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Couples Rises to occasion

The Rise, a Fred Couples signature golf course, recently opened its doors to public play in Vernon, B.C.

The 7,000-yard track is situated at 1,000 feet of elevation and boasts stunning views of both the north and south arms of Okanagan Lake.

Couples, the chief designer on the course, worked closely with golf course architect Gene Bates, with whom he has designed almost 20 courses.

The dramatic elevation drops throughout the course make this a picturesque course but definitely not a walking course.

Twelve of the 18 holes offer lake vistas and numerous elevated tees offer panoramic views of the Okanagan Valley.

Each hole provides a minimum of five tee box locations allowing players of all ability levels to tee it up at the appropriate yardage and challenge their game without feeling overwhelmed. However, even if you are a scratch golfer, be fore warned that playing from the tips might serve more as a handicap padder than a career low round.

Though stunning, this course has bite. Many fairways are tree lined snagging errant shots. If you are just off the fairway and unlucky enough to catch some of the natural grasses with your shot, it will make it nearly impossible to either find your ball or have a playable lie.

There are two distinct nines to this layout. The front nine is amongst the pine and fir trees and the back nine has a more open feeling to it.

Holes 15 and 16 have a small pond and lake located between them that truly is one of the most beautiful spots on the property. The 16th hole, a par 3, offers a unique feature where the forward tees are almost entirely surrounded by water lending an "island" tee feel to them.

Water hazards are situated on almost half of the holes creating an additional challenge for players.

There are a few blind tee shots on the course. A little local knowledge will go a long way when trying to go low on this track.

The signature hole is the 6th, a 180 yard par 3 with an elevated tee looming over a 100 feet above the putting surface. Plans are in the works to put a large scale cascading waterfall on the right side of the hole.

The course had its official dedication on June 18. Fred Couples kick started the day with a driving range clinic.

He kept the crowd entertained with his humorous stories, quick wit and shot making prowess. Couples also imparted some pearls of wisdom learned over a successful career on the PGA Tour.

He said all golfers should be trying to do is hit the centre of the club face. He discussed the importance of visualizing your shots and deep breathing to keep tension out of your swing.

One of his most poignant tips was that people lose power by moving backwards in their swing. It is imperative to always get all of your weight to the front side. He cited Gary Player as an example, a golfer who would even step through a completed swing.

Finally, if you slow your swing down, you have no chance of hitting the ball.

Couples, a self-described hockey fan, then teed off the Freddie and Friends portion headlined by NHL star and Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla.

Iginla's former teammate Chuck Kobasew, was there along with former NHLers Brent Gilchrist and Jeff Finley.

All of the players hit from the tips and the hockey players definitely had game, all appearing to sport a single digit handicap. Fun banter went on throughout the day and all five players proved that you had to be on your game to score on this course.

Couples also maintained commentary for the crowd via microphone. He said: "The lake views up here are so incredible. I have such a passion for golf that we really wanted to take our time and build a course that is as stunning as its location." He added: "It's exciting now that it's open because I know golfers from all over will want to get up here and experience it for themselves."

Green fees will range from $65 for a twilight rate to $115 including cart. The course will be semi-private and memberships will only be available to property owners at The Rise.

In addition to the golf course, home sites are available on property and a vineyard is planted. Over the next eight years, at full build out, The Rise will include several neighbourhoods, a winery, boutique hotel and private beach club.

For more information, visit www.therise.ca

Vlooswyk is a five-time Canadian women's long-drive champion, a golf entertainer and a motivational speaker. She can be reached via her website at www.lisalongball.com

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Reprinted from Calgary Herald
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