The days are getting longer and the weather is warming up. With no more valley snow in the forecast for at least the next six months, it is time to think about golf!
Whether you’re a pro or novice golfer, we recommend trying the game with your kids. We have two preschoolers and it’s a tee-rific way for the whole family to get outside and take in some fresh air.
Two Eagles Golf Course and Academy
Two Eagles Golf Course and Academy Little Eagles program. Photo: Wesla & Duane English
Located in West Kelowna, Two Eagles Golf Course and Academy has programs for kids as young as preschool-age. In their Little Eagles program, kids aged three and four can come to a session on Saturdays at 9 am from late April to late-September. This 30-minute course introduces your little player to the game with colourful targets and fun activities at the range and on the putting green. You can sign up for this $19 class on their website. We took both our kids to a few of the sessions last season, and they are now looking forward to hitting golf balls at the driving range this year.
For school-aged golf enthusiasts, the “Take Your Kid to the Course Night” happens every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday in the late afternoons. Each group must have at least one junior golfer, and everyone gets to play up to 9 holes. The green fees are only $11 for ages 5 to 18, and $17 for adults. The pro shop does require you to book 48 hours in advance, and you need to call ahead 250-768-0080 to confirm availability and start times.
If you are planning to be in the Kelowna area for an extended stay, the academy will also be hosting summer camps for kids ages 8 to 15.
The Okanagan Golf Club
From mid-April to the end of September, The Okanagan Golf Club hosts Saturday Morning Junior Golf Clinics. No equipment or on-going commitment is required, but you do have to pre-register here. The lesson runs from 9:30am to 10:30am for golfers aged 5 to 7 and costs $25 per person. For ages 8 to 14, the clinic is from 10:45am to 12pm and is $30 per player.
Kelowna Springs Golf Club
Kelowna Springs Golf Club.
Kelowna Springs Golf Club is another course that features a “Take Your Kid to the Course Night”, and they happen every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Start times are between 4:30 pm and 6 pm, depending on the time of year. Green fees are only $11 for ages 5 to 18 and $17 for adults and you can call 250-765-4653 to book your tee time. A 48 hours notice is required.
If you happen to golf with the family on a Saturday, the on-site restaurant, Legends Classic Grill hosts a Prime Rib Night every second Saturday through the season (long weekends excluded).
Shadow Ridge
Shadow Ridge Golf Club. Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography
Shadow Ridge Golf Club has discount green fees for players under 18 years old. Nine holes are $20 and 18 holes are $25 for junior players.
If you’re looking for even more affordable golf, this course is also a host of “Take Your Kid to the Course Night” on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Green fees are only $11 for ages 5 to 18, and $17 for adults and start times are in the late afternoons. Call the pro shop at 250-765-7777 to book your spot.
Shannon Lake
Shannon Lake Golf Club. Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography
Featuring towering pine trees and lakeside fairways, Shannon Lake Golf Course has their version of “Take Your Kid to the Course Night” on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Heads up - there is some elevation change on this course that might make it challenging for the younger kids. Tee times start at 5pm with $11 green fees for ages 5 to 18, and $17 for adults. You can also add a cart seat for $12 per person.
