Pagoda Ridge is a unique entry in the Lower Mainland’s golf scene

An inspired Chinese theme is well-done through the course

Would you believe that this 165-acre public golf course near Fort Langley was originally a location for gold panning and then an air strip? Verna and Lyall Brown have owned the property for over 45 years and initially had an interest in flying. The runway ran along approximately the present 7th and 10th fairways. In 1988, when the air strip idea was abandoned, their son Larry Brown felt this would be a good location for a golf course. As for the Chinese theme, that was also inspired by his parents and their love for Chinese architecture. The golf course is situated in a scenic location, framed by the picturesque Fraser Valley and with the Golden Ears mountains in the background.

The pro shop is located in the pagoda, which was originally the aircraft hangar. To the left of the pagoda is a replica of a Chinese floating junk, which serves as the snack shop. A replica of the Great Wall of China can be seen throughout the course. The Great Wall borders the 14th hole and serves as a cart path to reach the par-3 15th hole. The replica wall is 500 feet long, while the real Great Wall of China is more than 20,000 kilometres long. And no, the wall is not part of the original Great Wall built by the Chinese in the seventh century.

As for the golf course itself, the layout was designed by Woodland Golf and Mike Gregg of MET Consulting. The degree of difficulty is somewhere between a championship and a resort course.  The layout features 39 bunkers and 12 ponds, with water only coming into play on six holes.  There are five tee decks for all levels of golfers. The fairways are very lush and wide-open and have well-placed trees as hazards. The first cut is kept very long. The par 4s are stretched, ranging from 427 yards to 466 yards from the back tees. The bentgrass greens are large and very undulating. The signature hole is No. 10, a par 4 of only 285 yards, with the green overlooking the Fraser Valley.

The course has some risk-awards holes on the back nine with No. 10 at 285 yards, No. 13 at 319 yards and the second shot to the green on No. 14 at 466 yards. The four par 3s range in distance from 196 yards to 225 yards. There are three par 5s on the back nine averaging 540 yards. When you’re playing the 8th green, below you is an underground bunker which serves as a maintenance building.

Pagoda Ridge has entered a highly competitive Lower Mainland golf market, but seems to have found a niche. In the first month of August, Larry Brown stated they have averaged 200 golfers per day. The course will mature, with construction progressing on a new pro shop/restaurant. A driving range is in the future. This is a family-owned business and Larry Brown is very proud of his course and the family involvement.

For the golfer, this course keeps you interested and its mystical Chinese theme is almost too good to be believed.

Yards from the tips 6,965. Par 72, CR 72.9, Slope 131.