Glacier Greens Golf Course is in great shape

By Keith and Heather Nicol

The course was nice and green

      On Tuesday, September 12 we decided to try Glacier Greens Golf Course which is another popular golf course in the Comox Valley. The valley is blessed with many different golf courses but we had never been to this course before. The temperatures were ideal for golf – temperatures in low 20’s but we could have done with less wind-at times it was gusting at close to 50 km/hr. Although it has been a very dry summer in the Comox Valley you wouldn’t know it by playing at Glacier Greens. We were impressed with the state of the course – the tee boxes, fairways and greens were in very good shape. Some of the other courses we have played lately had very hard, brown fairways but not here. 

Heather putting on the 8th green-control tower in the background

    Although the course is not long- just over 5600 yards long from the white tee, but it certainly played longer (maybe due to the wind?).  We found the front nine to be more protected from the wind and there is a good mix of water and sand traps to force you to place your shots well. Most fairways are reasonably wide but there are enough narrow ones that again put an emphasis on straight ball hitting. Also we appreciated the good quality of the sand in the traps. Although we are usually not great sand trap play makers we did manage some good shots on this day. On the back nine we were joined by our friends Steve and Kieran who evidently had played here many years ago. We all played well on the 12 hole- a short par 3 and we had to almost move the deer off the tee box to hit our first shots. We saw deer on many holes including a few mothers with small fawns. The back nine also provides good views of the Beaufort Range and the course is right next to the Comox Airport so the control tower is a backdrop on some holes.  Although the last hole is just 316 yards (par 4) it is very tough with trees and a pond protecting the green.  The back nine also has a retention pond/reservoir that is being constructed and Bill Kelly from Glacier Greens told us that it will be finished this fall and will have some fountains in it for next season.  

Kieran teeing off on the 12th hole with a group of deer in the background

   The front nine is a par 36 and the back nine is 200 yards shorter and is a par 35. The course is known for its lessons and has 2 professionals to help you with your game including fitting you with proper length clubs.  The course is full service with a driving range, putting green, clubhouse and pro shop. There are also some great September specials so if you want to play a course that is fine shape we suggest you check out Glacier Greens. They are also one of the few courses here that are open year around so watch for other golf specials. We want to come back to play the course when there is less wind and to check out the back nine’s new retention pond water feature. For more information see:  http://www.glaciergreens.com/. 

The 18th hole was very difficult with a pond and sand traps guarding the green