1999 Country Club Way,
Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia V9B 6R3
Office
+1 (250) 744 2327Pro shop
+1 (888) 533 2327Fax
+1 (250)474 3754Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Doug Hastie (Director of Golf Instruction)Academy
Bear Mountain Golf AcademyThe Course:
18 holes. Tree-lined parkland. Significantly undulating terrain.
Surroundings:
Woodland, resort hotel and condos.
Designer:
Jack Nicklaus & son Steve.
18-hole par-71 Valley course (6807 yds from back tees).
48.477331
-123.531539
17 km NW of downtown Victoria.
Bear Mountain (Mountain)
Bear Mountain Resort (Mountain course): Located just north of Victoria, British Columbia's capital city, the impressive Bear Mountain resort offers a wide array of activities and amenities. At this luxury resort Jack Nicklaus has etched his own indelible paw print onto the landscape, creating two captivating and dramatic golf courses in the process.
The original and challenging Mountain course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and son Steve. In 2009 it was joined by the dramatic Valley course (laid out by Nicklaus Design). Both courses are challenging, dramatic, immensely scenic, but quite different.
Perched above its equally impressive companion, the Mountain course is a natural wonderland of rocky outcrops, rivers, valleys, forests and mountain vistas. Renowned as a layout that has humbled professionals and amateurs alike, the Mountain course's superbly crafted holes present a formidable test.
For evidence of the charms and challenges that lie ahead, look no further than the opening downhill par-5. From the tee you gaze across forested hills to distant mainland mountain ranges in the United States. The testing carry across a small pond onto a large undulating green, signals that water will play an important role in the "defences" of other holes. And this is the first of many undulating holes that incorporate pronounced elevation changes. Only on the opening and closing holes do you play alongside resort properties.
The scenic short par-3 14th hole, with its stunning panoramic view, was originally conceived as a 19th hole - a "bonus" hole that Nicklaus devised while inspecting the site. He noticed a spur of land jutting out above what was then the par-5 14th green (now 13th), figured it was the perfect spot for a betting hole and shoe-horned in a fabulous short par-3. This spectacular hole is now incorporated into the 18-hole layout.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance. Open all year.
Non-metal spike facility. Golf carts compulsory; carts are fitted with GPS.
Excellent
In 2010 the Mountain course at Bear Mountain hosted one of Canada's most prestigious golf events, the Telus World Skins Game. Five of the world's top players competed for some of the biggest prize money offered in Canadian golf. To the delight of home spectators, Canadian No.1 Mike Weir won the most skins, repeating his earlier triumph in this competition in 1999.
The golf courses at Bear Mountain reputedly cost over one million dollars a hole to build, and were funded by a coalition of former and current National Hockey League stars. Bear Mountain is a member of the Vancouver Island Golf Trail.
Mountain course:
Canada's 105th best course (SCOREGolf, 2024) and 55th best public access course (SCOREGolf, 2023).
1999 Country Club Way, Victoria, BC V9B 6R3
+1 (250) 391 7160
Visit websiteThe Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa offers a stunningly natural setting and the laid-back comforts of a top-quality resort hotel. The charming harbour city of Victoria is just a short drive away. Here you can test your skills on two of British Columbia's most celebrated golf courses, or indulge in a treatment at the accredited Santé Spa. Included in the resort's excellent amenities, guests can enjoy plenty of varied dining options, including a Chop House, traditional Grill, Sports bar and Japanese restaurant.
Bear Mountain (Mountain and Valley courses)
Highland Pacific; Royal Colwood
Olympic View; Cordova Bay; Victoria.
Sony Open in Hawaii: played at Waialae Country Club near Honolulu, the Sony Open takes over the spotlight from The Sentry as the PGA Tour’s calendar-year opening event (Jan 15-18). The Sentry (not being played in 2026) was formerly known as the Tournament of Champions, with a field typically restricted to golfers who won a PGA Tour event in the previous calendar year.
Dubai Desert Classic: the DP World Tour’s first Rolex Series event of 2026, is contested for the 37th time (Jan 22-25). First won by Englishman Mark James in 1989, it now boasts a four-time winner, Rory McIlroy. Played on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, this once desert-surrounded course is the long-time flagship for Golf in Dubai.
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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