Casual golfers and high handicappers can breathe a sigh of relief. South Delta once again has a golf course for you.
What made the old Tsawwassen Golf and Country Club appealing for seniors, novice players and even corporate tournaments was its relatively forgiving trek that served up plenty of scoring holes. It meant hours of practice at the driving range wasn't a must for a slight hope to see a couple of pars or even birdies on the scorecard.
With that in mind, the development group behind Tsawwassen Springs approached renowned Vancouver area course designer Ted Locke to redraw the 18 holes around the new $400-million residential development with a layout that would satisfy everyone.
Locke has done just that. Tsawwassen Springs is a par 70 that plays over 5,400 yards from the tips, yet is just a shade over 4,000 yards from the forward tees. There is a much greater emphasis on shot making that won't allow big hitters to just "grip it and rip it" from every tee box.
The course officially opened for public play last week while construction continues on the rest of the development. A temporary pro shop is in operation, as is the driving range that will eventually be a full practice/ teaching facility. The permanent pro shop will be located in the new clubhouse that will be completed sometime next spring.
"It is a lot more challenging than what it was but if you play the way Ted designed it and don't get greedy, then you can play well," said Roy Toigo of Shato Holdings Ltd, the majority owner of Tsawwassen Springs.
"You want a course where it is challenging but not so tough that you hated it. You want to enjoy yourself and feel good about yourself. We have three sets of tee blocks so you can play where you feel most comfortable."
Tsawwassen Springs head professional Murray Poje has already played the course "four or five times" with a 4-under 66 being his best score to date. He also happens to hold the course record at the old layout, a 13under 52. He says those days of jaw dropping scores are over for any pro that tries to go that low on the new trek.
"Ted has put a thought process into every hole," said Poje. "It doesn't matter what your ability is because it's still going to be interesting. Anybody with two good shots can make birdie (on these par 4s) but then you've got a big hitter who could also make a six really easy. That makes it a good hole.
"I think it is a good layout for the people who will be playing here. There is also plenty of risk/ reward holes which is a fun part of golf."
Ten of the 18 holes are located on the old course layout where a substantial amount of money was spent to improve overall drainage. It's on this side where there is more of an emphasis on premium shot making.
"A lot of the allure of this course is the greens. They are very interesting to putt," added Poje. "When you get over the other side of the course, there are more wide open holes like 11 and 12 but both have very tough greens."
About a third of the course area is set aside as undisturbed natural habit for local wildlife, while many mature trees have been carefully transplanted which provide some old course feel to returning players."
"There is a lot of familiarity for all the old residents that use to play here all the time," said Toigo. "There are a lot of areas where people will feel they are back home again after a renovation. That's going to make people happy to be here too."
Tsawwassen Springs green fees range from $29-$79 on weekdays and $39-$89 on weekends.
Delta residents receive a $10 discount during peak time while a special $99 eight month rate card provides one free round and $30 discount on peak time fees.
The pro shop number is 604-948-GOLF (4653).
