Shannon Lake Golf Club, playing amongst towering pines and moderate elevation changes, is a true test to golfers of all abilities. The signature 8th hole is a 425-yard risk/reward par 4, played alongside beautiful Shannon Lake. One would have to consider Shannon Lake golf course a hidden gem for the Okanagan Valley. Situated in West Kelowna (formally Westbank) the 6,294-yard layout will have you using every golf club in the bag.
The Shannon Lake Golf Club unveiled its new clubhouse in conjunction with the beginning of the 2015 season. Visit Courses Restaurant for a wide array of menu items, a constantly evolving wine list, and local craft brewery selections. Also in store of 2017 are renovated teeing areas on holes #3, #7 and #14.
Be sure to determine the pin location on hole #3. A treacherous tired green with a high demand for a wedge in. If you hit the hill without a good kick forward, be prepared for a putt that can be easily 40 to 50 feet if the pin location is tucked in the top back! You will cross the quite residential road to get to the elevated forth tee. you may notice the flowers, a local resident takes it upon herself to beautify the tee box. Play a high 6 iron, perhaps 5 demanding on your skill and length off the tee. Not a lot of error for margin left or right. The green is relatively flat, par is considered good here. Hole 5 is not long, but your 2nd shot is critical. Suggestions, play a 3 or 4 iron or long hybrid down the middle, do not pull it left, trees and bunkers will hinder your ability to have a shot to the green, which has a stream running along the front. A gentle hill behind the green will allow for some fortunate bounces down to the green.
The back nine at the Shannon Lake golf course provides some neat peek a boo vistas looking down to Okanagan Lake. Hole #12 climbs upwards and if you are daring, Strike a strong 3-wood and you can be green side, but beware of the ridge in the green. Making birdie here is very "do-able" if your approach is well received into the green.
Hole #13 is a short par 5, but requires two well placed shots. Driver off the tee here is a no-no. An easy 3- or 5-wood will suffice, then your second shot up the hill requires easily two extra clubs extra. So, eye it up before you make a club selection. This two tiered green also gives you a chance at birdie, or more often, a bogey. Once you head over to hole #14, you have arrived at the highest point of the Shannon Lake Golf Club. Another easy par 4, assuming you hit it straight down the middle, a mid- to long-iron off the tee is all you need here. Look for turtles in the deep pond to the left of the green.
A day at Shannon Lake Golf Course will be most enjoyable. It is ideal to plan golfing here either on an arrival or departure day should you be traveling the Kelowna - Merritt connector via home to/from the lower mainland. Shannon Lake Golf Club is located just off Highway 97, immediately north of West Kelowna, and only 10 minutes from downtown Kelowna.
