Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
Rankings:
The Takeaway: With mesmerizing lake views throughout the course, Tobiano delivers with great hole designs to compliment the eye candy. Plan on plenty of elevation changes, forced carries, and needing your 'A' game. Grade A-
Quick Facts
Designer: Thomas McBroom 2007
Cost: $80 - $180 (includes GPS equipped cart) Click for current rates
Phone Number: 250-434-7373
Course Website: Official Website - Visit GreenTee Country Club Tobiano's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 38 Holloway Drive, Kamloops, British Columbia V1S 0B3 – CANADA
Photos: See additional photos of GreenTee Country Club Tobiano
Similar Course:
What to Expect: Designed by heralded Canadian architect Thomas McBroom, Tobiano is located on dramatic terrain above Kamloops Lake. Big elevation changes, bluff-lined fairways, great conditioning, and forced carries over ravines are all calling cards at Tobiano, as is the occasional blind shot. With impressive lake views and holes that mainly run parallel to the water, similarities can be seen between this Canadian gem and Pete Dye's Wisconsin creation at Whistling Straits. The fairways are generous overall, which can assist players that may be contending with the Aleutian wind off the lake. The engaging terrain at Tobiano makes walking the course an unrealistic scenario for most golfers, but it does provide plenty of elevation changes and the hole designs are an awesome combination of fun, challenging, and memorable. With five par threes to contend with, a multiple of memorable shots, and Kodak moments throughout, Tobiano is surely the treasure of Kamloops!
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour | 72 | 7367 | 75.3 | 134 |
| Iron | 72 | 7110 | 74.1 | 131 |
| Spur | 72 | 6592 | 71.9 | 127 |
| Lake | 72 | 6072 | 69.7 | 127 |
| Sage | 72 | 5293 | 66.3 | 115 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 1st Hole – 576 Yard Par 5 – An unforgettable opening shot - few courses start with a more visually spectacular hole. The tee box sits above the fairway, with Kamloops Lake glimmering to the left and rugged desert bluffs framing the landing area. The fairway tumbles downhill, encouraging a bold tee shot that catches the slope for extra roll. The green complex is elevated above the fairway and guarded by deep bunkers, making reaching the putting surface in two a significant challenge. The opening hole sets the tone for the round with a bold design, scenic setting, and strategic features.
Best Par 3: 7th Hole – 197 Yards – One of the most dramatic one-shotters in British Columbia, and often described as a "cliffhanger" par three, the 7th hole features a forced carry over a canyon to a shallow green where distance control is everything. Come up short, and you'll likely never see your ball again. Miss on one of the edges, and you'll quickly find a bunker. At nearly 200 yards, it is a substantial par three but not unconquerable. But it isn't the distance, it is the lack of room for error that has players shaking in their cleats. With a green perched between two canyons, you'll need to execute an excellent shot to find the putting surface and conquer McBroom's beast.
Best Par 4: 14th Hole – 453 Yards – A stunning downhill par four that skirts the canyon edge while traversing towards Kamloops Lake, the 14th is one of the most memorable holes at Tobiano. The tee shot has a forced carry to a fairway that has a pair of bunkers on the left side to avoid before continuing down to the infinity edge green sparkling water and an impressive mountain creating the backdrop. Given the length of the hole, you aren't likely to have a scoring club in your hand on your second shot, so taking aim at the left center of the green and letting the contours work the ball towards the flag is a good strategy. It is a beautiful hole that leads into Tobiano's climatic stretch paralleling Kamloops Lake.
Best Par 5: 8th Hole – 589 Yards – The longest hole on the course with one of the most intimidating tee shots at Tobiano, the 8th hole requires a big drive over a canyon to reach the fairway that sits on a bluff above Lake Kamloops. A canyon cuts into the fairway 150 yards from the green and tightens the landing area in addition to creating a hazard from which balls rarely survive if shots waver to the right. The approach shot into the green plays downhill with the putting surface purchased above the lake to create an exciting and impressive setting to hit into. As is the case with most of McBroom's greens, expect some challenging undulations to deal with when pulling out the flatstick. A par here is an impressive feat on one of Tobiano's most memorable holes.
Birdie Time: 15th Hole – 155 Yard Par 3 – Tobiano is a challenging course, so finding birdie opportunities can be elusive. But standing on the 15th tee players should feel a boost of confidence with this par three that tips out at a mere 155 yards. The hole parallels the lake which creates a beautiful setting, but don't let that distract you from the task at hand which is to throw a dart at the flag. The bunkers along the left side can prevent your ball from tumbling down the canyon, while the opening in front of the green allows for aerial or ground shots to get close. It is a beautiful hole that is all the more enjoyable when you flag your approach tight and knock down the birdie.
Bogey Beware: 5th Hole – 480 Yard Par 4 – The longest par four on the course, the 5th often plays against the wind and can be very challenging to reach in regulation. The fairway threads through the high desert terrain and gives a false sense of some protection from the wind, but when your ball gets in the air it will feel every bit of it. The fairway dives down a valley before ascending to the green that is set at the base of sagebrush covered hills and is protected by a bunker short and left. Approach shots that don't carry the front edge of the green will be repelled down the hill to a well-used chipping area that reduces the chance of saving par dramatically. While plenty challenging, the 5th also starts the signature stretch on the front nine that is often regarded as some of the best holes at Tobiano.
