left. There is no doubt that the beginning few holes are extremely challenging. No. 2 has an uphill shot, No. 3 has water lurking on your second shot and No. 4 and 5 have blind tee shots. The latter two holes were ones other golfers told me were problem holes. I understand their perspective but I have no qualms with blind shots having played British and Irish links course where such holes are part of the charm and history of the game. I guess to some a blind shot is disconcerting and unacceptable, but for others like me, I see it as a way to test your mind and strategy in playing a hole.
The Rise is cart golf but some of the holes offer incredible shifts in elevations and you will need the wheels. They even offer a premium cart to allow for music playing to attract the younger generation. Water comes into play on a few holes on the back including the challenging par 4 15th and the ticklish par 3 16th. Fun drives on No. 17 and No. 18 finish off a rollercoaster golfing experience. No. 17 can be played several ways as there is a precipitous drop off is with a great backdrop of water. 18 is a mid-length par 5 and you can sneak a big drive on the left side and make it a shorter one. But the green is big and you don’t want to go over the back.
I just played 9 holes in beautiful weather less than a week ago on April 1st-opening day. The turnout was strong and I chatted with a couple who were taking their grandchildren out for a round. They have added Freddy’s Bistro by the 9th and 10th holes so people can have snacks and drinks. In speaking with Chad Scott, the new Director of Golf he said a patio would be added for next month so people can admire the surrounding views. A clubhouse should be ready for 2018. There is no practice range, just a net but you feel like getting out to play as soon as you can.
Their revamped web site with a new logo is very well done and acts as a great promotional tool so have a look at it http://www.therisegolf.ca.
Smooth Freddy probably did not envision that the course would take these twists and turns. But it looks like The Rise has been resurrected. I look forward to replaying this unconventional but beautiful course sitting at the top of the world in the Okanagan Valley!