Tobiano Golf Course Is as Beautiful As It Is Beastly

Considered by many golfers to be the leading course in British Columbia, Tobiano features panoramic views along the 18-hole layout that runs beside the Kamloops Lake. (Adrian Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca)

Tobiano is one of those courses that lures golfers in with its beauty and nearly five hours later leaves them brow-beaten by the difficulty of its challenge.

A test of endurance as much as skill, the course is a monster with tall grass, elevation changes, a preponderance of bunkers, and natural adversaries, too; namely the westerly Aleutian wind — which often charges around Kamloops Lake.

What blows away all of the obstacles and formidable hazards is the poetry of the place. Tobiano is simply gorgeous. The reedy fescue and rye grass sway in front of you while in the distance the waters of the lake lap along in an endless procession that’s as long and true as a properly clubbed fairway drive.

It’s one of the best golf courses anywhere. Tobiano is beloved among players in British Columbia and after only a few moments on the manicured grounds you will understand why. The course runs next to Kamloops Lake, and features fabulous views of the mountains that surround the 18 holes. It’s a very tough 7,000-plus-yard circuit set on a 1,000-acre former ranch.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adrian Brijbassi (@adrianbrijbassi)

As challenging as it is, intermediate and beginner golfers can still find Tobiano a joy because of the beauty and the thrills. My son, Gabriel, who is in Grade 1, played the par-3 holes and participated in a scramble with me for some of the shorter par 4s. It was a day that left an indelible impression on us both, deepening our connection to the game and the togetherness we enjoy on the circuit, in the golf cart, and amid the nature that is an inherent part of the sport — and arguably the most appealling aspect of it.

Gabriel Brijbassi thoroughly enjoys his round of play at Tobiano, where open spaces and nature keep players giddy, no matter how much they must battle through the tough holes. (Adrian Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca)

For golfers of any skill level, Tobiano’s quintet of par 3s are among the most fun to play. No. 15 tees off facing Kamloops Lake and is the best chance at an ace. Gabriel not only hit the green from 100 yards out, he watched his ball roll within five feet of the hole. No. 7 requires a high-arcing shot over a ravine and onto a tight green. For the juniors, it’s a 109-yard test that does take some muscle to get the ball skyward. Gabriel couldn’t make it but was undeterred to drop on the green to finish the hole.

Manicured with bent grass, the greens are mercifully true. If you can control your speed and sharpen your aim, your ball will not run into frustrating buckles or wayward turns as it approaches the hole.

Hole No. 5 at Tobiano showcases the course’s undulating layout and jaw-dropping location amid the Monashee Mountains near Kamloops. (Adrian Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca)

There are a number of other tips for your day on the course:

Arrive early. You’ll want to take full advantage of the outstanding driving range and practice facilities. The range is immaculate with lots of target flags and satisfying views of the scenery.
If you’ve invested in a premier driver, now’s the time to test its worth. Tobiano has wide fairways that are sculpted like carpet. Your ball will run on most of the carpet, though you still want to launch at a high degree rather than a flat line drive, because you often need to clear tall fescue or a ravine.
The course has a whopping six levels of play. The long-distance Iron tees provide the greatest test at a total of 7,367 yards while the Sage tees cover 5,358 yards. It’s a smart feature that makes Tobiano more accessible to beginners — and those golfers who can wisely put their ego aside and go for the shorter challenge.
If you do manage to stroke an ace, be sure to let the course know — they have a web page dedicated to those few who have achieved a Tobiano Hole in One.
The tasty menu at the on-site restaurant will help you to quickly get over a tough round, or celebrate a great one.

MORE ABOUT VISITING KAMLOOPS

Gabriel Brijbassi and his father, Adrian Brijbassi, practice at Tobiano’s driving range before taking on the course. (DeNon Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca)

Tobiano Green Fees: Prime season at Tobiano is May 9 to October 2. Morning green fees are $170 on weekdays and $195 on weekends. Afternoon green feens are $150 on weekdays and $175 on weekends. For full rates, see the course’s website.

Where to Stay: The Thompson Hotel on Victoria Street in downtown Kamloops features quality three-star accommodations and service. Families will especially like the on-site arcade, where kids (and their parents) can go berserk on classic video games (Pac-man and Fast and Furious) and pinball machines.