Summer is swinging here in the Kootenays!

SUMMER JOURNAL • BY ANNELIES ELLERMAN

If there's anything we've learned over the past few months, it's that it never hurts to indulge in a little “you time”. To just enjoy the quieter moments so typical for when it’s just you and nature, whether it’s an afternoon spent hiking or swimming is what you’re craving, or a day spent golfing is more your speed.

There is something special about playing golf in the mountains. The combination of elevation changes, spectacular scenery, wildlife and an away-from-it-all atmosphere guarantees a wonderful golf day however your game goes.

So if you are thinking about playing a game of golf, being golfers ourselves we can honestly say, you could not be in a better spot here with us. You’ll find golf-courses that everyone from beginners to scratch players will appreciate.

With eight 18-hole golf courses nearby, including five Championship courses, a stay at Logden Lodge will put you right at the centre of the "Kootenay Golf Trail", featuring Balfour, Castlegar, Christina Lake, Granite Pointe (Nelson), Redstone (Rossland), and Birchbank (Trail) golf courses.

Or if you’d like to take it a little easier and squeeze in a 9 hole round, just a short 20 min. drive away is Salmo Golf Club, a family friendly no nonsense course without tee-times, perfect for beginners but no easy par game for seasoned amateurs either. when you have different levels. Another 9-hole course nearby, we much enjoy, is Champion Lake in Fruitvale (has tee-times). With stunning views of the mountains and beautifully maintained fairways, this one might be a little more challenging for a beginner, but you can try and we guarantee you will enjoy your surroundings!

Set among mountain ranges, blue lakes and beautiful valleys, it will be a golf experience you will for sure fondly remember, with a nice plus that the courses are affordable. Playing these beautiful golf courses, most within an hour’s drive from the lodge, are the perfect opportunity to catch some alone or together quality time and natural vitamine D, and discover what Kootenay golf-life is all about.

Christina Lake Golf Club

These are the golf-courses in our area, which we have played and enjoy playing over and over again. Most are open from early April till late October, depending on the weather. If you’d like to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact us, we’d love to tell you all about them!

To the South:

- Salmo District Golf Club, Salmo; 21 km from our Lodge (approx. 20 min drive) / 9 holes

- Champion Lake Golf Club, Fruitvale; 36 m (approx. 30 min) / 9 holes

- Castlegar Golf Club, Castlegar; 56 km (approx. 45 min) / Championship course

- Redstone Golf Course, Rossland; 66 km (approx. 1 hour). Designed by Les Furber.

- Birchbank Golf Course, Trail; 66 km (approx. 1 hour) / Championship course

- Christina Lake Golf Club, Christina Lake; 132 km (approx 1 1/2 hour) / Championship course, designed by Les Furber.

To the North:

- Granite Point Golf Club, Nelson; 25 km (approx 20 min)

- Balfour Golf Course, Balfour; 60 km (approx 50 min). Designed by Les Furber.

- Creston Golf Club, Creston; 105 km (approx 1 hour, 15 min) / Championship course

- Kokanee Springs Golf Resort, Crawford Bay; 74 km (approx 1 1/2 hour, includes a ferry ride) / Championship course, which is considered to be Norman Woods’ golf course masterpiece.

- Riondel 9 hole Golf Course, Riondel; 78 km (approx 1 hour, 45 min, includes a ferry ride) / 9 holes