Conditions

Feb 22nd, 2012

Course Open

Range Open

 

Power Carts are restricted to Cart Paths Only


FACT SHEET

GOLF COURSE OVERVIEW

Located just minutes from downtown Victoria’s inner harbor, GVGC has the proud distinction of being one of the premier semi-private golf facilities on Vancouver Island. Established in 1927, this mature, traditional course with its park-like setting, undulating fairways and rock outcroppings make you forget you are in the middle of British Columbia’s capital city.

Spread over 143 acres, the 18 hole , par 72 championship layout challenges members and guests with varying elevation changes, mature Garry Oak trees, diverse bunkering and strategically placed water hazards, ensuring every hole is unique. With the choice of five tee locations spanning from 5400 yards to 6820 yards in length, the course provides a real but fair test for golfers of all skill levels.

PAR: 72
YARDAGE: 6,820

Hole-By-Hole:

1 - Par 4 359 Yds 10 - Par 3 164 Yds
2 - Par 5 514 Yds 12 - Par 4 423 Yds
3 - Par 4 368 Yds 11 - Par 5 534 Yds
4 - Par 4 324 Yds 13 - Par 4 400 Yds
5 - Par 3 187 Yds 14 - Par 3 166 Yds
6 - Par 4 336 Yds 15 - Par 5 541 Yds
7 - Par 4 426 Yds 16 - Par 3 208 Yds
8 - Par 5 601 Yds 17 - Par 4 412 Yds
9 - Par 4 410 Yds 18 - Par 4 447 Yds
------------- -------------
37       3,525 Yds 35         3,295 Yds

Course Type: Semi-Private
Number of Rounds Annually: 60,000
Course Season: Year-round

COURSE PROFILE

Number of holes: 18    
Yardage: Front - 5400 Middle - 6057 Back - 6850
Size of: Greens - 193,000 sq. ft Tees - 153,000 sq. ft Fairways - 22 acres
Range: 7 acres Range Tees: 40,000 sq. ft  
Predominant grass: Fairways - Perennial Rye/Poa Tees - Perennial Rye/Poa Greens - Poa Reptan
USGA greens: 18    
Predominant soil type: Clay    
Type of irrigation system: Toro Osmac (1080 irrigation heads)    
Age of the irrigation system: 20 years Water Source: Municipal  
Number of bunkers on course: 68    
Type of sand used: Silica    
Number of water hazards: 5    
Original architect: Arthur Vernon Macan    
Year of original construction: 1930    
Major Renovations: Les Furber Year: 2001/02    
Size of maintenance shop: 10,780 square feet    

COURSE ARCHITECT

Arthur Vernon Macan (1930), Les Furber (re-design, 2001)

A.V. Macan revolutionized golf architecture in the Pacific Northwest over a career which spanned five decades beginning pre-World War I. Working almost exclusively throughout the Pacific Northwest, Macan’s pioneering efforts are reflected in nearly 43 golf courses, several, which have been recognized in the top 100 in Canada. A partial list of better known British Columbia courses designed or renovated by A.V. Macan includes:

Capilano Richmond Kelowna Cowichan
Royal Colwood Qualicum Nanaimo  
Shaughnessy University McLeery  
Marine Drive Gorge Vale Penticton  


In 2001 GVGC hired the services of Les Furber, one of Canada's most prolific course designer, architect and construction consultants. The major renovation which was completed in 2003 saw the addition of five water hazards, additional teeing grounds, and enhancements to the drainage system for greater year-round playability. Sixteen greens were redesigned to USGA specifications, improved fairway contouring and an alteration to the hole routing improved the challenge of the course.

Les Furber is associated with the design and construction of at least 63 courses in western Canada. A partial list of the better known BC and Alberta courses designed or renovated by Les Furber includes:

Designed
 

Fairwinds Golf Resort, Nanoose Bay, BC
Gallagher's Canyon Pinnacle Course Kelowna, BC
Mayfair Lakes Golf Club Richmond, BC
Morningstar International Golf & CC Parksville, BC
Northlands Golf Course North Vancouver, BC
Okanagan Golf Resort (Quail Course) Kelowna, BC
Predator Ridge Golf Resort Vernon, BC

Salmon Arm Golf Club Salmon Arm, BC
SilverTip Golf Resort Canmore AB
St. Eugene Golf Resort Cranbrook, BC
Storey Creek Golf Club Campbell River, BC
The Springs at Radium Golf Resort Radium, BC
Trickle Creek Golf Club Kimberley, BC


Renovated

 

Banff Springs Golf Course Banff, AB
Bearspaw Golf Club Calgary, AB
Capilano Golf Club Vancouver, BC
Earl Grey Golf & CC Calgary, AB
Edmonton Golf & CC Edmonton, AB
Gallagher's Canyon Golf Resort Kelowna, BC
Gorge Vale Golf Club Victoria, BC
Marine Drive Golf Club Vancouver, BC
Mayfair Golf & CC Edmonton, AB

Nanaimo Golf & CC Nanaimo, BC
Penticton Golf & CC Penticton, BC
Point Grey Golf & CC Vancouver, BC
Qualicum Beach Golf Club Qualicum, BC
Shaughnessy Golf & CC Vancouver, BC
Silver Springs Golf & CC Calgary, AB
University Golf Course Vancouver, BC
Vernon Golf & CC Vernon, BC

TEE TIMES

Tee times are required at all times. Unaccompanied guests may reserve tee times through the Golf Centre (3) days in advance.

GVGC members may request tee times up to (14) days in advance using BUZ REZ, an online tee reservation system. GVGC tee time member draws are as follows:

TEE TIMES: Drawn in advance at approximately 2pm on:
** Tuesday for the following Friday, Saturday & Sunday
** Thursday for the following Monday through Thursday

PRACTICE FACILITIES

Practice facilities are private – For use by members, guests and those playing that day. Practice facility privileges are extended to individuals on lessons programs.

Gorge Vale’s course design is enhanced by an extensive practice facility. From our 300+ yard range featuring 5 target greens, to our short game area with white silica sand bunkers and course inspired chipping green, GVGC practice facility allows golfers of every capability an opportunity to refine their game when they do not have the time to play. The driving range offers grass hitting stations year round with quality range balls.

GVGC GOLF CENTRE

The Golf Centre is led by Canadian PGA Head Professional Jim Cook and a team comprising of an Associate Professional, an Assistant Professional and service personnel.

GVGC offers a full service Golf Shop loaded with attractive men’s and women’s high quality golf and sports apparel, plus the latest in golf equipment to custom fit your swing. Feel free to compare prices, you won’t find a better deal on golf equipment or golf related clothing in Victoria. If you need it - they have it. If for some reason they don't have it - they will get it! In an effort to fit you with the right clubs, the Pro Shop is stocked with demos in all the latest technology. In addition, the CPGA Golf Professionals are trained on the Ping, Taylor Made, and Titleist fitting systems.

Club Storage
The Golf Shop has storage facilities for your clubs. This service allows members to store their clubs which are cleaned after every round, and are brought out for them when they are playing or practicing, fee for this service is $10/month for bags only.

Lessons
GVGC CPGA Professionals are some of the best in the area. Many lesson plans are available to fit your needs. We offer individual, group, video, and playing lessons. In addition, CPGA instructors offer Golf Camps for Men and Women of all abilities.

Club Repair
The Golf Shop offers all services needed to keep golf clubs in top shape. Most clubs can be regripped within 24 hours. The Pro Shop also will re-spike shoes often while you wait.

Rentals
Top of the line Taylor Made clubs are available to rent in various shaft flex options.

Handicap
GVGC uses the Golf Canada handicap system (formerly, RCGA Handicap System) for members’ handicapping purposes. Members’ are charged a mandatory yearly fee for this service which allows members to keep their handicap at the club. The handicap system also allows members to access their handicap using any online device, making it more efficient when recording away course scores. Having an up-to-date handicap is required for most tournaments and is a great way to chart improvement and the number of rounds played each year.

Golf Carts
For members & guests who prefer to ride while playing, GVGC has a fleet of carts available. Carts may be rented daily for $26 for 18 holes and $13 for 9 holes (member/guest pricing). Members who ride regularly can purchase a power cart punch card for $480 which can be used for (30) 18 hole rounds or (60) 9 hole rounds.

TOURNAMENTS

GVGC has been the host for a number of Provincial, National and Professional events the most notable being:

1956 BC Men’s Amateur Championship  
1968 BC Men’s Amateur Championship  
1984 BC Men’s Amateur Championship  
1986 Canadian Tour Victoria Open Winner - Bob Panasik, Windsor, Ontario
1987 Canadian Tour Victoria Open Winner - Craig Parry, Kardiniya, Western Australia
1988 Canadian Tour Victoria Open Winner - Todd Erwin, Federal Way, Washington
1990 Canadian Tour Victoria Open Winner - Steve Stricker, Edgerton, Wisconsin
1993 Canadian Tour Payless Open Winner - Brandt Jobe, Englewood, Colorado
1995 RCGA Canadian Senior Men’s Championship  
1997 Canadian Tour Payless Open Winner - Rick Todd, Scarborough, Ontario
2001 Canadian Tour Shell Payless Open Winner - Paul Devenport, New Zealand
2004 Canadian Tour Times Colonist Open Winner - David Hearn , Brantford, Ontario
2005 BC Men’s Amateur Championship  
2007 Canadian Tour Times Colonist Open Winner - Spencer Levin, Elk Grove, CA
2009 RCGA Canadian Senior Men’s Championship  
2010 CPGA Canadian
Assistants Championship
 
2010 BC Junior Girls Championship

 

COURSE RECORD

Men’s    
1997 Men’s Club Championship
2005 BC Men’s Amateur Championship
 
Bryan Toth
James Allenby
61
64 –Post course renovation
Women’s    

2010 BC Junior Girls Championship

Victoria (Jisu) Choi

69

CLIMATE

The Victoria area enjoys some of the most moderate weather in all of Canada making it an ideal destination for golf. The temperature chart below indicates the average monthly temperatures.

Average Monthly Temperatures    
 
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
44
47
50
55
61
67
71
71
67
57
49
44
6.5
8.4
10.2
12.9
16.3
19.3
21.8
21.8
19.1
14.1
9.4
6.8

Monthly temperatures provided by the Tourism Victoria.