Saratoga Beach Golf Course gets our nod for “ Most Improved” in the Comox Valley

 by Keith and Heather Nicol

On Thursday June 13 we decided to check out Saratoga Beach Golf Course which is located near Saratoga Beach midway between Campbell River and Courtenay, B.C.  We had arranged a tee time for 11:30 am and we had perfect golf weather.   Saratoga Beach Golf Course is a 9 hole course that is very walkable since the distance is around 2200 yards and the course is quite flat. But don’t let the short distance fool you, there is still alot of challenge to be had for all levels of golfers. The course consists of 4 par 3’s, 4 par 4’s and 1 pair 5 but the course is generally narrow with water hazards that come into play on many holes.  You need to be able to get the ball in the air and carry some distance or else you will lose a few balls to the small ponds and creeks that flows through the course.  We liked the 2 elevated tees which gave some variety to the tee boxes. We last played the this course several summers ago and fairways were brown and the course was not in great shape. But it has taken a big turn for the better in the last year or so under the new management of Jesse Moussa who has alot of local golf experience. The greens are regularly rolled and are in good shape and the fairways and rough was well cut.                                                                 We liked the 2 elevated tees We were told at the front desk that they get most of their business from the local community but also from Campbell River. As with many golf courses, it tends to be busier in the mornings but we were pleasantly surprised that we had no one ahead of us and no one pushing us from behind which we really enjoyed.  They have a Father’s Day Special coming up in a couple of days and have a women’s night on Wednesdays and men’s night on Thursdays so check these out if you want meet some new golfers. Saratoga Beach Golf Course has a small putting green and a driving range as well as a small club house and pro shop. If you want to try a challenging course that will reward the straight ball hitter then see:  http://www.saratogabeachgolfclub.ca/   for more information.

                                                 As you can see the picture above - the greens are in great shape

                               The fairways are narrow so this course rewards the straight ball hitter