BC’s Surrey Boasts Best Public Golf Courses in Canada

By Redford Sheets

Golf Writer/CanadaGolf.com

SOUTH SURREY, BC – Travelers don’t have to have pockets lined with money to book a great Canada golf vacation in South Surrey, BC. Surrey is home to arguably the best collection of public golf courses in not only British Columbia, but the whole of Canada with Morgan Creek Golf Course and the 36-hole Northview Golf and Country Club, the latter of which is a former PGA Tour stop.

When traveling southeast out of Vancouver toward Surrey, there are no hairpin turns, no exhilarating mountain passes or coastline vistas like those along the “Sea to Sky” highway to Whistler. Only flat, flowing signs of Canada’s suburbia. New subdivisions line up like ducklings, interspersed with the farmland that dominated this landscape before it started booming as an alternative to the big city.  Surrey is now home to 400,000 people and still growing (its population is expected to overtake Vancouver’s within 10 years).

Surrey, BC is also home to some of the best public golf courses in Canada. Hidden among the homes and farms are two golf playgrounds, the 36-hole Northview Golf and Country Club and Morgan Creek Golf Course – making it a popular spot for tourists on a golf vacation.

Both Morgan Creek and Northview have been ranked among the top 100 public courses in Canada by Score Golf, the nation’s premier golf publication. Northview’s Ridge course is a former PGA Tour course, having hosted the Air Canada Championship. And the drives at these 54 holes are considerably interesting.

Morgan Creek – A Top British Columbia, Canada Public Golf Course

Actually located in South Surrey, 6,968-yard Morgan Creek might be the greatest achievement of Canadian architect Thomas McBroom. Although the pricey houses and town homes now lining the fairways have lessened its appeal for some golfers, the course is still a strategic thriller, ranked No. 35 among the country’s public courses by the Toronto Globe and Mail.

McBroom did commit one design no-no: The hardest hole at Surrey’s Morgan Creek is the first – the 426-yard dogleg right kick-starts what is sure to be a fun round. Players must hit a heroic approach over the first of the many wetland hazards they’ll see – six of the first nine holes are guarded by water.

Similarly, the back nine begins with its most difficult hole. It is a long, a sweeping dogleg right of 470 yards. The final two par 5s at Morgan Creek invite players to bomb it off the tee onto the fairways; the decisions get tougher on the second shot as each green is hidden behind a hazard. So be prepared to think and risk it all on your BC golf vacation package.

BC’s Northview Ridge – A PGA Tour Course Loved by the Professionals

Although this Surrey, BC golf course last hosted the PGA Tour in 2002, Northview Ridge retains its reputation of catering to the best golfers in the world. A firm test for amateurs, the 6,900-yard Arnold Palmer layout was eaten alive by the pros. Three players won the tournament with 19-under-par 265s – Mark Calcavecchia (1997), Brandel Chamblee (1998) and Joel Edwards (2001). Canada’s favorite son Mike Weir shot 18-under to win in 1999.

Much more flamboyant than its sister Canal course, Northview Ridge is full of bunker complexes and diabolical water hazards. Players must switch gears from the bombers’ paradise at the 534-yard seventh hole to the delicate 350-yard eighth, where placement is critical.

The back nine steps it up with some serious target golf on approach shots. Five swings of your irons – at No. 10, 11 14, 17 and 18 – could be the difference between hard-fought pars and potential double bogeys, or worse.

Northview Canal Golf Course – A Challenge in Canada

While this 7,101-yard golf course doesn’t have the high profile looks of Northview Ridge or Morgan Creek, it’s a solid course, distinctive with massive, treeless fairways and tricky greens. Seventy-three bunkers define the open terrain and to give you moment to pause before a few shots on your golf vacation to BC, Canada.

The two best holes are: The 580-yard par-5 eighth, which is actually reachable, if you’re playing the right tees and have the right nerve.

“The green bends like a fishhook into the water that lines the entire left side, creating a scary second, or for me a third, shot to a thin peninsula,” said Richie Charles, a BC golf expert.

The 180-yard par-3 17th is all carry over water and the first of two dangerous tee shots to finish the round.

Best Weekend Golf in BC, Canada found in Surrey

Surrey provides the best golf weekend in the area – especially for those who don’t have time for a long golf vacation. Play 18 holes at Northview’s Canal course for a warm-up. Tackle the Ridge course on Saturday and do lunch the spectacular clubhouse. Cap the weekend with the gem, Morgan Creek. It’ll be a great weekend of golf and one of your favorite golf destinations in BC, Canada.

Things to Do Around Surrey, BC

Named by Englishman H.J. Brewer for his native county and incorporated in 1879, Surrey is the second-largest city in British Columbia. There are plenty of hotels and motels in town, but don’t stay here – all the action is in downtown Vancouver, BC.

The Fairmont-Waterfront has great views of the waterfront, good service, and luxurious rooms. Most important, all of the major downtown restaurants and attractions within walking distance.

Travelers to BC, Canada could spend an entire weekend in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. Walkers and in-line skaters are drawn to its landmark totem poles, the Prospect Point Lighthouse and Third Beach. British Columbia’s Granville Island is a popular weekend getaway for locals, with its restaurants, shops, galleries and public market.

The old warehouse district of Yaletown is full with galleries and specialty stores like foodie oasis Urban Fare, which imports bread from France and sells square watermelons ergonomically designed for your fridge. The neighborhood hums with life at night, so be sure to grab a few cocktails here while on your golf vacation in BC, Canada.

Great Food in Surrey, BC

The Elixir Restaurant in Yaletown’s Opus Hotel is the place to be seen. Canada’s beautiful people flock here to mingle among each other. Most arrive in limos or fancy cars. Oh, and the cuisine is fantastic too, while the Opus Bar makes a mean martini! A cocktail here at night is a great way to cap your golf vacation.

Golf Canada’s West is the official golf course, tee time and golf packaging company of Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies. Call them at 877-323-3633. For additional information be sure to check out GolfTheRockies.net. For more BC and Alberta vacation and tourism information, please visit Banff National Park.com and Banff Travel.com.