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NHLers, golfer Couples launch

Vernon's The Rise

The Golf Club at The Rise, a Fred Couples Signature Golf Course, opened to the public on June 20 with a visit by the pro-golf fan favourite and some NHL hockey players.

Couples was in Vernon to play the opening round at the course with Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla, Boston Bruin Chuck Kobasew and former NHLers Brent Gilchrist and Jeff Finley.

Couples conducted a golf clinic for media and invited guests and then hit the first ceremonial drive before playing the exhibition round. Wearing a wireless microphone, he provided commentary on each hole through a mobile loudspeaker for the crowd of 150 people, who followed the players around the course.

"The lake views up here are so incredible," he said. "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. 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."

While membership in the golf club is only available with the purchase of real estate at The Rise, the golf course is open for the public to enjoy. Green fees during peak hours are $115, including golf cart, with twilight tee times set at $65.

The course is integrated into the rugged natural topography of the Vernon highlands. Five sets of tees accommodate all golfers.

The Rise was designed by Couples/Bates Design, an affiliation between Fred Couples and award-winning golf course architect Gene Bates. Construction for the 18-hole signature course was by BMR Golf, whose credits also include the award-winning Greywolf at Panorama Mountain Resort and The Dunes in Kamloops.

Okanagan Hills Development Corporation (OHDC) is building The Rise, billed as "Okanagan's signature golf and winery resort" a south-facing hillside overlooking Okanagan Lake.

For additional information regarding the project, click on the logo:

Reprinted from Surrey Now
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