"Jack Nicklaus – golf’s Golden Bear – is picky about the sites on which he builds his signature golf courses, and even pickier about communities, that “bear” his moniker."

It must be a match, or... round made in heaven then for Nicklaus, as his course is single handedly turning Vancouver Island into Canada's favorite golf destination

The initial group of investors contacted Nicklaus Design to develop two golf courses. The first was finished in August 2003 and It is unquestionably one of the best new golf courses open in Canada in recent years.

Situated in the foothills of Mount Finlayson, the Bear Mountain course is "Visually stunning and endlessly challenging", a truly captivating year round golf experience for beginners and professionals alike offering 7,212 yards and the highest slope rating in Canada from the back tees.

Co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and his son Steven, Bear Mountain became one of Canada's must-play courses the moment it opened. "I think some of the holes out there are just unbelievably fantastic" said Nicklaus of the Vancouver Island course, which is situated in Canada's mildest climate and minutes from Victoria, a world rennown tourism destination, ranked Conde Nast Traveler magazine's top city in the Americas in 2003. Indeed the mountain, city and ocean views are breathtaking if not 'par for the course' with British Columbia claiming the top spot with the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).

The 'Golden One' returned in august for a clinic and was impressed with what he saw. "This is a gorgeous parcel of land for a golf course," said Nicklaus. "The people will enjoy playing here as it has so much to offer. They won't get tired of playing it. There are also some unbelievable views here.'

A second phase 18-hole championship course is already in development with the first 9 holes scheduled for completion in Fall 2008. The investment group is said to include a dozen NHL and ex-NHL veterans including Mike Vernon, Joe Nieuwendyk, Rob Blake, Scott Mellanby, Rob Niedermayer and Gary Roberts.

For more information visit:
Westin Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa
www.bearmountain.ca

Sources:
Robb Report Vacation Homes – Fall 2005 George Fuller
Brian Kendall The Globe and Mail