The Course: A Jack Nicklaus Signature Design

Nicklaus North is one of only a handful of Jack Nicklaus-designed courses in Canada. Known for its pristine layout and attention to detail, the course offers a balance of both beauty and strategy. The fairways are wide, but don’t let that fool you—the well-placed bunkers and water hazards demand precision and skill with every shot.

Stunning Scenery and Wildlife Encounters

What makes golfing at Nicklaus North truly stand out is the breathtaking scenery. On every hole, you’re treated to panoramic views of Whistler’s iconic mountains, lush forests, and Green Lake. On our visit, we were lucky enough to spot some local wildlife, including a black bear (from a safe distance!) wandering near the course. It’s this combination of natural beauty and challenging play that makes golfing at Nicklaus North Whistler an unforgettable experience.

Our Experience: A Perfect Summer Round

We played Nicklaus North on a perfect summer day, and the course was in fantastic condition. The greens were fast and true, and the fairways impeccably maintained. I can’t speak highly enough of the staff either—everyone from the pro shop to the starter was welcoming and made us feel right at home.

One of the highlights of our round was the 17th hole, a par-3 that plays over Green Lake. It’s a stunning hole that’s as intimidating as it is beautiful, and definitely one of my favorite par-3s ever.

Dining and Après Golf at Table Nineteen

After our round, we headed to Table Nineteen Lakeside Eatery, the restaurant located right at Nicklaus North. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a post-round drink, this spot delivers with delicious food and unbeatable views of Green Lake. We sat on the patio and enjoyed a well-deserved drink while soaking in the sun—honestly, there’s no better way to end a round of golf in Whistler.

Why You Should Play at Nicklaus North

Nicklaus North is more than just a golf course; it’s a full Whistler experience. From the friendly staff to the breathtaking scenery and top-tier facilities, this course is a must-play for anyone visiting Whistler. Whether you’re an avid golfer or just looking to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors, Nicklaus North offers something special for everyone.

Hungry for more of our golf recaps? Check out Golfing at Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club.

If you’ve played here before, what was your favourite hole? Let me know in the comments!

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The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club is a do-not-miss course in Whistler. It’s scenic and offers gorgeous views of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountain. Carts are mandatory because of the elevation changes. We’ve been able to golf a couple of times now and have always seen wildlife on the course.

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There were 4 rounds at Gallagher’s, and we chose to watch the last day and aimed to show up for the last few tee times. All spectators had to park off-site, and we got shuttled to the club. The shuttle over was really speedy, and everyone was wearing a mask. Some folks had brought chairs and backpacks. The 18th hole was decorated with sponsor cars, flags, and VIP tents. We headed to the first hole to check out the action.

At the first hole, they announced the tee time and the corresponding players. There was polite applause for the introductions and after each drive. Players with the best rankings had the later tee times, and we decided to follow the second last group of the day from the 1st hole so Barnett, Cao, and Sutton. The weather was perfect, sunny and probably 20C when we showed up, and climbed up to 27C in the afternoon.

Spectators were expected to walk along the cart path or in the rough. Everyone following this group was pretty quiet. There wasn’t much applause or cheering, which was probably for the best, because the noise carried pretty well around the course. Depending on the holes, you would be able to watch the group before putt, and the group you follow drive. It was awesome spectating this event because we actually play at Gallagher’s Canyon ourselves, and it was fun to see how the pros play it.

I was getting pretty hungry around 9, and was hoping the snack shack before 10 would be open. We skipped watching the putt to hike up to the shack, and it was closed! The volunteers pointed us to the BBQ back on 18, so we dashed over there to grab a smokie and a beverage. We rushed back to the 10th hole, and I inhaled my smokie on the walk. We ended up hanging out on 10 for probably 30 minutes or so, because Barnett had sent his first ball into the bushes, played a provisional, and they found his first ball, so he had to go back to the tee box to hit another. We sat in the shade while Justin enjoyed his smokie. I regretted eating mine so quickly as it was probably the best cheese-filled smokie I’ve ever had. It also had onions on it, which I am pretty sure was cooked in wine. It was absolutely divine and I will be talking about it for a long time to come.

It was good that we decided to follow our group for all 18 holes. We initially thought we might watch 9 and then go spectate at 18, but that would have been pretty boring after a while watching folks putt. Barnett was tied for lead until about 10, and then the wheels fell off. He was a smaller-sized guy compared to other players, but Barnett had some big drives. On 14, he drove his ball like 350 yards. A volunteer said it was the farthest drive he had seen all day and possibly all week. I was hoping Cao would win, but he missed his putt at 16 which meant he was slated for second place overall.

Then we got to watch the last group come in on 18, and it was time for the award ceremony. The winner, Callum Davison, was driven onto the 18th hole (not onto the green, of course) in the vehicle sponsor, a Genesis SUV. Gallagher’s has a huge residental community surrounding the course, so it was really cute to see everyone’s personal golf carts lining the top of the hill at 18. When it was time to head back to our car, we got a personal shuttle. It was a fun little VIP vibe to end a perfect afternoon!

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We were celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary in Las Vegas. Since we had fallen head over heels with the sport of golf over the last couple of years, it was only fitting that we treated ourselves to a round at the Wynn Golf Club during our vacation. We also got married at the Wynn, we have always loved visiting the Wynn and Encore, and so it just all made sense.

Since we were staying at the Encore, we didn’t even have to leave the property to head to the golf club. We lucked out with our tee time because we were supposed to be joined by another two-some, but they never showed up so it was just us two and our caddie Stuart. I didn’t know what to expect when we rolled up to all of this, but our cart had our name on it, and we got engraved bag tags! We will be keeping those forever. We made sure to show up early so we could hit the practice facility before our round.

When it was getting close to our time to play, we made our way to the putting green, which was just off the first hole. That’s when I saw the giant industrial fan. A lot of the holes on the course have these giant fans to keep the air moving and make the area less hot. Amazing! We wondered if the noise would be distracting while we were out there, but we ended up not noticing them very much!

There ended up being way more water features than I thought for a course in the desert. There was water on 12 holes. I’m proud to say that I cleared a majority of them.

The caddie, Stuart, really added to the whole experience. Having a caddie was mandatory, and he would do things like give us course intel and advise us on how to play and approach each hole. Stuart would help us clean our clubs and balls after each hit, and it was luxurious. It felt a lot like when we stayed at the Four Seasons in Whistler, when their hillside team would help us put on our ski boots. A bit unnecessary, but absolutely appreciated and enjoyed as an experience.

The 18th hole is a little par 3, but with a huge opportunity. If you get a hole in one, you win $10,000. It has views of the hotel, with a stunning waterfall on the back of the hole. I gave it a good whack with my (rental) hybrid, and wish I had hit it with a bit more juice because, according to Stuart, if I had cleared the hump of the sand trap, I would’ve stood a really good chance. I mean, I’m sure he says that to everyone, but I was pretty proud of my hit off that tee. We were ready to call it a day when we rolled off 18. It was getting really hot, and it was nice to retreat back into the clubhouse. The aesthetic was fun, old country club done in Wynn style.

We will never forget this golfing experience! It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that we’ll probably try and play here every time we go through Las Vegas. Club rentals were free so we don’t have to bring anything except for our golf shoes! Our caddie, Stuart, also helped us have a great time, and we are looking forward to the next time we can go back to the Wynn Golf Club.

Planning a trip to Vegas? Be sure to book a round at the Wynn Golf Club! Let us know your experience in the comments.

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Sleek Design & Comfort

Right off the bat, the Garmin Approach S40 impresses with its sleek and modern design. The lightweight watch has a comfortable, adjustable band, making it easy to wear for extended periods both on and off the course. The sunlight-readable, color touchscreen is easy to navigate even in bright conditions, and it complements your wardrobe seamlessly—whether you’re dressed for a round or heading to lunch.

In-Depth Course Data

One of the most compelling reasons to choose the Garmin Approach S40 is the extensive course database. With over 41,000 preloaded courses, you’ll likely find every course you play already loaded and ready to go. During my time with the watch, I was impressed by the accurate GPS tracking and real-time data it provided on the course layout, including hazards, doglegs, and distances to greens.

Knowing exactly where hazards are and getting an accurate distance to the front, middle, and back of the green has improved my decision-making and lowered my scores. This is a game-changer for navigating tricky courses or challenging rounds.

Performance Tracking

The S40 also excels in performance tracking. It automatically records the distance of your shots and can measure club performance, giving you invaluable data to analyze after each round. It’s incredibly useful for anyone serious about improving their game or even just for tracking progress over time. I particularly love that it syncs with the Garmin Golf App, where I can go back and review my rounds, track my scores, and set personal benchmarks for improvement.

Battery Life That Lasts

A key feature for any golfer is battery life, and the Garmin Approach S40 does not disappoint. It offers up to 15 hours of battery life in GPS mode and up to 10 days in smartwatch mode. This long battery life means you can play multiple rounds without worrying about running out of juice, making it ideal for weekend golf trips or tournaments.

Versatility On and Off the Course

The beauty of the Garmin Approach S40 is that it’s not just a golf watch. It functions as a fitness tracker and smartwatch, offering features like heart rate monitoring, step tracking, sleep tracking, and smart notifications. It can easily transition from the course to the gym and even to a night out, making it a versatile tool for everyday life.

Whether tracking my daily steps or checking notifications during my round, the S40 goes beyond just a golf companion. It’s seamlessly integrated into my active lifestyle, especially as someone who values both performance and style.

Why the Garmin Approach S40 Stands Out

The Garmin Approach S40 is the ultimate tool for golfers looking to improve their game with real-time data and performance insights. The blend of sleek design, exceptional course coverage, and versatile tracking features makes it a must-have. Whether you’re a serious golfer or just looking to track your progress, this watch delivers everything you need to stay ahead on the course while integrating seamlessly into your everyday lifestyle.

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Why We Chose the Ridge Course

Predator Ridge boasts two golf courses: the Predator Course and the Ridge Course. After hearing such rave reviews about the Ridge, we were eager to try it for ourselves. Located just 40 minutes from Kelowna in the beautiful community of Lake Country, the Ridge Course is known for its elevated tee boxes, sweeping views, and relaxed layout. Even though we weren’t at the top of our game, the course made us feel like pros. With stunning elevated vistas and forgiving fairways, the Ridge Course might even make you feel like your ball is flying farther than usual.

The Predator Ridge Experience

Predator Ridge isn’t just about golf. Nestled near Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa, this community offers so much more — from scenic hiking trails to cycling routes, all surrounded by the breathtaking Okanagan landscape. During a past triathlon training camp, I remember cycling through this area, and the views always stuck with me. On future visits, we plan to explore more, but for now, the golf keeps drawing us back.

One standout feature for any golf enthusiast is their excellent practice facilities. Predator Ridge offers real grass instead of artificial turf, giving a much more authentic experience. We spent some time warming up on the range before heading to our tee time, enjoying that pre-game moment of zen.

Highlights of the Ridge Course

The Ridge Course didn’t disappoint from the very first hole. The elevated tee boxes give every shot an exhilarating boost, and even on days when you aren’t playing your best, the course’s beauty makes it all worth it. We couldn’t help but joke that compared to the Ridge Course, the Predator Course felt like a pitch-and-putt — the views and wide fairways were that stunning.

While challenging enough to keep things interesting, the Ridge Course is relatively easy to navigate. The scenic layout and relaxed atmosphere offer a less intense, more enjoyable game — perfect for a leisurely round or a casual golf getaway. We’ll definitely be returning to explore the Ridge Course more, now that we’ve had a taste of what it offers.

Future Plans for Predator Ridge

In addition to the golf, we plan to make a trip to Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa part of our next visit. Cycling through these scenic hills, with the resort in view, planted the seed long ago. Predator Ridge and the surrounding area are the perfect setting for combining wellness, luxury, and a love for the outdoors.

Final Thoughts

Even though we didn’t have our best day on the course, golfing the Ridge Course at Predator Ridge was an experience that we’ll remember for a long time. The natural beauty of the area, the top-tier facilities, and the unforgettable views all come together to make this a must-play course. Whether you’re an avid golfer or just looking for a scenic escape, Predator Ridge is the perfect destination. We can’t wait to get back and play another round!

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We had lunch on the patio afterward. All of the servers were wearing masks. The menu had a lot of options outside of burgers! Lots of appetizers and fun things to eat like chicharrones. We kept our order simple because we had plenty of food to keep eating through at home. Our fridge and freezer had broken down a few days prior to our golf day, and I wanted to make sure we ate through as much as we could. My tuna tacos were a perfect order to tide me over, and Justin ordered the chicken burger which looked amazing.

It was a pretty lovely experience golfing at Predator Ridge, as usual. The only thing that wasn’t so nice was that there was a Player’s Assistant who was constantly around and then started rushing our party as we were on the last few holes. Our friends are really good at golf. Justin and I normally play pretty fast, and I’m super mindful to keep up. There was no one ahead of us, and the party behind us fell behind pretty quick. Yet the Player’s Assistant would come by and let us know that there was 1 hole ahead of us. And came by again and told us there were 2 holes ahead of us. All this time, there was no one behind us!

I’m not sure what kind of “course flow management” this is, but it definitely added unwanted “pressure”. I ignored it because it honestly made no sense. We were on the 16th hole by then, with no one in front or behind us. Afterward, when I mentioned to another friend that I wanted us to play here on their next visit in August, she mentioned how they were made to hustle the same way (maybe by the same Player’s Assistant?) and they were made to skip holes! So now I’m a little wary of returning so quickly because the green fee is on the upper end and I just don’t want to be hassled like that.

Eventually, we’ll get around to checking out the Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa. But since we’re in a pandemic, we are choosing to stay close to home (read: stay home). And we heard that many of the amenities at their acclaimed spa are closed. So for me, what’s the point? Sparkling Hill is also dog-friendly, and it’s only mountain-view rooms. I think those rooms face the golf course, but if you’ve seen the views that Sparkling Hill offers… the mountain view is really the last view you’d want while staying there. I want to enjoy the in-room soaker tub with views of the lake at sunset!

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There is a valet when you arrive at La Quinta Resort & Club. The club is also in a gated neighborhood. When we arrived and drove through the parking lot, we found a super close parking spot, and hopped out quickly to grab our own golf bags to bring to check-in. I mentioned in another post to remember to bring money for tips and gratuity in Palm Springs. We still didn’t have any cash on us, so we hurried before anyone could help us.

We headed into the pro shop for check-in. There were lots of nice things to browse, and the clubhouse looked really nice. The practice range at La Quinta Resort & Club is gorgeous. The views are beautiful in front of you, as well as behind you because there’s a nice water feature. There was a loudspeaker calling for the different parties up to their tee times.

La Quinta Resort & Club’s website describes the Dune Course in the following way: This 72-par course, designed by Pete Dye, offers traditional rolling-links style golf with Scottish and Irish flair, characterized by rolling mounds, manicured fairways and thick rough. Length, strength and finesse are key to scoring well on this course, which has hosted the PGA Club Professional Championship, and the Californian State Open.

At this point in time, I do not know what rolling-links style golf is, but the Dunes course was nice to play. Unlike the Gary Player Signature course with their rough, the rough here was as described, thick. There were a couple holes where if you hit it into the rough, your ball was gone.

We had an afternoon tee time and were able to make it to the 15th hole by the time it got too dark to play any further. While it would be nice to play a morning round, we loved the colours and the sun setting above the mountain range. The lighting was beautiful, and the course was a blast to play. It’s a Pete Dye designed course, so he’s a bit of a trickster at times with the way he’s set everything up. Bring a strong chip game.

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We ended up playing four times over the course of our vacation, at three different courses. The first thing I want to say is, remember to bring money for gratuities! We never use much cash and I forgot to pack our American pocket money so that was at home back in Canada. I felt a little awkward because there would be people helping carry and load our bags onto the carts, as well as clean our clubs after our game, and I’ll admit I didn’t tip … because I didn’t have any cash! I felt so bad.

We played at the following clubs around Palm Springs, and really enjoyed our experience at each one. These are considered resort courses, read: easy courses, so they are perfect for playing on vacation. We thought the courses were very forgiving, so if you haven’t played in a while or just not very good, it’s a really nice way to experience golf. The views are stunning, and the course designs were great. We also realized that we have it really good in Kelowna for golf, and that some of the courses we play at home are hard AF!

• Gary Player Signature Course at Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa
• Pete Dye Course at Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa
• Dunes Course at La Quinta Resort & Club

We brought our own golf clubs because we had the option of extra baggage with our vacation booking. When we did our research, it also looked like the most economical choice anyway. We didn’t know how many rounds of golf we were going to be able to get in in our week in Palm Springs. We didn’t know the quality of the club rental, or the selection, or price, so we decided to bring our own equipment down. Just make sure you have a big enough rental car. With 2 dog carriers, 2 checked pieces of luggage, and 2 golf bags, our rental SUV ended up being quite full. It looked like our hotel also offered golf club storage, but we didn’t take them up on that and instead just stored the clubs in our room.

Upon reflection and with the recent experience of air travel and transporting our golf clubs, it might be time to upgrade our golf bags because they are a million years old and weigh a ton. They both also have kickstands, and mine has always been a bit confusing for golf helpers to deal with, so it may be time to get lighter bags without stands. We recently bought golf carts because there are courses at home we like to play at, like 2 Eagles in West Kelowna, that are very walkable. So between having hand carts, and playing at courses that require power carts, it really makes sense.

Some of the courses in Kelowna allow you to take the power cart into the parking lot, so you can load up at your car. None of that is acceptable in Palm Springs. You can do valet or someone will greet you in the parking lot and help carry your bags over. When you wrap up your game, someone will help wipe your clubs, as well as the unload/load. When we played at the Pete Dye course, since it was on the property of the hotel, we got to take the golf cart back to our room, with supervision by one of the golf helpers of course! Otherwise, at the Westin they have a golf cart shuttle, so you can be picked up or dropped off, and not have to lug your golf bag so far.

We had a really fun time golfing around Palm Spring. We’re already looking forward to the next time we can golf there, and it’ll be a matter of coaxing our parents into playing with us! We mostly played in the afternoon, so the light was especially stunning on the landscape. We enjoyed the mild December weather, but do make sure to pack some warm layers because the temperature can vary so much in December. And throw some little heat packs into your golf bag, like the ones you can use for skiing. One of our fellow golf couples gave us some in one of our games, and they were such a nice little lifesaver!

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Arriving at the Gary Player Signature Course

When we showed up at the course, someone had greeted us in the parking lot. He drove over with a power cart and started loading us up. We got checked in and headed over to their practice range to warm up. The range offered nice expansive views.

The Experience

The experience of golfing was super fun at Gary Player. We played on Christmas Day, so it was a bit quiet. There was a beverage cart going around, but there was no opportunity to buy any food. We didn’t get very hungry while we were playing anyway. The bathrooms are called comfort stations, and I thought that was super cute.

Course Design

The course design was really nice, and we really liked how the rough was just as nice as the fairway! The rough not part of the fairway, which is where you mostly want to be on when golfing. The rough is often higher, thicker grass. In Kelowna, the rough on the golf courses is sometimes unkept and it’s impossible to find your ball on some holes (cough cough Predator Ridge). Or you just don’t want to venture into it to play because of snakes, holes, poison ivy, etc. the list goes on. The rough at Gary Player was so nice that it really makes for a forgiving and easy course to play. If you can’t hit your ball straight, there are lots of slopes along the course that help channel your ball back onto the fairway.

Thoughts

Golfing is a funny sport. It has a high barrier of entry. And I know there are some people who get a little stressed out playing, especially if you’re playing at nicer courses. But if I learned anything, resort courses are the best! From our personal experience, they are designed to be easy, and it makes sense. People might have never played that course before, or are without their own clubs, or whatever the case may be. I’d definitely recommend playing resort courses because they’re beautiful, and not very stressful. You can still take your game seriously if you wanted to, or you can also just enjoy your round and take in the sights and sounds of what the course has to offer. I definitely did the latter.

Have you golfed anywhere in Palm Springs? What was your experience?

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