8 Signature Golf Holes in Kamloops

Signature holes on Kamloops’ golf circuit are rave-worthy, known for their stunning vistas, and best slayed with tips from the pros

With gorgeous views, an eight-month season, and a crowd-free, relaxed ambiance, deciding where to golf in Kamloops might be the toughest choice you make all summer. Its top courses offer relaxed play, winding parkland layouts and dramatic riverside links—and signature holes known for their challenge, diversity, and incredible scenery. Why not try them all?

“Kamloops is known for its panoramic topography and golden, fescue-lined tee boxes where any golfer can find a day or a weekend of excitement, challenge, or laidback golf,” says Lisa White, Industry Relations and Communications Specialist for Tourism Kamloops. “This roster of signature holes highlights incredible diversity, and as a bonus, we’ve included tips from our pros to ensure your approach is on point for par.”

1. Talking Rock Golf Course

Hole #15 is the highest on the Talking Rock Golf Course property and provides a stunning view of the Little Shuswap Lake. Revel in a literal moment of awe before you make your way through the final four holes to finish your day at Talking Rock.

Pro tip: “From an elevated tee box, this par 3 typically plays about 20 yards downhill,” says Nathan Grieve, Director of Golf/Head Professional at Talking Rock Golf Course. “Any tee shot long off the green is going to be very difficult to recover from. A club that gets you on the front half of the putting surface will be the best chance to make par on this hole. In fact, any par on Hole #15 is a fantastic score and worthy of a deep exhale!”

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2. Tobiano Golf

At Tobiano, Hole #6 is the one to play, standing out because it really is a shot-makers hole. “You have to hit a great drive and really shape your second shot to hold the green and give yourself a putt for birdie,” says Shannon McGeady, CPGA, Head Golf Professional at Tobiano. “It also has a fantastic view from the green overlooking Kamloops Lake. If you’re lucky enough to be on the green when a train goes by, it’s a sight you can’t beat!”

Pro tip: “This long green slopes from right to left,” McGeady says. “You need to try and avoid the bunkers on the front right of the green or you will leave yourself a slippery bunker shot. The best way to hold this green is to hit a high fade to the right side of the green.”

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3. Big Horn Golf and Country Club

Almost all the holes at Big Horn Golf and Country Club have a beautiful view of Kamloops and the Thompson River, but Hole #14 stands out as the course’s signature hole.

“The elevation change from tee to green is the largest on the course,” Kathy Gook, Director of Golf at Big Horn Golf and Country Club. “The approach shot boasts one of the most amazing vistas with the valley and city in the distance that can be seen from anywhere.”

Distance off the tee is the biggest factor here, since shots to the left or right will feed back to the centre, and too much club can leave you with a severe hanging lie.

Pro tip: “Play your tee shot to the 150-yard marker, leaving a down hill two club less than the yardage dictates,” Gook says. “Pay attention to the wind on your second shot.”

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4. Rivershore Golf Links

Looking for the ultimate risk/reward situation that we all love about golf? Hole #10 at Rivershore Golf Links is the shot you won’t want to miss this summer. The shorter approach shot is directly related to hitting your tee shot near the water that runs the entire length of the left-hand side of the hole. 

“The shorter approach is preferred with this shot needing to travel over the same body of water,” says Kevin Oates, Executive Professional at Rivershore Golf Links. “A heavily bunkered green will penalize any and all off-line shots, making par extremely difficult.”

Pro tip: For success on the tenth hole, start with proper club selection off the tee. “Take a club—anything from long iron to fairway wood—to make sure the fairway is hit making the second shot slightly less difficult,” Oates says. “Multiple good shots are needed to play this hole well—start with a good tee shot.”

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5. The Dunes at Kamloops

Hole #1 is a perfect introduction to the natural dune layout of this 18-hole golf course, aptly named The Dunes at Kamloops. The lush fairway carves effortlessly through the sand, leading to a meticulously kept green surrounded by wild fescue and wheat grass and a water hazard at the front right.

Pro Tip: This long, par 4, 420-yard starter hole is inviting for a big driver but be cautions of neighbouring fairways on either side. Hug the left side to avoid at small bunker and water feature on the right.

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6. Eaglepoint Golf Resort

With rolling terrain and spectacular views, strategic doglegs, four sets of trees, and elevation changes that will challenge every golfer, Eaglepoint Golf Resort has plenty to captivate. “Hole #15, Eaglepoint’s signature hole, is a demanding 239-yard par 3 featuring a large and receptive green,” says Erin Jensen, General Manager at Eaglepoint Golf Resort.

Pro tip: “Bunkers along the front and left force most players to aim to the right side of the green,” Jensen says. “Play from the right and make two putts for par!” 

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7. Kamloops Golf and Country Club 

Hole #3 at Kamloops Golf and Country Club is a stellar shot among the bent grass fairways and greens at the city’s oldest golf course. “The backdrop hitting towards the mountain makes this hole stand out,” says Alec Hubert, General Manager, PGA, at Kamloops Golf & Country Club. “Also, it’s a great risk/reward par 5, which can be reached in two by longer hitters.”

Pro tip: “Be careful of the false front on the green,” Hubert says. “Golf balls landing short of pin high have a tendency to roll off the front of the green.”

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8. The Golf Course at Sun Peaks Resort

The signature hole honour at The Golf Course at Sun Peaks Resort goes to the par 4 Hole #16, with its terrific views of the homes and village below and Mount Morrisey facing head-on. The 16th tee sits at 1,333 metres (4,353 feet)—B.C.’s highest elevation hole—and the elevated tee box commands a feeling of empowerment. “Standing on an elevated tee 40 feet above the landing area you are treated to a breathtaking view of the valley and Mount Morrisey,” says Sam Loxton, Content Marketing Specialist at Sun Peaks Resort “For those seeking immediate reward, you can drive the green.”

Pro tip: “The fairway, approach, and the front part of this green slope drastically away from the golfer and will kick your ball to the middle or back portion of this green,” Loxton says.

Learn more online.

With this roster of top-notch golf holes in Kamloops, choosing which ones to add to your itinerary will be the hardest part. Lucky for you, Golf Kamloops has teed up a variety of getaway packages showcasing each of the golf courses in different fun combinations.

Packages range from three- to four-day getaways and include golf, accommodation, shuttle options and wine tastings. With all of this armoury, start the car and make your way to Kamloops for an unforgettable golf getaway in B.C.’s most diverse golfing landscape.

For more information, connect with Golf Kamloops on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, visit golfkamloops.com, email info@golfkamloops.com or call 1-888-232-6603.

CREATED BY BCLIVING, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOLF KAMLOOPS