This great recession means living without some of life’s little pleasures, but giving up your tee time? In Vancouver, if you can clear some time in the evening, you needn’t make that concession. Here’s where – and when – to save some green on the greens.
Kings Links
Best deal: Daily, 2.5 hours before dusk, $25
With its seaside setting, ocean breezes, mountain views and rolling greens, it’s a solid stand-in for Scotland. Firm fairways and a big rough offer a real links feel. 3388 72nd St., Delta, 604-952-0999.
Northlands
Best deal: Daily, after 6:30 p.m., $30
This Les Furber-designed course, which hugs Mount Seymour, boasts big timber stands and spectacular views of Vancouver. 3400 Anne MacDonald Way, North Vancouver, 604-280-1111.
Northview
Best deal: Daily, sunset, $30 (Canal), $40 (Ridge)
You can go for broke without going broke at this pair of Arnold Palmer courses. Play the bunkers like a pro on the former PGA Tour Ridge course, and negotiate the natural terrain of the links-style canal. 6857-168th St., Surrey, 604-576-4653.
Sandpiper
Best deal: Weekdays after 5 p.m., $25
Fairways wind through pine trees at this classic course. Killer scenery and diverse terrain – offering a good test for all your clubs – mean it’s worth the drive to the Fraser Valley. 14282 Morris Valley Rd., Harrison Mills, 1-877-796-1001.
Nico-Wynd
Best deal: Weekdays (nine holes) at sunset, $19
Expect tight fairways and challenging smaller greens – and the cheapest nine holes in the Lower Mainland – as you play along the banks of the Nicomekl River. 3601 Nico-Wynd, Dr., South Surrey, 604-535-9511.
Image courtesy of Pocket Wiley.
