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FOREwORD Canadians take both their homeland and their golf very seriously, and rightly so, given that there are few places in the world more extraordinarily beautiful and with as many challenges and pleasures as there are in Western Canada. Whether playing in Alberta on windswept prairie lands, on hillside courses of the majestic Rocky Mountains, or on the mountain and desert courses of the interior of British Columbia to the Pacific Ocean, golfers often find it difficult to keep focused on the game when some of the most remarkable scenery in the world is constantly competing for their attention. Dating back to the colonization of Canada, when waves of early settlers from Britain, Scotland, Ireland, and the rest of Europe began to inhabit the land, golf became a sport of choice for many and was first played on Western Canadian soil in 1893. With the West's rich heritage and landscape, a number of the great golf architectural efforts crafted by some of the most recognized names from the Golden Age of course architecture—such as Stanley Thompson, A. Vernon Macan, and Robert Trent Jones Sr.—have left their signature designs, making this region one of those unique places that amalgamated spectacular land with our spirited game. Born and raised in British Columbia, I never fully appreciated my devotion to Canada until, in spite of the travel challenges of playing the PGA Tour, my wife Joanie and I made the decision to move back to the province and raise our three children here, calling Vancouver home. The more I traveled the world as a tour professional, the more I came to appreciate just how beautiful and special Western Canada is. Diversity is one of the many characteristics that makes this land so distinctive, which is an opinion I share with many other top- ranked professional and amateur golfers who have had the opportunity to play in this part of the world. From a global perspective, very few destinations can match the majesty of the courses near Banff, for example, where the experience includes incredible golf surrounded by spectacular natural vistas and wildlife. The diversity is nearly endless; where else can you ski at an Olympic venue then play 18 holes of golf in the same day? Whether you experience golf in Western Canada's many genuine mountain terrains, play by the natural rivers and streams, or touch the soul of the rich ranching history, you will feel right at home. You will no doubt find this beautiful book an inspiration, as it captures all that is wonderful about our game. May Spectacular Golf Western Canada inspire you to visit and play these great golf courses. Enjoy your game, Two-time PGA Tour winner, 2011 Canadian Golf Hall of Fame inductee, and co-designer/developer of The Club at Sagebrush Richard Zokol

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