B.C.’s Predator Ridge Resort Features Great Golf, Wonderful Wine

- Predator Ridge is one of those places where you come for a visit and stay for a lifetime. This exclusive golf resort community in western British Columbia has a stellar reputation that attracts visitors and potential home owners from around the U.S. and Canada.

Located in Vernon, B.C., Predator Ridge opened in 1991 with 18 holes of golf. Acres of immaculate undulating fairways, natural lakes and streams, rugged pine-covered ridges, and wheat grass meadows define the resort’s unique 1,200 acre setting. In 2000, the golf course expanded to 27 holes and the first on-site accommodations were offered at the Lodge and Spa at Predator Ridge.

Today however, this award-winning facility boasts 50 cottages and 78 lodge suites; a clubhouse with extraordinary views and several dining options; Rituals Aveda Spa & Salon; a Golf Performance Center offering coaching, lessons, and custom equipment fitting; three outdoor pools and hot tubs; a 10,000-square-foot fitness center with a 25 meter indoor pool, hot tub, and steam bath; tennis, basketball court, and playground; meeting rooms for large groups; and an extensive walking and hiking trail system. Several phases of home sites have been introduced with a variety of designs and layouts, including the latest at Longspoon Ridge which overlooks the resort and spectacular Okanagan Lake.

The current 27 holes of golf at the Les Furber-designed Predator Ridge comprise three diverse nine-hole courses named after resident birds of prey: The Osprey, The Peregrine, and The Red Tail. According to Jennifer Strachan, Predator Ridge’s marketing and communications specialist, the planned expansion includes a complete renovation of the current nine holes of the Peregrine Course and the addition of a new nine holes to create a unified 18-hole golf experience. When the new course is completed in 2010, Predator Ridge will offer two distinct 18-hole courses and 36 holes of golf.

Several dining options are available throughout the property, including the recently renovated Clubhouse. Other dining facilities include the Lounge, In The Cup Café, and the Turning Point. The place to visit for a little peace and quiet and an extraordinary meal is the Range, a premium steakhouse. This high-end restaurant features excellent steaks, and offers many seasonal dishes. The extensive wine list not only includes local selections, but also a few reds and whites from the vineyards of Mike Weir and Greg Norman. Weir’s selections include a Cabernet Merlot while Norman’s featured a Shiraz and a Cabernet Merlot. A local favorite is Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, which was named Winery of the Year at the 2007 Canadian Wine Awards. Mission Hill Family Estate (www.missionhillwinery.com) is the showcase winery in the entire province, and is located in Kelowna 35 minutes south of Predator Ridge. This architecturally stunning estate was founded in 1981.

In addition to the excellent dining options at Predator Ridge, the Golf Performance Center is a popular stop for visitors. Featuring private grass tee instructions and fitting areas, a generous short game area, practice bunkers, and indoor and outdoor putting greens, guests can work on the entire spectrum of their game. The Golf Performance Center is designed to provide the finest golf instruction for every skill level. Five certified Canadian PGA professional instructors have analyzed thousands of golf swings and can help any golfer on the path to lower scores.

Showcasing its outstanding facilities, Predator Ridge recently hosted the TELUS World Skins Game that featured Mike Weir, Fred Couples, Greg Norman, Colin Montgomerie, and Camilo Villegas. To find out more about Predator Ridge Golf Resort Community, visit www.predatorridge.com or call 888-578-6688.

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