BRITISH COLUMBIA

Osoyoos Golf Club sits in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley in Canada’s only desert climate, an extension of the Sonoran Desert, which runs all the way to Mexico. Osoyoos shares its namesake glacial lake with Washington State and is just a few kilometres from the U.S. border. Overlooking the 6.5mile Osoyoos Lake, one of Canada’s warmest lakes, and having a view of Anarchist Mountain rising to 4,892 feet, the Jack Reimer- and Doug Thompson-designed 6,500yard Desert Gold course offers two 18-hole golf experiences. I booked my round through the Watermark Beach Resort (the property features golf getaway packages) and highlights include outstanding elevation changes and fairways being carved into the face of Mount Kobau. As if the surrounding mountains, vineyards and orchards are not enough, the skies are filled

with eagles and hawks soaring overhead. On the par-3 signature 12th hole, I’m at one with these bird’s-eye views, at 155 yards in distance, the drive begins with an elevated tee shot and a panorama of the Valley below – stretching all the way from Oliver, B.C., to Oroville, Wash. When making your club selection, take into account the swirling valley winds and elevation; it can vary anywhere from a sand wedge to a five iron. The bonus? The unique desert climate allows for near yearround golf, a rarity in Canada.

But it’s not just heights to fear. I got the drill from the pro shop: if you happen to stumble upon a rattlesnake, step back and leave the snake alone. Sounds obvious, but I had heard stories of golfers trying to get up-close-and-personal with the creatures.