While the property is abuzz with golf course construction, Neil Schmidt finds himself busy with the tasks that relate to painting the pictures that will convince prospective members to join the Tower Ranch Golf Club.

Schmidt is a homegrown golf professional embarking on an opportunity to put his fingerprints on the operation of an exciting new facility in Kelowna. When the curtains are drawn back next summer, Tower Ranch is certain to enhance the landscape of the Okanagan Valley’s vibrant industry of golf.

“It’s my first ever position where I’ll be involved right from the start,” explained Schmidt, the father of two young children. “For me, it’s kind of like comparing it to having another child. It’s another brand new experience.”

Hole # 2, par 5 545 yards

When asked why the Head Professional position appealed to him, Schmidt reflected on his upbringing in the region and the people he has met throughout his career.

“It was a golf course that had been talked about back when I was a junior member at the Kelowna Golf & Country Club,” Schmidt recalled. “Over the years, Stan Tower spoke of building a golf course on his property.”

Tragically, Stan Tower was killed in a farming accident. However, it was indeed more than 15 years ago when he first spoke of his vision to create an upscale, ranch-theme, golf course community. Located 10 minutes from downtown Kelowna, Tower Ranch will feature sweeping views of Kelowna, Okanagan Lake, Duck Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Hole #3, 360 yard par 4

“It’s wonderful that after all this time, Stan’s vision of a community where people can live, play and work is becoming a reality,” said Leila Tower, Stan’s widow. “He has left our family and the entire Kelowna community with a beautiful legacy.”

Renowned golf course architect Thomas McBroom has designed the 18-hole championship golf course. The facility will be built and operated by Aberdeen Golf, the company that built the recently opened Tobiano Golf Club near Kamloops. Dilworth Homes of Kelowna is the homebuilder on site while Intrawest is aggressively marketing the real estate. Eventual build-out is pegged at 812 units.

“Tower Ranch is a spectacular property for golf,” said McBroom in an interview with BCgolfguide.com. “It features dramatically undulating land that will yield a fascinating and thrilling golf course. We should be finished and able to open in 2008.

Hole # 5, par 3, 160 yards

“We’ve planned hand in hand with the residential side and have been able to ensure the golf course still flows well. The housing has also been set well back from the golf course. Any time you’re massaging a golf course into a residential development, the costs are a little higher.”

During a visit in early September, it was apparent most of the front nine has already grown in. Golfers can expect a combination of rolling terrain, large greens, wide fairways and a collection of 130 potentially nasty bunkers filled with white silica sand. From the first tee to the 18th green, the grounds will be cared for by superintendent Trevor Chiasson.

“Tower Ranch will be a good test for low-handicap players,” Schmidt confirmed. “But what I like about the design is the way this golf course will play for the recreational golfer.”

Construction crew hydro-seeding hole #5 tee box

To support his view, Schmidt refers to what he calls a “saddling” effect, a design feature that will help keep errant shots in play.

“Tom (McBroom) has created a golf course where golf balls will actually be directed toward the middle of the fairways,” Schmidt explained during a tour of the layout. “

According to Schmidt, from the highest point on the back nine to the lowest point on the front nine, the elevation change is about 800 feet. Yet there are only two holes, the eighth and ninth, that will play uphill. And the grade is very gradual at that.

Hole #6, 460 yard par 4

“I think people will find that Tom has been able to take one’s temper out of the game here,” Schmidt laughed, suggesting anyone who finds the layout to demanding in some places will still enjoy an outstanding experience. “The changes in elevation are really felt on the cart paths. Tom has done a great job in designing a pathway system away from the area of play.

“He’s created a terrific overall experience because the pathway system provides outstanding views of the city and the lakes. You can even watch the planes at Kelowna International Airport landing and taking off, yet we hardly hear them.”

Schmidt, who left his position of five years at Predator Ridge this past August to assume his duties at Tower Ranch, also spent five years at the Kelowna Golf & Country Club. He brings a local flavor to the mix and sees a starting golf shop crew of about 20 employees required from the outset. The group will handle responsibilities around the hub of activity, the clubhouse that is currently under construction.

“We’ll have locker rooms for the members and a veranda on two sides of the clubhouse,” Schmidt said. “We’ll also have a workout facility on site and the golf shop will look out over the first tee and the entire city of Kelowna.”

For Schmidt, a product of the Kelowna golf community who has worked his up through the ranks, opening day at Tower Ranch is certain to bring feelings of nostalgia and personal satisfaction. Hard work and patience have been rewarded as he now finds himself in a great place during exciting times. And one might confidently suspect he’ll be certain to enjoy the view.

Tower Ranch Golf (Canadagolfguide.com - Sept 10th, 2007) - Thomas McBroom

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