Nestled up next to Okanagan Lake in southern British Columbia, Kelowna is a picturesque community that is an ideal summer recreation destination for anyone that enjoys pristine lake beaches, magnificent mountain bike rides, and other outdoor activities (like trying to catch a glimpse of the infamous “lake monster” Ogopogo).

British Columbia is also home to some excellent golf courses, a fact that is sadly unknown to many American golfers, and the Kelowna area is home to several top notch golf resorts.  One of the best British Columbia golf destinations is the two-course Predator Ridge Resort located roughly 30 miles from Kelowna in nearby Vernon, BC.

Predator Ridge is broken down into two courses, the Ridge and the Predator.  If the latter name sounds menacing, it is rather appropriate name, because the Predator course is one of the more difficult 18-holes I have ever played.  The Ridge course is no picnic, either.

Both courses are stunning in their scenic splendors and intimidating in their layouts, which have been woven into the landscape in a truly brilliant fashion.

What makes the Predator course so difficult is the constant changes in elevation and a variance in the landscape, with each offering its own set of challenges, from dense trees impeding some holes to greens that are up on a bluff forcing you to make your approach blindly.

At first glance, the Ridge course seems just as daunting as its older brother, but there are fewer hills and the high elevation areas are mostly limited the tee boxes.  The greens are also easier to reach and the water hazards and sand traps are a bit more forgiving.

Both courses are distinguished by one stunning panoramic view after another and exquisitely manicured greens and overall course.  And the facility is marked by a swank lodge, some lovely cottages that you can stay in overnight, and excellent service from friendly, knowledgeable people.

It isn’t particularly cheap, but it is still a great value.  Your green fees include a cart, unlimited range balls for use on their high quality green, and use of the lodge facility.  The only real downside is that it is a bit out of the way from Kelowna, but the drive is scenic and beautiful itself, so all in all there really are no downsides.

Red Hawk Ridge is a Beautiful 18 hole City Owned (Castle Rock) course just south of the Denver area by about 20 minutes.  With its stunning views and ever present wildlife you can't help but lose yourself for a couple hours at the hands of this Jim Engh designed course.

Even though the card shows the tips playing to 6942, you'll find yourself playing one less club into greens quite often.  Red Hawk Ridge offers some of the most dramatic elevation changes into this very friendly yet challenging players course.  The signature hole is a pair three that plays downhill at 214 yards into a cliffhanger type cliff to the left.  There are bunkers there to catch those who miss the green left but stay right if you're going to bail out.

The 18th hole is another friendly Par 5 that plays downhill to 518 yards.  2nd shots into the green are relatively safe if you are brave enough to play a very prototypical Jim Engh risk/reward.  With a lake and bunkers ready to gobble up anything short, the green is quite receptive otherwise.  Don't be fooled by the two downhill par 5s though, as the par 5 648 yard UPHILL 7th hole brings most back to reality.

Rates are quite reasonable ranging from $29-$79.  But call ahead early as the course books fast and plays fast.

If you're in Denver for a stretch, try and get out to Red Hawk.  You won't be disappointed!

With it being only minutes from the heart of Denver, Fossil Trace Golf Club is a must play for any golfer visiting the Denver area!  There are plenty of shots to be made as you make your way around this great course, but be sure to get your reservation early!  There are rarely walk on slots available because of the popularity of this course.

Readers Digest: FUN!, beautiful views, great for all skill levels, FUN!

From the Fossil Trace Website:

"Fossil Trace Golf Club is one of Denver Colorado's premier public golf courses designed by renowned golf course architect Jim Engh. Located in Golden, Colorado - Fossil Trace Golf Club is nestled adjacent to the foothills of the Rocky Mountain Front Range and only 15-minutes from downtown Denver, Colorado. In its short history, the golf course has enjoyed tremendous success and is considered one the finest golf courses and golf experiences available in Denver and all of Colorado. Most recently, Westword Magazine named Fossil Trace as "Best Golf Course in Denver" for the second time.

The golf course opened in July of 2003, approximately 64-million years after the first dinosaurs walked where holes 11 through 15 now sit. Triceratops footprints, as well as other prehistoric creatures’ fossils can be viewed adjacent to the golf courses 12th green. Also, located just inside the main doors of the golf course clubhouse is an exhibit that details the rich history of the property and shares information about the dinosaur tracks and other impressive fossils uncovered on the golf course."

http://www.fossiltrace.com

I can't say it enough, this course is so much FUN to play!  Is it a great "golfers" course?  That is for you to decide, but when buddies come in from out of town the first course I suggest playing every time is Fossil Trace.  The Driving is small, and the fee's are somewhat high for non residents but that's just my opinion.  But those are my only two complaints.  You absolutely get what you pay for when you play at Fossil Trace, though due to high traffic, a 5 hour round is not out of the norm.

There are plenty of challenging up hill holes as you work your way around this course, but there are fun short downhill par 4s that make up for it.  The 2nd hole only plays 320 from the tips yet downhill and the green funnels to the center.  There is a camera at the green and a monitor at the box to watch as some players get close to the hole with their tee shots.

Amongst all the fun there are plenty of great challenges to even the sophisticated golfer but this course is definitely played through the air.

If you ever bring your clubs to Denver, make sure you checkout Fossil Trace!

These fees are "Off Season" rates, during the summer you can expect $80+ riding with a cart most days.