Golden Eagle in the autumn

Water comes into play on every hole

It is not often that you get to play 36 holes on one course, but Golden Eagle Golf Club in Pitt Meadows is the exception. Located at the base of the picturesque Thompson Mountains, these two courses are owned by Aquilini Investment Corporation, which built the North Course in 1994 and the South Course the following year. The AIC also owns the Falls Golf Course, Rogers Arena and, of course, the Vancouver Canucks.

The name Golden Eagle is taken from the eagles who inhabit the area and their golden-brown plumage. It was not the eagles that impressed me, but the beauty of the entire golf course. On a beautiful autumn day in mid-October, Mother Nature put on a spectacular display.

The North Course is longer than the South Course by 495 yards. It is an 18-hole course where water comes into play on every hole. The course is relatively flat, with water on either side or across the fairways. The sand traps are shallow and the ball comes out softly. The greens are large, with bent grass, and are easy to read. The only criticism I have is that the tee boxes needed some work.

Playing the North Course

As we stepped onto the first tee box, divine intervention seemed to lift the fog to reveal a wide open hole at 397 yards from the back tees, a good starting hole. Hole No. 2, a Par 5 at 500 yards, is a risk and reward hole, with the option to cut the left corner or play it safe and avoid the pond. Holes 4, 6, 7 and 14 are good birdie holes.  Hole No. 11 is almost a duplicate hole of No. 2, but a Par 4 at only 371 yards. Hole No. 3 is the No. 1 handicap hole, a narrow Par 4 at 446 yards.

The hardest hole, however, (handicap no. 2), is Hole 12, a Par 5 at 540 yards. It is not the distance that is the problem, but the drive has to be threaded down a peninsula with water on all sides. Leave the driver in the bag.

The first three Par 3 holes are not long or difficult, but the Par 3 15th hole is a challenge. From 200 yards it is necessary to clear water and a smile bunker and get up onto an elevated green.  I loved this signature hole.

Hole No. 17 is a Par 4, 340 yards, dogleg left and requires a draw tee shot past the trees, setting up a clear second shot to the green. Hole No. 18 was a comfortable Par 4 at 396 yards and a relatively easy finishing hole. 

The course is not that difficult, with the back nine a little harder than the front nine. This public course is above average, gives good value for the dollar and has a  friendly staff.

What amazed me were the fall colors of the many deciduous trees. Japanese maples were a beautiful golden brown and intermixed with Oriental cherry and fireglow red maples. The collection of fall colours was enhanced by the reflection in the ponds and the perfect dark background of the mountains. Along with my playing partners, I found myself admiring the natural beauty and constantly taking pictures. With a clear blue sky, it was a specular day I will remember for years.

Jamie Baxter, the general manager, was correct when he said, “our courses are very peaceful and serene and when combined with the wildlife and the mountains, this is a great location to get away.”

As far as our scores, the only eagles we saw were in the sky. The South Course will have to wait until next fall.

North Course: Par 72, 6,590 yards, CR 71.6, Slope 131                                                              
South Course: Par 70, 6,095 yards, CR 69.2, Slope 120