Tee 2 Green - Fairwinds Golf Course Review

Well when we decided to take on a review of Vancouver Island golf courses, there was no doubt where I wanted to begin. I’ve had a long relationship with Fairwinds Golf Club in Nanoose Bay, just north of Nanaimo. I’ve played it frequently since the early 1990s, and frankly believe it is one of the best tracks on the whole Island.

The head pro, Ward Stouffer, is a longtime fixture in the Oceanside community. The former Canadian Tour pro is well known and appreciated for his warm disposition and generous help to golfers looking for tips, or charity events needing a pro’s touch.

And what a course he represents.

It’s not absurdly long at just over 6,100 yards from the blue tips. That means you have to think your way around this course. You’ll frequently need to be hitting to position yourself for approaches into some of the most interesting greens you’ll find anywhere in B.C. Undulating, large and always in great shape, Fairwinds’ greens usually run fast and smooth. Expect come-backers to save par.

The first four holes are as demanding. I suggest you hit Fairwinds’ driving range before you tee off because you’ll need to keep it in play right out of the gate. Number one is a short 287-yard down hiller. Piece of cake — if it were not surrounded by out of bounds on the left and water on the right. Two is a tough, a 176-yard downhill par 3. Again, trouble left, a creek right. Hit it straight or pay the price.

Three is a short par 5, but that creek you successfully navigated on No. 2? Well it’s there again on your right, just as an out of bounds again winks at you from the left. In other words, the first three holes get your attention fast, and they demand accuracy off the tee.

The fourth is the toughest hole on the course at 391 yards from the whites. Just in front of the green is magnetic style creek. So much so a lot of us lay up and take a chance at par via an outstanding up and down. From four on, Fairwinds is a gas. Short par fours, up and downhill doglegs, wide open on some, tight as a bowling alley on others.

The signature hole is probably 16. With it’s highly elevated tee, golfers get a magnificent look at the Georgia Strait, and the Coastal mountains of the mainland.

The natural splendor of Nanoose Bay is stunning, yet it marries well with the many high end houses which sit high above many of the fairways.
Fairwinds also has a fantastic pro shop. All thetop line equipment, the right clubs, gloves and balls to get that elusive low score — this pro shop is one of the best on the Island. Manager Marilyn takes a lot of pride in keeping up with the latest fashion trends in the industry.
Overall, I can recommend Fairwinds as a track worth experiencing while visiting the Island.

By Jeff Vircoe