Golfers line up their par puts on the 9th green (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

WORLD RANKING

Top 100 ranking brings new attention, and new golfers to Tobiano Golf Course

Jul 26, 2022 | 4:17 PM

KAMLOOPS — In ranking Tobiano Golf Course the 90th best in the world, the Golf Digest website wrote Tobiano is a “ruggedly beautiful course” and the wide-open property is a labyrinth of dry ravines and rocky arroyos. As you survey the course, it’s hard to disagree with that analysis.

“We are extremely grateful and honoured and humbled. It’s kind of surreal to think about. I know i can speak for everybody here at Tobiano, that we are really really grateful for Golf Digest putting us in that category,” said Tobiano’s CPGA Head Professional, Shannon McGeady.

Local members at the course weren’t surprised to see their home 18 ranked so high, as they are privy to its charm every week.

“I think the beauty of the Thompson Valley and the way the course is situated – it definitely ranks it in that top 100. It definitely probably deserves a little bit higher,” said a local member on Tuesday morning.

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While local members are the backbone of any good golf course, the recognition from Golf Digest will only help Tobiano attract players from further afield.

“Not only just Canada, but from the Netherlands and Germany. One thing about being a course like us, is you met people from all over, different stories, have seen what we’ve done in different rankings and put us on their bucket list,” said McGeady.

While it may not be the Netherlands or Germany, a trio of golfers from the Chilliwack area made the near 3 hour drive early this morning to tee it up for the first time at Tobiano, and it’s likely not their last.

“Lets just put it this way, as soon as I get home, before we get home, everybody is going to hear about this,” said one golfer, “It’s some of the best greens I’ve ever played, and we’ve played some pretty nice courses on the lower mainland, so this is pretty pristine, and the views are second to none.”

“Very excited to play this course. surprised to hear it’s 90th ranked in the world. Amazing view, I love it,” they said.

The sport of golf saw a resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic, but as restrictions ease, honours, like the one bestowed on Tobiano will help ensure golfers keep coming back.

“You get a view from every single hole and the course is so well manicured. And you get the dynamics of the green fairways and greens. And then the brown fescue and the sage. It just offers such an interesting dynamic that makes it so beautiful,” added McGeady.

Tobiano is one of 11 Canadian courses ranked on the list, and one of two from B.C., the other being the Capilano Golf and Country Club in west Vancouver.