The Golf Club at The Rise, a Fred Couples signature golf course, opens today to the public and tee times can be booked immediately. PGA Tour fan favourite Fred Couples was on site Wednesday to officially open Okanagan's newest golf course and first Signature Golf Course with the Freddy and Friends Course Dedication. A self described hockey fan, Couples played the opening round at the Okanagan's only Signature Golf Course with Calgary Flames captain, Jarome Iginla; Boston Bruin Chuck Kobasew; and former NHL'ers Brent Gilchrist and Jeff Finley.
Fred Couples conducted a golf clinic for media and invited guests and then hit the first ceremonial drive before playing the exhibition round. Wearing a wireless microphone, Couples provided commentary on each hole through a mobile loudspeaker for the crowd of 150 people, who followed the players around the course.
"The lake views up here are so incredible," he said. "I have such a passion for golf that we really wanted to take our time and build a course that is as stunning as its location," says Fred Couples, "It's exciting now that it's open because I know golfers from all over will want to get up here and experience it for themselves."
Tee times can be booked immediately (250-545-7425 or golfinfo@therise.ca). While membership in the golf club is only available with the purchase of real estate at The Rise, the golf course is open for the public to enjoy. Green fees during peak hours are $115 including golf cart, and twilight tee times are $65.
Described by international luxury lifestyle magazine, the Robb Report, as being one of Canada's top new golf courses, The Golf Club at The Rise is integrated into the rugged natural topography of the Vernon highlands. The course incorporates five sets of tees to accommodate all golfers.
Walking the course with Fred Couples was golf course architect Gene Bates. The championship course was designed by Couples/Bates Design. Construction for the 18-hole signature course was by BMR Golf, whose credits also include the award-winning Greywolf at Panorama Mountain Resort and The Dunes in Kamloops.
"The course has turned out even better than we could have dreamed," said Leona Snider, president and c.e.o. of The Rise. "It is a beautiful addition to the community we are building here at The Rise and a wonderful expansion of the recreation opportunities in Vernon."
"The views are amazing and it looks like it's in mint condition," said Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla at the course dedication. "It's a course I'll look forward to coming back to."
Virtual flyovers of The Golf Club at The Rise, a Fred Couples Signature Golf Course, were produced using satellite imagery, aerial photography and on-site footage and can be viewed at: http://therise.ca/virtual-tour.php.
