Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - North Shore News - A27
Fairwinds worth the ferry ride Mark Hood Contributing Writer
THE adventure continues, and then some. This month we took another cruise via B.C. Ferries to Vancouver Island where we stayed in Parksville and played the Fairwinds Golf Course at nearby Nanoose Bay. In a spring of inconsistent weather, we scored sunshine and made the most of it. Joining me were friends Dan Rothenbush, Steve Becker and David Hanley. We stayed in Parksville at the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort. It’s a family and pet-friendly getaway spot that offers great accommodations in log cabins or units overlooking the ocean. There are tennis courts, a playground for the youngsters and a very good restaurant, but you can cook in your room if you prefer. There’s also a spa that’s gained a reputation as one of the province’s best, though we didn’t take advantage of it. Our destination, Fairwinds, was a 15-minute car ride away and is one of the finest examples you’ll find anywhere of a planned community with a recreational focus where the needs of visitors, residents and the surrounding ecosystem are cared for in remarkably effective harmony. On a fully Audubon-certified course, the grounds crew at Fairwinds go out of their way to ensure their policies and practices benefit the surrounding environment; more about that later. Conceived in the early 1980s, the Fairwinds project succeeded where others failed by having a long-term vision and sticking to it. They took their time, working with local groups and the Nanaimo Regional District to produce a destination that, over 20 years later, just keeps getting better. The Fairwinds community includes the Schooner Cove Marina, the Fairwinds Golf Course, some 30 kilometres of forest trails, a 20,000 square foot community centre and thousands of homes tucked discreetly in a 1,350-acre site that’s still largely undeveloped. In the next few years, the Schooner Cove neighbourhood plan includes the addition of housing, shops and services in a mixed-use waterfront village that will improve public access to the ocean and save people the drive to Parksville for shopping. There will also be phased development of single and multi-family housing, additional parks and another community centre on the ridge between Enos Lake and Dolphin Lake. Area residents share a common facial expression: they look happy. This is the kind of place people who work hard all their lives reward themselves with either as a holiday or retirement home. It’s all here: walking and cycling trails, boating and of course, golf. The Fairwinds Golf Course is a voluptuous Les Furber-designed come-hither teaser. Like his other signature courses — Vernon’s Predator Ridge and our own Northlands in North Vancouver — it’s not the longest in the world at 6,204 yards from the blue tees, but the challenges…oh, the challenges. Fairwinds rolls with nonchalant ease into and around the low hills of Vancouver Island’s eastern shore. You play among arbutus groves and tall stands of ancient evergreens that blot out the rest of the world and keep this peaceful place quieter still. There is abundant wildlife. That day the course was alive with deer — blacktail fawns and yearlings in mid-moult. They were everywhere and had little fear of golfers, even after watching us tee off. The tranquility you get to experience is just as well. With every See Course page 28
CONCEIVED in the early 1980s, the Fairwinds golf course and surrounding community succeeded where others failed by having a long-term vision and sticking to it. NEWS photos Mark Hood
A28 - North Shore News - Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Course designer is your silent partner From page 27
NEWS photo Mark Hood
FAIRWINDS fourth hole is much farther than it looks and is rated most difficult on the course. The water feature in front of the tee makes it especially tricky.
group that plays the course, there is a silent partner: Les Furber. He lurks, unseen, on doglegs and par-5s, in bunkers and creeks, dips and dales, waiting to expose the weaknesses in your game. It begins on the first tee. This 310-yard dogleg left gives you a taste of what’s to come. A long iron or fairway wood takes you to a narrow landing area guarded by bunkers on the left and water all the way down the right — a classic Furber visual intimidator. He gets in your head right away, directing your focus to the hazards and away from any swing thoughts you might be trying to generate. Some I suppose call it target golf, but the reality is that Furber forces you to think. There’s little room for grip-and-rip golf and plenty of woe unless you’re very sure of yourself. The front nine, on the western side of Fairwinds Drive, loops north along, up and down a ridge that forms the spine of the Nanoose Peninsula. There are two par-3s, one par-5 and six
par-4s. At 418 yards, the fourth hole is a long gangly beast that’s much farther than it looks and rated most difficult on the course. There’s water in front of the tee and laying up on your second shot may be the best choice as the heavily bunkered green is separated from the fairway by a creek. Three young deer watched from the putting surface as we augered our way toward them. It’s just as well they can’t talk. Or laugh. From there it’s up, across and down the side of the big ridge as you make your way to the ninth green at the back of the clubhouse. Each hole has its perils, except perhaps Number 8. True, there are bunkers to the left and right of the landing area, but the broad open fairway gives you a chance to throw caution to the wind and let out a little shaft. It’s a brief antidote to the minefields you’ve crossed and those that lay ahead. The back nine, on the eastern See Number page 29
Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - North Shore News - A29
Great deals for the course... and don’t forget Dad! TaylorMade
TaylorMade
Burner 08 Fairway
Burner 09 Driver
Mens & Ladies
Mens & Ladies
$199.99
Nike
Adams
NEWS photo Mark Hood
THE ninth fairway is typical of this course: the bunkers, creeks, dips and dales force you to think about your game.
Odyssey
$199.99
side of Fairwinds Drive, begins with a 155-yard par-3. Though not long, pin placement on the large multi-level green can leave you with a lot of work to do before you move on to the next hole. From there, holes 11-13 lead you up a broad saddle between the hills to the shore of Dolphin Lake.
Number 13, rated the second toughest, is a narrow 546 yard par-5 upward incline with greedy bunkers to the right of the landing area. Furber is daring you to go for it. If you try to get in position to attack the pin in two, you’ll need a very big poke with no room for error and a slice will play merry hell with your scorecard.
$169.99
$319.99
5DX Hybrid
Nickent
$139.99
Genex Trimax 460 Driver
Cleveland
$99.99
CG14 Wedge
Assorted Styles
Number 8 a relief in the front nine From page 28
Nickent
White Hot Tour Putter
Burner 08 Rescue
Mens & Ladies
Speedline Fast 10 Driver
Dymo Driver
TaylorMade
Assorted Lofts
TaylorMade
$99.99
$99.99
Adams
A7 8pc Combo
Tour Burner 8pc Steel
Nike
$99.99
Slingshot 4D Ladies Graphite
See Fairwinds page 30
MRH Only
$579.99
$499.99
SunMountain
TaylorMade
Micro Cart
Pacesetter II Stang Bag
DDH Stand Bag
Assorted Colours
Black Only
$199.99
$99.99
Nike
TaylorMade Burner 12pk
Karma 12pk
Squamish Men’s Amateur - June 19 - 20th Tee Off
$16.99
Aero Touch Gloves
Mens & Ladies
$39.99
Nike
$59.99
Power Distance Soft 12pk
$23.99
ARC
2010 Guide
Dunlop
$399.99
3 for $24.99
sale ends June 21st or while supplies last
Nike
$19.99
Dura Feel V Gloves
Mens & Ladies
$12.99
800 - 801 Marine Drive | North Vancouver | 604.980.8899 peakgolf.ca
A30 - North Shore News - Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Fairwinds ranks tops with wildlife From page 29
NEWS photos Mark Hood
THE right edge of the fairway on Fairwinds’ 18th hole, at left, offers a long water hazard that the geese like to visit. The course is a popular one with all kind of wildlife. Above, a resident deer shares space with local birdlife.
The 14th tee box leads you back down to the 518-yard par-5 18th and here we saw something remarkable. Earlier I mentioned the care the course takes in managing its environmental impact. We saw a great example of it at work. Canada Geese are majestic birds, a symbol of national pride and a growing nuisance in public green spaces. With its mild climate, lush fairways, lakes and creeks, Fairwinds is a goose’s paradise —or would be if it weren’t for Anne and Eddie. Anne Murphy of Geesecontrol.org is a fully licensed and experienced Falconer and works with her partner Eddie, a 10-year-old male bald eagle, to keep the Fairwinds goose population on the move. Having worked with Eddie since he was a fledgling, Anne See Drama page 31
Open - Monday - Friday 9am - 8pm Saturday & Sunday 8am - 8pm
TECHNICAL STAFF ON HAND RAIN OR SHINE
For Dad! FATHER’S DAY SUNDAY, JUNE 20
2 for 1 Buckets of Balls* Treat your Dad *For fathers or kids who bring their dads!
Just in: 60,000 brand new balls Check out our online specials at www.takayagolfcenter.com
700 Apex Avenue North Vancouver 604-929-6672
Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - North Shore News - A31
Drama in the air lends perspective From page 30 has trained him to scare the geese away without hurting them and it’s proven an effective method of keeping the course enjoyable for all. We saw them at work on the 18th hole where the right edge of the fairway is defined by a long water hazard the geese like to visit. Eddie perched on top of the nearby shelter at the practice range while Anne took the eaglemobile half way down to a small bridge at the pond’s midpoint. She gave the signal and Eddie came swooping down the waterway. When the geese spotted him it was time to leave and Eddie came to rest on the railing of the little bridge. No harm, no fowl. It was just another ordinary, remarkable moment at this quietly remarkable place. We relaxed on the deck of the clubhouse after our round and pondered it all over a post-game beer. There’s something special about Fairwinds that’s hard to articulate. It wasn’t just the eagle, the deer, or the incredible hospitality. I think it was all those things, combined with the enlightened philosophy that has driven Fairwinds from the beginning. Maybe that’s why everyone here seems so happy. Instead of houses wedged chock-a-block along treeless fairways, the homes here are nestled in the woods at a discreet distance from the playing surfaces, with room for all to breathe. It is indeed a fitting reward for a life of toil to live in such surroundings. Sometimes I think we take the ease of our existence for granted. Throughout millions of years of human history our ability to sleep in our beds largely free from fear, waking up to clean streets and going when and where we please — enjoying a weekend at Fairwinds for example — is a very recent development. The liberty we share and comfort we dwell in has been hard won by our parents and theirs who saw a brutal alternative rising, sometimes firsthand. But it can all disappear in the blink of an eye and we got a stark reminder of it. That beautiful sunny Saturday at Fairwinds, surrounded by deer and enjoying a quiet round of golf, we looked up from the fourth fairway and saw a commercial jet flight with two CF-18 fighters
New & Used Golf Equipment Inventory Clear Out New clubs starting @ $21.95 Shop early for best selection!
2021 Old Dollarton Road 1.5 BLOCKS EAST OF 2ND NARROWS TURN LEFT @ TIM HORTONS
North Vancouver NEW • USED • CONSIGN NEWS photo Mark Hood
ANNE Murphy and Eddie, a 10-year old male bald eagle, keep the Fairwinds goose population on the move. for company; one a few hundred yards off the port wing, the other about half a mile back of the stern. It was Cathay Pacific flight 839 and someone had called in a bomb threat. The flight’s passengers were helpless and all we could do was watch. The story was still breaking and there was no news of the situation to be had. The point is that there are those in the world whose views we and our democracy tolerate — though they vary widely from our own — who refuse to return the favour. Make no mistake, like it or not we are in a clash of competing visions of the world we get to wake up to each day. They have made it so and opting out is not a choice. Savour your world, hold it close and never, ever take it for granted. Online video: This season all destinations featured in Tee Time will also be available to see in online video taken the day we played. Fairwinds is the third for 2010. Go to nsnews.com and click on the video tag in the red menu bar across the top of the page. There is also a separate video featuring a 3 minute interview with Anne Murphy and Eddie the Eagle. Find the video of your choice and check it out.
604-983-2272
www.nssportsswap.com
DO IT ALL
The eyes have it Fetch a Friend from the SPCA today! spca.bc.ca
S W O D A E M ERTON AT PEMB
FROM ONE ROUND $ PLAY AND STAY 99
Includes one night accommodation in Pemberton or Whistler based on double occupancy. 1 18 hole round of golf with power cart. Best golf package value in the Sea to Sky Corridor. Currently experiencing mid-summer playing conditions. More reasons why Metro Northlands is MetroPremier Vancouver’s Premier Publictoday. Golf Course: Experience Vancouver's Public Golf Course We have specials all summer long to fit everyone’s budget, schedule and passion for the game.
Starting May 1, it's the return of our popular 9 and Dine. Starting Mon, May 31st Every Monday and Tuesday (except holiday’s) Wednesday Women and Wine and Friday Family Golf Night are now in full swing. $55 Matinee rate: 12 Noon to the start of twilight.
With New! our 60The dayMonday advanced reservation option, it pm makes thatBurger special golf day a breeze. Mingler. Only $30 after 6 andbooking $10 all day & Beer Special. Do you have a group of 16-48 players? Good dates are still available, but not for long. Wednesday Women & Wine, 9 and Dine, Sunrise and Early bird rates, back 9 morning play and much Visit golfnorthlands.com more... for more information on for all our special offers. See you on the tee! Visit our website more details. www.golfnorthlands.com 604-924-2950
NORTHL ANDS golf course NORTHL ANDS golf course
To book your tee time call (604) 280-1111 or visit golfnorthlands.com
Please call Gord Bell at 604-894-6197 ext. 2 for details. Some Restrictions apply.
A32 - North Shore News - Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Book your tee time at Fairwinds The daily cost for 18 holes at Fairwinds is $79 until September 26. Twilight is $49, Super Twilight is $32 and the Junior rate is $41. Power carts, clubs and pull carts are available for rent at the pro shop and there is a driving range at the course. Multi game passes are available starting at $179 for 3 rounds and proper golf attire is required. To book a time call the pro shop toll free at 1-888-781-2777 or online at www.fairwinds.ca/book_tee_time. htm Golf Vancouver Island has put together a series of special packages that include accommodation, golf and ferry costs. Check them out online at www.golfvancouverisland.ca.
Third annual mayors’ tourney a success Mark Hood Contributing Writer
ON Friday May 21, over 140 golfers and guests gathered at North Vancouver’s Seymour Golf and Country Club for the third annual North Shore Mayors’ Golf Tournament.
NEWS photo Mark Hood
FAIRWINDS course designer Les Furber dares you to go for it with Number 13; rated the second toughest, it’s a narrow 546-yard par-5 upward incline with greedy bunkers to the right of the landing area.
The weather cooperated as a small army of volunteers set the stage for this tremendous community event. With the help of over 60 corporate sponsors, this year’s tournament included a great day of golf, lunch and dinner as well as a silent and live auction with former West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager shepherding the bidding. Current mayors Pamela Goldsmith-Jones of West Vancouver, Darrell Mussatto of the City of North Vancouver and Richard Walton from the District of North
Vancouver were also on hand to lend their support to the days’ festivities. Total net proceeds this year were $116,000. Of this total, $50,000 will go to the North Shore Middle Childhood Matters Project coordinated by North Shore Community Resources. The project provides after school activities for pre-teens and the increased funding will allow the number of schools involved to expand from six to twelve or more. The remaining funds go to the North Shore Community Foundations’ Mayors’ Trust Fund and the West Vancouver Community Foundation’s Mayors’ Fund where the annual income generated by the funds goes to smaller community projects. Since its inception 3 years ago, the Mayors’ Golf Tournament has generated a total of $348,000, all of which is used for community projects in North and West Vancouver. Mark it on your calendar for 2011.
Ball Bonus is Back! Buy 10 token card and get a FREE sleeve Buy 50 token card and get a dozen FREE balls LEARN ALL OF GOLF’S FUNDAMENTALS Great for beginners or golfers looking to refresh their swing.
Fairwinds Golf Club is the golf destination for Vancouver Island. Located on the east coast of Nanoose Bay, the well manicured course allows players to golf year-round.
4 one hour of C.P.GA. instruction for only $10995
Bonnington Ridge
Residential lots coming soon...
Monday, June 7
6pm or 7pm
Tuesday, June 8
6pm or 7pm**
Wednesday, June 9
6pm or 7pm
Monday, June 14
6pm or 7pm
Tuesday, June 15
6pm or 7pm**
Wednesday, June 16
6pm & 7pm
**Ladies Only
Classes run for 4 consecutive weeks.
JACKS NEW PRO SHOP Small shop service big store prices All the brand names — Titleist, Ping, Cobra, Taylormade, Adams and more.
TAYLORMADE DEMO DAY June 11th noon-4pm We will match Golf Town prices
JUNIOR CAMP CLASSES AVAILABLE Sign up early and save - Classes run all summer. Week long camps with tournament. Call for details.
SEYMOUR CREEK
GOLF CENTRE
Nanoose Bay, British Columbia
www.seymourcreekgolf.com
www.fairwinds.ca
Every day: 8am-10pm
(604) 987-7767
315 Seymour Boulevard, N. Van. Just east of highway #1 exit #22 off Mt. Seymour Pkwy., Located just behind Superstore
Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - North Shore News - A33
books
Muscle up on your game ■ Golf Anatomy, by Craig Davies and Vince DiSaia. Published by Human Kinetics, 183 pages, $22.95.
Terry Peters tpeters@nsnews.com
THERE may be golf carts to ride in but that doesn’t mean if you’re a golfer you can let your fitness slide. Like any physical activity, if you put the effort into improving your conditioning then you will see improvements. To better understand the muscles and mechanics that are involved in your golf game the study of anatomy will provide valuable understanding of how to generate more power where you need it. The latest in this series of sports anatomy books from Human Kinetics explains what muscles are utilized in the various golf strokes. With full-colour anatomical illustrations the muscles and skeleton are clearly shown when engaged by the specific motions that are unique to golf. The authors have presented the information in sections that relate to the areas of concern for most golfers. Mobility for Optimal Swing Angles, Stability for a Consistent Swing, Strength for Fatigue-Free Golf are just a few of the chapters in the book. Each includes exercises to improve the conditioning of certain muscles and alongside is an explanation of how those muscles are used in golf. Strength and balance
NEWS photo Cindy Goodman
exercises are shown to provide power and balance in the rotation of hips and shoulders. There is even a chapter on common golfrelated injuries and how to build up those muscles to help prevent future problems. Golf enthusiasts will likely be pleasantly surprised by their improved performance if they devote the time to following these exercises.
A putt above SALLY Wilson checks her angle before making a practice putt at Seymour Golf and Country Club. The course offers public tee times Mondays and Fridays. The newly renovated pro shop features a new interior and carries new lines for both men and women golfers.
GOLF NOW NOW OPEN FOR 2010 GOLF SEASON
NE W NOW ACCEPTING TEE TIME RESERVATIONS
Larson Station Restaurant Now Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Great for all golfers • Beautiful seaside setting • Open at 9AM everyday • 18 hole par 3 • Local affordable and fun Book your event today!
• Full length 9 holes • Challenging layout • Beautiful views
1201 MARINE DRIVE, WEST VANCOUVER 604.922.3818
6190 MARINE DRIVE, WEST VANCOUVER Club House: 604.921.7353
GLENEAGLES GOLF COURSE