Playing golf in Vancouver Canada (NO POLITICS!)

[Treats]

8 hours ago, myspinonit said:

The Mrs. is not supportive if I were to buy a new club(s) right now.

 

I believe you are long retired.

 

Were you previously the primary bread winner back in the days? 

[myspinonit]

12 hours ago, Treats said:

I believe you are long retired.

 

Were you previously the primary bread winner back in the days? 

Ha ha.  No, we got together nearly 20 years ago and both were early retirees (her already, me shortly after).  

 

I’ve blown a ton on buying and selling clubs and other golf stuff in recent years and she  generally has been supportive or maybe more likely just shakes her head. I’ve slowed down in that aspect…”it ain’t the arrow etc” . I also agree with her that right now with the uncertainty on it is probably better to keep our powder dry from unnecessary major outlays  to keep travelling etc. 

 

Now, ask me that again a few months from now  when with new eyes I’m right into golf season and figure it must be the equipment that is the problem, not me. 😀

 

Edit: I just read this to the Mrs . She laughed loudly when I got to the  “ more likely just shakes her head”   when I buy more golf clubs and stuff.

THEN after I read the whole post she said (or similar words) "quite right.  Wait until you have done the other eye before you buy anything new. Your needs may change with improved vision. “ 

lol 

Edited March 8 by myspinonit

[Shushwap]

22 hours ago, myspinonit said:

Just had cataract surgery in my right eye this week-moved up quickly from a cancellation.  The other one may be done soon so hopefully not much golf interruption.  Looking forward to seeing the ball further away.  Went  for a lens option that should give very good distance,  mid and close vision so it will be interesting to see if my ball striking also improves, especially as my right eye has been the weaker one. Too early to tell as it only has been a few days since surgery and the eye is still settling in.  

 

I had considered finally getting fitted to update my still-loved 2012 Miura irons but these particular lenses are a lot more coin that I expected.  So I’ll hope that improved vision may up my game.  The Mrs. is not supportive if I were to buy a new club(s) right now.

 

Oh, I posted a little while ago this off-season about adding midsize grips for arthritis ( CP2 Wrap). That was done and I hit a few buckets while I could before the surgery. My shotmaking was inconsistent (as usual, lol) exacerbated by a winter layoff. But I was presently surprised that I felt very comfortable with the larger grips (hardly thought about them really) and was not bothered by the static weight or swingweight changes. 

I just updated grips last week.. I changed over to mcc plus4 mids 

They are wreaking havoc on my crap swing.. the swing weight is so much different 

I'm hoping I can adjust to them..once the weather gets a little better I will get some range time in and see if I can't adjust 

Heading south is so convenient for golf in the winter.. everyone i talk to is scratching there hewd trying to come up with a game plan for winter golf getaway 

My one buddy was thinking about the Caribbean.... possibly taking the wives and making a holiday out of it 

[myspinonit]

17 minutes ago, Shushwap said:

I just updated grips last week.. I changed over to mcc plus4 mids 

They are wreaking havoc on my crap swing.. the swing weight is so much different 

I'm hoping I can adjust to them..once the weather gets a little better I will get some range time in and see if I can't adjust 

Heading south is so convenient for golf in the winter.. everyone i talk to is scratching there hewd trying to come up with a game plan for winter golf getaway 

My one buddy was thinking about the Caribbean.... possibly taking the wives and making a holiday out of it 

It might be partly a static weight change too. For the heck of it next time you hit balls  maybe try going wearing no watch or a second watch back and forth?  i’m not sure if I really believe it, but I have certainly read that grip weight change or counterweight really just fools the swingweight scale.  

 

That said I usually ( not this grip change so far) am sensitive to even slight changes ro headweight feel. Several years ago I dumped new Ping irons after about a month as I just could not feel the head. Maybe the bigger soft grips just give me more stability now that offsets any swingweight difference. 

[myspinonit]

For anyone playing University in 2025 attached are some temporary course changes. This year it will be 6 par 3’s, 2 par 5’s, 10 par 4’s for par 68. 

Files are attached, but to summarize:

The previously  400 yardish 6th hole was shortened due to complaints from balls going into yards left of the course. That hole was a temp par 3 last year, but it will be a permanent par 3 in 2025 with new tee and green.

The existing shortened 6th will be closed in 2025 and combined into  a par 4 with the current short par 3 7th,  leading up to the green by the Golf Museum/Blanca.

The current par 5 8th will be a par 3 this year during reconstruction. 

 

Phase_2_UGC.pdf

Edited March 11 by myspinonit

[Phireside]

Just now, myspinonit said:

For anyone playing University in 2025 attached are some temporary course changes. This year it will be 6 par 3’s, 2 par 5’s, 10 par 4’s for par 68. 

Files are attached, but to summarize:

The previously  400 yardish 6th hole was shortened due to complaints from balls going into yards left of the course. That hole was a temp par 3 last year, but it will be a permanent par 3 in 2025 with new tee and green.

The existing shortened 6th will be closed in 2025 and combined into  a par 4 with the current short par 3 7th,  leading up to the green by the Golf Museum/Blanca.

The current par 5 8th will be a par 3 this year during reconstruction. 

 

Phase_2_UGC.pdf 275.59 kB · 2 downloads

And I guess green fees will go up!

[myspinonit]

12 hours ago, Phireside said:

And I guess green fees will go up!

i hope not this year with 6 par 3’s or I ‘ll certainly speak up. I play it in one of my two main men’s groups, but haven’t as much as with the other group.

Edited March 12 by myspinonit

[myspinonit]

deleted

Edited March 13 by myspinonit

[Shushwap]

Seems golf equipment is going up in price 

I guess I'm not buying any new gear this year lol 

More money to spend at the course 🙄 

[myspinonit]

20 hours ago, Shushwap said:

Seems golf equipment is going up in price 

I guess I'm not buying any new gear this year lol 

More money to spend at the course 🙄 

Probably though things are on hold, at least this minute.  I guess it depends if the Canadian bigger players (Ping, Taylormade etc.) choose to have the parts made off-shore and sent here for assembly. Or if they have already stocked up a bit in anticipation.

 

 I kinda sorta have had interest in the new Ping 4 wood, and it is in stock at my local shop. But $539 plus tax is still  a  ton of coin…. Add 25% and it is $761. No thanks.  And, (@Treats, take note, lol),  as my good wife said, your needs might change a bit once cataracts on both eyes are done this year  and settled in. I’ll take that as tacit approval if and when.  

 

Fortunately I’ve got enough new ball stash to last this season and beyond and  don’t need  golf shoes.

Edited March 14 by myspinonit

[Shushwap]

13 hours ago, myspinonit said:

Probably though things are on hold, at least this minute.  I guess it depends if the Canadian bigger players (Ping, Taylormade etc.) choose to have the parts made off-shore and sent here for assembly. Or if they have already stocked up a bit in anticipation.

 

 I kinda sorta have had interest in the new Ping 4 wood, and it is in stock at my local shop. But $539 plus tax is still  a  ton of coin…. Add 25% and it is $761. No thanks.  And, (@Treats, take note, lol),  as my good wife said, your needs might change a bit once cataracts on both eyes are done this year  and settled in. I’ll take that as tacit approval if and when.  

 

Fortunately I’ve got enough new ball stash to last this season and beyond and  don’t need  golf shoes.

I really would like to try a new 9 wood... pricing is the only thing holding me back

I spoke with a friend the other day.. he mentioned speaking with one of the reps and they weren't worried as of yet.. 

Said they have stock in canada 

Let's hope... 

I just want the weather to warm up and the courses to open..

Then I really have something to complain about... my game.. that's gone down hill lol 

Another month and things will be full open around here 

[Shushwap]

Has anyone played sagebrush.. I keep meaning to make the journey out that way 

I'm hoping for this year 

[Golfnuck]

On 3/14/2025 at 7:20 PM, Shushwap said:

Has anyone played sagebrush.. I keep meaning to make the journey out that way 

I'm hoping for this year 

 

I played four rounds there a couple of years ago.  Stayed on course with 3 other guys.  Unless you have played the course before or have someone in your group who has played there, it is really hard to find the line on almost 1/3 of the holes.  We were lucky because the pro there at the time was the old pro at my club so he accompanied us for the front 9 and then joined us for the back 9 on our second round.  

 

Interesting layout and typical mountain type course with lots of elevation changes and blind shots.  I don't think I would drive out there just to play that one course but if it is on the way then it may be worth a stop over for 1 night. 

 

When we were there there was no food service and if we wanted to eat at the course we would need to have it catered from town.  Also very limited accommodations.   I ended up taking my motorhome there so we could cook our own food every night.

 

 

 

Edited March 22 by Golfnuck

[Shushwap]

6 minutes ago, Golfnuck said:

 

I played four rounds there a couple of years ago.  Stayed on course with 3 other guys.  Unless you have played the course before or have someone in your group who has played there, it is really hard to find the line on almost 1/3 of the holes.  We were lucky because the pro there at the time was the old pro at my club so he accompanied us for the front 9 and then joined us for the back 9 on our second round.  

 

Interesting layout and typical mountain type course with lots of elevation changes and blind shots.  I don't think I would drive out there just to play that one course but if it is on the way then it may be worth a stop over for 1 night. 

 

When we were there there was no food service and if we wanted to eat at the course we would need to have it catered from town.  Also very limited accommodations.   I ended up taking my motorhome there so we could cook our own food every night.

 

 

 

Thanx for the heads up.. the boys have been talking about getting out there..for us it's a long day trip... I was sorta thinking of playing tobiano one day.. stay in kamlops then make the run out to sagebrush and then home after 

A friend is back and forth to the coast every other week.. he plans to play it a few times this year....sounds as though we're best to let him get  a few rounds in before us 

Then he can play tourguide for us lol 

I remember the first time I played the rise.. I lost a ton of balls as I had no idea where I was going 

 

[Golfnuck]

11 minutes ago, Shushwap said:

Thanx for the heads up.. the boys have been talking about getting out there..for us it's a long day trip... I was sorta thinking of playing tobiano one day.. stay in kamlops then make the run out to sagebrush and then home after 

A friend is back and forth to the coast every other week.. he plans to play it a few times this year....sounds as though we're best to let him get  a few rounds in before us 

Then he can play tourguide for us lol 

I remember the first time I played the rise.. I lost a ton of balls as I had no idea where I was going 

 

 

We played Tobiano on this trip too.

 

There is one hole on the front 9 where you are aiming way to the right and it looks like you are hitting into the deep rough but the fairway opens up beyond a ridge and slopes sharply to the right.  I think it is hole 8 cause the pro was with us and he was telling us to hit to a point way off to the right and the first two guys could not make themselves hit that far right.

 

 

Edited March 22 by Golfnuck

[myspinonit]

Speaking of blind shots...I played Tobiano once, maybe a dozen or so years ago. My wife still remembers it fondly as being pretty. But I hated it, the front 9 especially with the blind shots and elevated forced carry par 3's with steep dropoffs. Ended in trouble several times after figuring I had hit it exactly where I should, and  according to the cart GPS voice guidance. Especially PO'd as this was the first time out with a new driver shaft and I was striping it by my standards, and hitting it  where intended. As we got onto 10 the cart GPS  voice said something like ” welcome to a more friendly back 9”.  I thought “ why didn’t they put that friendlier back as the front to warm-up?” I didn’t mind the back 9 so much I recall. 

 

We stopped for a snack after the round, and we could just see the 10th tee from our inside seats. First guy hit on the 10h, and snapped his driver shaft smashing the head on the ground. Then he snapped the shaft with his hands and threw the pieces and head into the pond next to the tee. The head was floating like an apple at a Halloween party. Our server saw it and said dryly ” I wonder if he knows it’s an environmentally protected area?”  Then his partner hit his drive and from his reaction I thought he might  snap his driver too. 

 

I guess their front nine experience might have been even more frustrating than mine from their attitude on 10.  But I felt much better about my own round after that. 🙂

Edited March 24 by myspinonit

[Xavier_11]

5 hours ago, myspinonit said:

Speaking of blind shots...I played Tobiano once, maybe a dozen or so years ago. My wife still remembers it fondly as being pretty. But I hated it, the front 9 especially with the blind shots and elevated forced carry par 3's with steep dropoffs. Ended in trouble several times after figuring I had hit it exactly where I should, and  according to the cart GPS voice guidance. Especially PO'd as this was the first time out with a new driver shaft and I was striping it by my standards, and hitting it  where intended. As we got onto 10 the cart GPS  voice said something like ” welcome to a more friendly back 9”.  I thought “ why didn’t they put that friendlier back as the front to warm-up?” I didn’t mind the back 9 so much I recall. 

 

We stopped for a snack after the round, and we could just see the 10th tee from our inside seats. First guy hit on the 10h, and snapped his driver shaft smashing the head on the ground. Then he snapped the shaft with his hands and threw the pieces and head into the pond next to the tee. The head was floating like an apple at a Halloween party. Our server saw it and said dryly ” I wonder if he knows it’s an environmentally protected area?”  Then his partner hit his drive and from his reaction I thought he might  snap his driver too. 

 

I guess their front nine experience might have been even more frustrating than mine from their attitude on 10.  But I felt much better about my own round after that. 🙂

 

 

I am with you, didn't think it was overly impressive. Also thought it was very tough for an average golfer to enjoy. I feel like most Thomas McBroom courses are like that. Not a huge fan of his designs IMO..

[myspinonit]

20 minutes ago, Xavier_11 said:

 

 

I am with you, didn't think it was overly impressive. Also thought it was very tough for an average golfer to enjoy. I feel like most Thomas McBroom courses are like that. Not a huge fan of his designs IMO..

Seeing your location, a by the by that we  (the "we" is a generally non-golfing spouse) really enjoyed our trip to PEI two years ago.  To make golf enjoyable, especially for her, we avoided some of the tougher courses like Crowbush based upon course ratings and feedback on this and another forum. Our favourite was Glasgow Hills (twice), also played Brudenelle (the sister Dunderave might have been a better choice for interest), and Green Gables. Also got some good clothing deals at the PEI Golf Shop. Next year could be NS with a few days in PEI again.

Edited March 24 by myspinonit

[The Beav]

I find most mountain golf courses to be similar in the sense that on a great day you can go low, but if you bring your C-game you don't get to enjoy the course at all. 

 

It seems every boys trip to Tobiano/Sagebrush, or Predator/Rise/Tower Ranch always features at least one guy who can't get off the tee that week - and really struggles out there.  

 

The F9 at Tobiano plays 3-4 shots tougher than the B9 IMO.  More if the wind is up. 

[Golfnuck]

On 3/25/2025 at 5:21 AM, The Beav said:

I find most mountain golf courses to be similar in the sense that on a great day you can go low, but if you bring your C-game you don't get to enjoy the course at all. 

 

It seems every boys trip to Tobiano/Sagebrush, or Predator/Rise/Tower Ranch always features at least one guy who can't get off the tee that week - and really struggles out there.  

 

The F9 at Tobiano plays 3-4 shots tougher than the B9 IMO.  More if the wind is up. 

 

Usually I am "that" guy.  I now find that I have to really limit my expectations.  3 wood of the tee.  Lay up on forced carries greater than 150 yards.  Hit to the far side away from bunkers on greens.

[myspinonit]

On 3/27/2025 at 9:47 AM, Golfnuck said:

 

Usually I am "that" guy.  I now find that I have to really limit my expectations.  3 wood of the tee.  Lay up on forced carries greater than 150 yards.  Hit to the far side away from bunkers on greens.

If I recall from my fading memory, I think the par 3's at Tobiano (and with steep  dropoffs) were over 150 carry (from the regular tees) at least fron nine? I just really remember one par 3,  on the front. I recall being ticked when I hit the green in line with the pin, it didn't hold and went way down t he hill on the other side.

[Golfnuck]

3 hours ago, myspinonit said:

If I recall from my fading memory, I think the par 3's at Tobiano (and with steep  dropoffs) were over 150 carry (from the regular tees) at least fron nine? I just really remember one par 3,  on the front. I recall being ticked when I hit the green in line with the pin, it didn't hold and went way down t he hill on the other side.

 

I did not find the par 3s too bad but its the #8 (par 5) that kills me every time.  Even if I can carry the drive its the second shot.  No matter where I am it ends up at the bottom of the hill on the right side of the fairway and often in the canyon after rolling all the way down from the left side of the fairway.  I am not a fan of any hole where you can land in the middle of the fairway and end up in an unplayable position off the fairway.

 

There is a similar hole at Chambers Bay and I think it is number 8 also but there if you hit the center of the fairway it will not roll so far right that it is unplayable.

[Treats]

19 hours ago, myspinonit said:

If I recall from my fading memory, I think the par 3's at Tobiano (and with steep  dropoffs) were over 150 carry (from the regular tees) at least fron nine? I just really remember one par 3,  on the front. I recall being ticked when I hit the green in line with the pin, it didn't hold and went way down t he hill on the other side.

Even from the Spur tees at just under 6600 yards, the par 3's are generally 150 yards and under. I've only played there once. I don't recall any into thee wind, but some had nasty side wind that day.

 

One guy on a par 3, went into the gorge on one par 3 and found a ton of balls within 5 minutes.

[Treats]

16 hours ago, Golfnuck said:

 

I did not find the par 3s too bad but its the #8 (par 5) that kills me every time.  Even if I can carry the drive its the second shot.  No matter where I am it ends up at the bottom of the hill on the right side of the fairway and often in the canyon after rolling all the way down from the left side of the fairway.  I am not a fan of any hole where you can land in the middle of the fairway and end up in an unplayable position off the fairway.

 

There is a similar hole at Chambers Bay and I think it is number 8 also but there if you hit the center of the fairway it will not roll so far right that it is unplayable.

Yes, although thee tee shot on #8 looks intimidating, it's not too bad. Yes, I think I recall my 2nd shot rolling to the right, making a longer 3rd shot into the green.

 

At Chambers, the 8th hole is up on the cliff and any shots hit well to the right will find trouble sloping off the "cliff".

[Phireside]

Played MC this morning. Beautiful day and course was in great shape. 

[IcemanYVR]

2 hours ago, Phireside said:

Played MC this morning. Beautiful day and course was in great shape. 

I need to make my annual trek down there soon. Always enjoy MC but the last few years it’s had my number. 

[The Beav]

16 hours ago, Phireside said:

Played MC this morning. Beautiful day and course was in great shape. 

Yeah It was soooo good yesterday, I couldn't believe it.  I enjoyed playing in great weather on a well conditioned course so much.

13 hours ago, IcemanYVR said:

I need to make my annual trek down there soon. Always enjoy MC but the last few years it’s had my number. 

Yes you do sir. 

[Golfnuck]

Great day in Vancouver yesterday.  Was like a switch was turned and all of a sudden it was late spring.

 

Good to see other get out too.

 

Unfortunately we will be closed next week for aeration and I think it will be a heavy punch so would be back to prime conditions for 2 or 3 weeks.

 

 

Edited April 6 by Golfnuck

[The Beav]

10 hours ago, Golfnuck said:

Great day in Vancouver yesterday.  Was like a switch was turned and all of a sudden it was late spring.

 

Good to see other get out too.

 

Unfortunately we will be closed next week for aeration and I think it will be a heavy punch so would be back to prime conditions for 2 or 3 weeks.

 

 

Man is it even possible to take a bad photo at VGC? It always POPS

[Shushwap]

What is full rate at mc in the summer