Black Mountain Golf Course

Black Mountain Golf Course promotes speedy play on its scenic course

“We are a new age golf course.”—Tyrel Griffith, CPGA

A sign posted near the first  hole at Black Mountain states that a round of golf must be completed in four hours and 24 minutes. The golf course backs up this pace-of-play statement with a three-strike policy. Slow groups are asked to pick up their balls and in return given food coupons for the restaurant. That is new age thinking.

Black Mountain was a real treat to play. This golf course is located in the Black Mountain area of Rutland, a suburb of Kelowna. The golf architect was Wayne Carleton and the course opened in 2003. Melcor Developments Ltd. took ownership in 2006. Their vision statement is “to deliver an exceptional, affordable and memorable golf experience.” Melcor developed Black Mountain as a master-planned, multi-generational residential community. This public course was not designed as an exclusive white-glove course, but as a course that caters to a wide range of golfers.

The front nine is very different from the back nine. The front nine climbs up and along the mountain side, then drops back down into a small valley. It is here that hole No. 5, the signature island green, is located. This hole is only 372 yards long (back tees) but the second shot to the green needs to be precise. Hole No. 7, par 3, 215 yards, is narrow and hitting the green is a challenge. The front nine is a good test of golf for low-handicap golfers.

The back nine is open, with some elevation changes, but has generous tree-lined fairways.  Holes 11 and 13 are excellent par 3s. A ravine runs between holes 17 and 18, making for a good finishing hole. The back nine is good for high handicap golfers. 

The total course is 6,394 yards, par 71 with six par 3s, five par 5s and seven par 4s, with a CR 70.4 and slope 125. 

The course is beautifully manicured, well maintained, has some great views and reflects the new-age approach to golf management.