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SANDPIPER
Golf Resort
PAR 4 361 yARDS
Harrison Mills, BC
877.796.1001
www.sandpiperresort.ca
Nestled in a centuries-old forest along the blue-green waters of the Harrison River
in Fraser Valley, Sandpiper Golf Resort is an outstanding escape. Featuring gently
sloped fairways and four sets of tees, the course is playable by all. Russ Olson's
design takes full advantage of the scenery, which is so breathtaking that you might
actually find it distracting during your first round.
The par-72 course runs 6,500 yards, with challenges diverse enough to exercise
the full spectrum of a player's skills. It is also home to a notable bed-and-breakfast:
Rowena's Inn On the River, secluded on a lush 160-acre estate complete with its own
private air strip that laterally straddles the 17th hole.
At 361 yards, the 5th hole is not the longest par 4 on the course, but its unique
features will force you to rise to the occasion of mastering it. The first difficulty stems
from a substantial drop in elevation, always a test in selecting clubs and judging
the correct landing area off the tee. Then, the fairway is constricted by two bunkers
about 250 yards out. Shaped like a kidney, the right bunker sits on the direct line from
tee to green, with a tall birch in the middle. The tree makes you want to aim left, but
don't do it. The better shot is to fade right toward the green, which has an undulating
profile and sits in a "catcher's mitt" of 120-foot-tall Douglas firs and cedars. Placing
the ball safely on the green will allow you to avoid the trees and rough surroundings
on three sides.
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Photograph by Doug Johnson
