Golf Digest: More accolades for Predator

Vancouver Sun top course listing, Molson Tour, holes in one in the weekly golf roundup

A golfer tees off on the signature sixth hole at the Ridge Course, voted the top public or resort course in B.C. by a panel of golf industry experts published in the Vancouver Sun.

A golfer tees off on the signature sixth hole at the Ridge Course, voted the top public or resort course in B.C. by a panel of golf industry experts published in the Vancouver Sun.

Predator Ridge’s new Ridge Course has been chosen by a panel of 12 golf insiders as the best public or resort course in B.C.

The course was named tops in the Vancouver Sun listing of the top golf facilities in the province.

A panel of 12 golf professionals voted for their top courses and Predator Ridge’s newest track, opened in 2010, was number one.

“The Ridge Course at Predator Ridge is visually stunning, eminently playable, and just pure fun and that is what golf is all about ” said panel member Kris Jonasson, executive director of British Columbia Golf.

“It combines the best of meadows, woodlands and mountain terrains with outstanding lake views to create a memorable day. The weather is generally exceptional and in my mind it is the must-play course in B.C.”

Panelists each submitted top 10 lists and through a points system a top 10 list of their lists was compiled.

It’s the second time the Sun has compiled a list of the top courses in B.C. In 2009 Predator finished second to Big Sky in Pemberton.

Gallagher’s Canyon received multiple top 10 votes but didn’t crack the list.

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The 2013 version of the Molson Tour kicked off on Monday at the Okanagan Golf Club’s Bear course with 103 linksters out in full force under blue skies and hot conditions.

The tour uses handicaps and the Stableford scoring system through the regular season before players are matched up for an elimination match play playoff later in the summer.

Amidst a flurry of eagles, birdies, bogeys and “others” were several fine approach shots to the Bear’s par 3 holes.

Closest to the pin winners were Kevin Carlson (hole 4), Scott Pye (6), Aaron Douville (11) and Monty Lough (14) while Tyler Kristiansen blasted the night’s only long drive on the 10th.

Derrell Smith was accurate in his tee-shot on the par four third hole, rolling his drive next to the keg and winning the Montana’s closest to the keg shot.

Week two on the Molson Tour goes Monday.

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Sunset Ranch member golfer John Bokitch is off to a good start to his golfing season.

On Sunday Bokitch took out his 52 degree attack wedge on Sunset’s 130 yard, par 3 eighth hole and took dead aim, rolling in a hole-in-one.

The ace was witnessed by Brenda Massey-Bokitch along with John and Judy Johnson.

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If you have an item for the golf digest e-mail kparnell@kelownacapnews.com.

Kelowna Capital News