Hang Time Hall of Fame in Kamloops

In spite of having a wee bit of “birdie juice” on the previous hole, my next strike – on a showstopper par-3 with a dramatic drop to a green framed by jagged mountains and a glass-smooth lake – was pure and solid. (Maybe it was because of the birdie juice?) At any rate, for a long time we watched my happy little Titleist soar above the mountaintops and hang in the gem-blue sea above us. Eventually, it took its inevitable arc downwards, towards the thin slice of green. “Keep flying, baby!” I hollered. It landed with a muted thud in the middle of the front bunker. I thought, hmm, at least it looked good in the air.    

Ah, yes, golfers love those downhill shots. Bad strikes go further. Good strikes…sometimes hit their mark. But, regardless, watching a ball soaring against the mountains, defying gravity, hanging in the heavens as time stands still, never gets old. 

Not surprisingly, given the mountainous terrain in and around Kamloops, the golf courses in the region boast numerous holes that plunge down the hillsides. These fantastic moments afford fun-loving golfers like you and I the opportunity for gargantuan (at least in our eyes) tee shots and prime photo-ops. They’re often the highlight of the round. 

Without a doubt, the 15th at Talking Rock is one of those holes. Due to the elevation change (approximately 75 feet from tee to green), the 177-yard hole plays significantly shorter. A 150-club is typically all that’s needed. However, thanks to the bunkers, the breeze off the lake, and the significant change in elevation, it’s never easy! I can attest to this. 

While Talking Rock’s famous 15th might be considered the poster child when it comes to “hang time holes” in the Kamloops region, there are definitely more.

Here’s a sampling:   

Sun Peaks Golf Course – 16th hole, Par-4, 299 yards

Fittingly, the highest hole in British Columbia is also a daring “dropper” that affords a commanding view of the village and the surrounding peaks. While hitting a driver is a dicey play, the opportunity to blast a tee shot way, way down there is always oh-so-tempting! 

Bighorn Golf & Country Club – 14th hole, Par-4, 415 yards

The drop from tee to green here, which is upwards of 150 feet, makes this hole the undisputed “champ” when it comes to the biggest elevation change on any one hole in the region. Not surprisingly, the 14th, which makes a beeline straight down the arid hillside, delivers an awesome city-and-mountain view from its lofty perch.

Tobiano – 16th hole, Par-5, 540 yards

The thrilling run to the finish at Tobiano starts with this downhill grip-it-and-rip-it dream. Due to the significant descent, hitting this green in two is pretty doable for any golfer who has a little firepower!

Eaglepoint Golf Resort – 18th hole, Par-5, 481 yards

True, the elevation change here will not cause anyone to pass out. (That reminds me, might want to go easy on the “birdie juice.”) However, the wide and inviting fairway – which sits approximately 50 feet below the tee deck – will tempt “bombers” to go for a home run! And why not? This is your last hole. Might as well end with a big bang! 

And as far as all the incredible uphill holes go? Haha. Just Kidding. Nobody likes those. They’re just a necessary evil to get up high so the fun can really begin! And, in Kamloops, there’s no shortage of that