Golfing getaways in the Columbia Valley

Take off for the Columbia Valley Golf Trail to play nine spectacular golf courses

The golf season is just around the corner, and outdoor enthusiasts can’t wait to get a taste of summer activities in the Columbia Valley.

Brian Schaal, the general manager and executive professional at Copper Point Golf Club in Invermere, is eager to bring his golf clubs out for the 2012 season at Copper Point and The Ridge golf courses. Schaal, a former mechanic, traded his tool kit for a lifestyle that can’t be beat.

“Living in the valley is all about lifestyle and spending quality time with family and friends,” said Schaal. “I think one of the reasons people love living here is the abundance of outdoor activities—hiking, biking, kayaking, golfing, skiing, and, of course, relaxing amongst endless mountain views (that are) away from the pressures of big-city life.”

The Copper Point Golf Club is one of nine diverse golf courses that are part of the Columbia Valley Golf Trail, and it isn’t hard to see why golf courses in the Columbia Valley are so popular.

Take a mulligan and explore the area

When Schaal isn’t golfing, he is talking to clients at the course—he encourages everybody who visits the area for the first time to check out the gorgeous surrounding area. The communities of Fairmont Hot Springs and Radium Hot Springs offer relaxing mineral pools and Copper Point Golf Club is only a short day trip away from either  facility. Another great attraction in the area is visiting Panorama. On days off, Schaal enjoys hiking Swansea Mountain to check out the breathtaking view of the valley, or chilling out at James Chabot Beach or Kinsmen Beach at Lake Windermere.

Giving back to the community

But when the golf season gears up, Schaal is busy hosting a number of events like the Kelly Hrudey & Friends Charity Golf Classic on August 15 and 16, 2012.

“We’re going to have 36 celebrities and 108 players,” said Schaal, adding up to a total of 144 golfers who will play both Copper Point and The Ridge.

The event aims to raise awareness about ongoing problems that youth face. The financial contributions that are collected will aid organizations like the Alberta Adolescence Recovery Centre in Calgary and the Invermere Summit Youth Centre, as well as the local elementary and high school Hockey Academy in Invermere.

This season, the Copper Point Golf Club will be offering a number of other great promotions like two-for-one golf days during April and free admission for children under the age of 12.

For more information or to print discount coupons, visit the Copper Point Golf Club website.