Top 5 Public Golf Courses in British Columbia

British Columbia quietly offers some of the most memorable public golf anywhere in North America. Massive mountain backdrops, remote landscapes, and courses that lean into the land instead of overpowering it make BC a dream destination for golfers who care as much about experience as they do about score.

This ranking focuses on public-access courses you can actually play, evaluated through the Northwest Links lens:

• Sense of place

• Scenic impact

• Design philosophy

• How memorable the round feels

This isn’t a list of the “hardest” or “most famous” courses — it’s a list of the best public golf experiences in British Columbia.

5. Big Sky Golf Club (Pemberton, BC)

Big Sky earns its place in the Top 5 not because it’s flashy, but because it’s intentional. Located just north of Whistler in the Pemberton Valley, this course feels calm, open, and refreshingly understated.

What makes Big Sky special is how naturally it fits into its surroundings. Rather than forcing dramatic shaping or eye-catching features, the course blends seamlessly into the valley floor. Mount Currie towers in the background, fairways stretch wide, and the entire round unfolds at a relaxed, almost meditative pace.

On quiet days, Big Sky feels less like a traditional golf outing and more like a walk through one of BC’s most scenic valleys — with golf holes simply appearing along the way. It’s incredibly walkable, forgiving without being boring, and perfect for golfers who value atmosphere as much as architecture.

Why it matters: Big Sky represents the softer side of BC golf — peaceful, scenic, and deeply connected to its environment.

4. Tobiano Golf Course (Kamloops, BC)

If Big Sky is understated, Tobiano is the opposite — and proudly so.

Perched high above Kamloops Lake, Tobiano was designed to be bold. From the first tee, the course leans into elevation, exposure, and long, sweeping views. Tee shots often feel dramatic, with cliffs, wind, and water all playing a role in the experience.

The visuals at Tobiano are relentless. It’s one of those courses where players routinely stop mid-round just to take in the scenery. But beneath the drama is a thoughtful layout that rewards smart positioning and confident ball striking.

This is not a course you forget easily. Even if you only play it once, certain tee shots and vistas will stay with you long after the round is over.

Why it matters: Tobiano delivers one of the most visually striking public golf experiences in the province — a true bucket-list round.

3. Predator Ridge – Ridge Course (Vernon, BC)

Predator Ridge offers two distinct courses, but the Ridge Course is the one that earns Top 5 status.

Designed to be tougher, more rugged, and more exposed than its sibling, the Ridge Course embraces the raw character of the Okanagan landscape. Elevation changes are more pronounced, rock outcroppings are more visible, and the course feels far less manicured than the Predator Course.

What sets the Ridge apart is how it uses the land rather than softening it. Fairways move with the terrain, greens sit naturally on the landscape, and the course consistently presents interesting decisions without feeling punitive.

For players visiting Predator Ridge and choosing just one round, the Ridge Course offers the most complete expression of the property.

Why it matters: This is resort golf that still feels authentic — polished enough to impress, rugged enough to feel real.

2. Greywolf Golf Course (Panorama, BC)

Greywolf is mountain golf at full volume.

Set high in the Purcell Mountains at Panorama Mountain Resort, Greywolf is best known for the Cliffhanger par-3 — a hole that has become one of the most photographed in Canada. But focusing only on Cliffhanger undersells the experience.

The entire course leans into elevation, exposure, and alpine drama. Fairways traverse ridgelines, greens sit against mountain backdrops, and the constant change in elevation gives the round a sense of adventure.

Greywolf often feels like it’s operating right at the edge of what’s playable — in the best possible way. It’s demanding visually, occasionally intimidating, and utterly unforgettable.

Why it matters: Greywolf delivers the kind of ‘wow’ factor that few courses anywhere can replicate.

1. Sagebrush Golf Course (Merritt, BC)

Sagebrush takes the top spot not because it’s the most dramatic, but because it’s the most thoughtful.

This minimalist masterpiece nearly disappeared at one point — closed, overgrown, and at risk of being lost entirely. Its revival stayed true to the original vision: let the land speak, trust the golfer, and remove everything unnecessary.

One of the most defining aspects of Sagebrush is how intentionally uncrowded it feels. Historically, the course limited play to roughly 50–60 golfers per day, a fraction of what most public courses accommodate. Even today, tee times are spaced far apart, often around 15 minutes, creating a rare sense of space and solitude.

There are no houses, no distractions, and no forced visuals. Fairways are wide but strategic, greens reward creativity, and wind often becomes the most important defense.

Sagebrush doesn’t dictate how you should play — it invites you to think, experiment, and engage with the ground game. It’s a course that values restraint, patience, and imagination.

Why it matters: Sagebrush represents golf at its purest — and reminds players why simplicity, when done right, is so powerful.

Final Thoughts

British Columbia’s best public golf isn’t defined by luxury or exclusivity — it’s defined by land, restraint, and unforgettable settings. From peaceful valley golf at Big Sky to the strategic purity of Sagebrush, these courses showcase just how diverse and compelling BC golf can be.

Whether you’re planning a dedicated golf trip or building a longer Pacific Northwest itinerary, these five courses represent the very best of what British Columbia has to offer.

Have a course you think should be higher — or one we missed entirely? Let us know. That’s half the fun of ranking golf.