Going for Birdie

5 Surprising Public Golf Courses in Vancouver

We've heard it before: Vancouver is one of those rare places where you can ski and golf in the same day. But for a golf fiend, who would want to take time away from the course, especially in a city where mountains serve as backdrops for lush fairways and rolling greens? While Vancouver boasts a number of iconic private clubs -- Capilano, Shaughnessy, Point Grey, just to name a few -- these five municipal courses defy the myth that having "public" in its name means "mediocre." Prepare to have your expectations shattered, because these courses have set a new standard.

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  Fraserview Golf Course

  Par: 72
  Length: 6,700 yards
  Slope: 112
  Rating: 69.8

  Fraserview is often touted as one of the best public golf courses in Canada, partly for its majestic rolling greens and partly for its scenic location overlooking the Fraser River. Hidden away by a mature urban forest, this well-maintained course, designed by renowned Canadian architect Thomas McBroom, offers a variety of challenges for golfers of all skill levels. Fraserview recently won bronze in the Best Public Course in Canada category and was voted one of the Most Underrated Golf Courses in Canada by the SCOREGolf Magazine Golfer's Choice Awards.

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  University Golf Club

  Par: 72
  Length: 6601 yards
  Slope: 124
  Rating: 71.6 to 72.3

  Situated among the towering trees of Pacific Spirit Park just minutes from downtown Vancouver, the University Golf Club has been a golf landmark and the public's choice since 1929. A playable course for golfers of every level, facility includes the 18 hole championship course, Driving Range, Private Teaching Area, Restaurant, Golf & Fashion Shop, Banquet, Meeting and Reception Facilities.

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  Northlands Golf Course

  Par: 71
  Length: 6,504 yards
  Slope: 138
  Rating: 67.30 to 71.40, depending on the tee

  When it debuted in 1998, Northlands won the Best New Course award from Golf Digest. Since then, the course hasn't looked back, providing a well-thought-out mix of challenges and vistas for various levels of play. The keyword here is playability - it's simply a fun course to play, with tree-lined fairways that take advantage of the location at the base of Mt. Seymour.

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  Redwoods Golf Course

  Par: 71
  Length: 6,516 yards
  Slope: 131
  Rating: 71.2

  Located in Langley, Redwoods features a backdrop of mountains towering over lush evergreens. Another former farm, it sports a bucolic atmosphere and a mountain scene. Not a bad place to spend a morning or afternoon. Expect fast greens and extremely challenging fairways. The signature hole #13 is one to remember: 398 years, par 4 and a fabulous view.

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  Mayfair Lakes Golf Course

  Par: 71
  Length: 6,641 yards
  Slope: 123
  Rating: 71.3

  Richmond's premier golf course is actually semi-private, but it's included here non-members can still take advantage of its views of the Coast Mountains and stretches of the Pacific Ocean. The course's scenic fairways and water elements (14 holes have water) provide various challenges to the avid golfer, but perhaps most distinctive is Mayfair's level of upkeep, which has garnered its reputation as one of the finest public courses in British Columbia.

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