CAA Manitoba Summer 2017 | Page 47

Invermere’s rugged Copper Point; The Springs at Radium Resort (inset) Stash Your Sticks How to travel with golf gear • To fly, a golf travel bag needs to be under 23 kg • Pack only a few balls and consider leaving behind a couple of clubs you rarely use • A hard-shell case is heavier, but your sticks will be safer • Consider bringing an ultra-light carry bag to save some weight • Leave your golf shoes behind and just pack comfortable running shoes—they can go on and off the course • To reduce the chance of club shafts breaking during transport, tape them all together with duct tape Columbia Valley Golf Trail, b.C. Golf and mountains go together like wine and cheese. There’s nothing like swinging a club surrounded by rugged peaks and pine-scented air. And when you get a group of eight outstanding mountain courses situated just minutes apart, you’ve got something special. The Columbia Valley Golf Trail is, admittedly, not so much a trail as a collection of courses in close proximity. But less time driving a car means more time driving golf balls! And driving on an expansive green set against soaring mountains is about as rewarding as it gets. Case in point: Copper Point in Invermere. Boasting two excellent courses designed by Canmore-based architect Gary Browning, Copper Point has enough charm and challenge for everyone. The shorter Ridge Course, which can be played in three hours, is ideal for time- conscious golfers craving some outdoor fun after a round. Indeed, the perfect recipe here is early- morning golf and lazy afternoons on the beautiful beaches of Lake Windermere. From stand-up paddleboarding to kayaking through the pristine Columbia Wetlands, the outdoor recreation options here add another welcome dimension to your golf getaway. Other excellent courses to put on your itinerary are The Springs Course at the Radium Resort and Eagle Ranch, both of which parade high atop bluffs over the wetlands. Last but not least, the three courses at Fairmont Hot Springs are easy- going resort courses that’ll appeal to players of all skill levels. And one can rest tired muscles in the nearby natural hot springs at the end of a rigorous day. » Radium Resort Eagle Ranch inVermere Copper Point Fairmont Hot Springs CAA MANITOBA suMMer 2017 47