Rivershore Golf Links, Kamloops

A legend in course design got his hands on a ton of sand

95 bunkers.

That’s right. I said 95 bunkers. And they’re not little “Oh, jeez, I guess I’ll just splash it out onto the green and try to get it close,” kind of bunkers, either. They’re “Hey, dude, I can’t even see your head poking out of that bunker! Did you find your ball down in there?” kind of bunkers.

Despite these deep and plentiful beaches, this Robert Trent Jones (RTJ) design (look him up if you don’t know him—he’s kind of a big deal), nestled in the floodplain that never seems to flood between the South Thompson River and the cliffs and hills that once formed its shores, is a delight. Playing from 5460 (ladies) to 7007 yards, the links here are for a smart, strategic golfer.

It’s the only course in the region on which I’ve broken 80 (scored a 79 two years ago) and I’m about a 15 handicapper, so I’ve proven it’s playable for all skill levels. I made a conscious decision that day to aim at the 150-yard marker on every hole that was more than a par-3 and play from there, and did just that.

Huge variations in price will dictate when most people want to make the trip out to Rivershore. Regular green fees are $80.35 plus tax, and you can add another $33.48 for a cart. But you can play all day with a cart for $125 (meaning your second round costs you $11 including cart) or go after 2 p.m. from Saturday through Tuesday and play for $51.78 including a cart and get a $10 food and beverage voucher to use at the shack or clubhouse. 

It’s a classier joint than some, though, as should be expected from a RTJ course, and that’s reflected in the prime-time rates as well as the enforced dress code.

The advice: 

1.  As I said before, I shot my best round in the region by shooting for the 150-yard marker and hitting in from there. Be conservative, find the fairway at a distance you like that you feel will give you the best chance to avoid the greenside bunkers on your approach. Then figure out where “the miss” is on your approach shots to avoid writing down big numbers on your scorecard. (Hint: it’s usually short and right.)
2. Get to the course early. They keep their practice facilities in very good condition. The putting green will roll at the same speed as those out on the course (which few courses in the area can say) and range balls are included in every green fee, so get over there and warm up. There’s even a practice bunker to play out of on the range, and you’ll probably need that for later.

Random cool thing:

The snack shack/on-course restroom is at the tee boxes of both 6 and 15 (it’s a joined tee box, in fact), so there’s basically three opportunities to replenish yourself nutrition (or libation) wise, since the clubhouse is between 9 and 10, as well.

Get your classiest gear on (because they take themselves pretty seriously) and head out for a round. Mind the houses that border holes 3 through 6, play to the fairway markers and enjoy.

It’s one of the best in central B.C.