Vernon is home to two of the finest luxury golf destinations in Canada—Predator Ridge Resort and The Rise Resort. These courses are known for their challenging designs, stunning settings, and high-end amenities. Golfers looking for a complete experience will find these resorts offer much more than just 18 holes. From dining to accommodations and unique on-course technology, Predator Ridge and The Rise bring together elegance and difficulty in a way few other courses can.
Predator Ridge Resort: A Premier Luxury Golf Destination
Predator Ridge Resort is well-known for its comprehensive approach to golf with its resort type atmosphere. With two award-winning courses and a wide range of amenities, it caters to golfers of all skill levels. The resort combines classic challenges with modern conveniences, making it a top choice for those seeking both a competitive round and a relaxing stay.
The Predator Course: A Classic Challenge
Designed by Les Furber, the Predator Course stretches 7,034 yards and offers a par-71 layout that demands precision with rolling mounds and hills. Opened in 1991, the course has hosted the World Skins Game twice and is recognized as one of the top 1,000 golf courses globally by Rolex. It’s a place where every hole presents its own set of challenges.
Golfers will encounter penalizing bunkers, fescue roughs, and intricate greens. Key holes include the par-3 sixth, often regarded as one of the toughest on the course, and the par-5 14th, a dogleg that challenges players with a pond guarding the approach. Every hole requires strategic play, rewarding those who think through their shots.
The Ridge Course: A Modern Masterpiece
The Ridge Course, opened in 2010 and designed by Doug Carrick, offers a slightly different challenge and offers mountain and lake views. At 7,128 yards, this par-72 course takes full advantage of the natural landscape, incorporating granite rock outcroppings, big elevation changes and long fairways. It has earned accolades such as ScoreGolf’s Best New Course in Canada and is considered one of the best in the Okanagan.
Standout holes include the sixth, a par-3 set against the natural beauty of the area, and the dramatic downhill par-5 seventh hole. The Ridge Course is designed for strategic play, with each hole offering different tests of skill. From the first tee to the final hole near the clubhouse, golfers can expect a rewarding experience. It is the easier of the two course at Predator Ridge and the most beautiful and is rated as one of the top golf courses in BC by SCOREGolf.
Dining in Style
Dining at Predator Ridge’s Range Restaurant & Bar offers an unforgettable experience that blends upscale casual dining with locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients. The menu, crafted through a collaborative effort of talented chefs, showcases globally inspired dishes created with simple, fresh ingredients from the Okanagan. Guests can savour these culinary delights while relaxing with a glass of premium Okanagan or international wine, a refreshing local microbrew, or a handcrafted cocktail.
The atmosphere is as inviting as the food, whether you’re enjoying a romantic evening with a perfectly prepared meal or unwinding on the stunning patio after a day on the course. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance of elegance and comfort, with fire-lit tables in cooler months and big screens in the lounge showing your favourite sports. Be sure to indulge in the exquisite desserts from the pastry chefs, adding the perfect sweet note to your dining experience.
Accommodations and Activities at Predator Ridge
In addition to golf, Predator Ridge offers luxury accommodations, from vacation homes to suites that provide comfort and convenience. These options are perfect for a weekend stay or a longer getaway, with access to both courses and a range of resort activities. There is also real estate to purchase that is combined with golf memberships for a golf course lifestyle. The TopTracer-enabled practice facility and simulators are perfect for golfers looking to improve their game with real-time shot tracking any time of the year.
Predator Ridge is a community and offers a village with many amenities beyond golf. There are 2 different restaurants and a market where you can shop for necessities which also has a coffee shop. The resort offers first class fitness facilities, pools, pickleball, tennis, hiking and biking trails, ice-skating, snowshoeing and yoga, catering to those interested in wellness.
The Rise Resort: Golf with a View
The Rise Resort provides a different kind of luxury golf experience. It is 1,000 feet above Okanagan Lake and was designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates to challenge golfers with elevation changes and wide fairways. The views are stunning with each hole presenting its own set of challenges.
The Course Design: Elevation and Strategy
The Rise’s layout works with the natural terrain and designed right into the mountain, offering golfers a strategic experience. At 6,843 yards, this par-72 course combines elevation changes with wide landing areas, requiring careful planning. Players must adjust their game to the undulating fairways and the unique obstacles posed by the landscape
The signature Hole 15, a downhill dogleg with a water hazard, is a prime example of the course’s demands. Precision is required from the start, and the second shot over water adds to the difficulty. Hole 17, a 438-yard par-4, is the most challenging on the course, with a narrow landing zone that tests even the most experienced golfers. Twelve of the holes have lake views and although it is a very challenging course, the views are worth it.
Technology on the Course: GPS and Dynamic Pricing
The Rise enhances the golfing experience with full-screen GPS in every cart, powered by GolfLogix. This system gives players accurate distances and green mapping, helping them make informed decisions. The GPS also allows players to order food and drinks directly from their cart, ensuring that the round stays uninterrupted.
The Rise uses a unique, dynamic pricing model for its green fees, adjusting rates in real time based on demand. This flexible pricing structure allows golfers to find the best rates by booking early or playing during off-peak times. Seniors and juniors receive additional discounts, making the course accessible to a wide range of players.
Dining in Elegance
For a truly exceptional dining experience, The Edge Restaurant & Bar offers a menu that celebrates the vibrant flavours of the Okanagan, paired with breathtaking, panoramic views of Okanagan Lake. Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Kevin Cooper, each dish is a masterful creation, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients that highlight the best of local, sustainable produce. The refined atmosphere, with its fire-lit tables during the cooler months, creates the perfect ambiance for unwinding after a round of golf. Whether you prefer vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or more traditional fare, the menu caters to every palate, ensuring that your meal is as unforgettable as the setting.
Simulators, and Amenities at The Rise
After a day on the course, golfers can unwind at Dante’s Golf Lounge. This indoor facility features state-of-the-art simulators, allowing players to practice or play a virtual round year-round. Multiple TVs and a full-service menu make it a great place to relax and enjoy a casual meal.
The Rise also offers private event spaces, from intimate dinners in the Apatite Room to larger gatherings in the Stellar Banquet Room. Corporate events and luxury weddings are also available at the resort, with customized packages available for any occasion.
Accommodations and Stay & Play Packages
Predator Ridge: Lodging and Golf Packages
Predator Ridge offers a range of lodging options, including luxury vacation homes and suites that provide easy access to both courses. Guests can take advantage of Stay & Play packages like Golftoberfest, which includes accommodations and two rounds of golf starting at $194 per person. These packages make it easy to plan a complete golf getaway without worrying about additional details.
Exclusive Golf Programs and Events
Golf Instruction and Development at Predator Ridge
Predator Ridge offers a wide range of instruction through its Golf Academy, led by PGA of Canada professionals. Programs are available for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. One of the standout programs is "Swing Like a Girl," which offers women a supportive environment to work on their game. Junior development programs are also available, making the resort a great place for young golfers to improve.
Corporate Events and Tournaments at The Rise
The Rise is a popular destination for corporate events and golf tournaments. With customized packages, teams can enjoy a day on the course while focusing on team building. The resort’s event staff handles all the details, from setting up tee times to organizing prizes and food. It’s a complete package for those looking to combine business with golf.
Conclusion
Vernon’s top luxury golf courses, Predator Ridge Resort and The Rise Resort, offer more than just a place to play. These destinations combine challenging courses with high-end amenities, including dining, some accommodations, and personalized golf programs. Whether golfers are looking for a strategic round, or a fine dining experience to complete your day, these two resorts deliver a unique blend of challenge and elegance that sets them apart.
