Tsawwassen Springs Golf

An interesting layout combines 2 distinctly different sides - old side is traditional tree-lined course with newer side featuring a links inspired layout. It’s not a long course but makes up for that with multiple hazards and small greens requiring precise distance control and shotshape. Very walkable with a good pace of play - never more than 4 hours and often closer to 3 when not busy.

I speak to many and recommend Tsawwassen Springs. Get push back from some because is too easy based on reading the scorecard. I suggest they play it and then judge. Mostly NOBODY plays their handicap on this course consistently. On average I will suggest 5-6 strokes over their handicap. Enough hazards and course design gives a lot of risk/reward opportunities. Brand new Facilities are TOP CLASS and near if not the best in the area.

If you are a length snob not for you even though you will not be able to play your Handicap. Fairways narrow, plenty of hazards well maintained challenging greens. Many holes require the right lay-up positioning for good approach to the greens.

Think you got game? This 5,439 yard Par 70 course will give you incredible challenge guaranteed.

By far the best course conditions in Southern BC.

Don't be fooled by the yardage! Fun challenging shorter holes with terrific greens. Greens are surrounded by bunkers and hazards to add excitement to your round.

April 2nd and the course is already in summer play condition. Set up for smart golf, positioning is more important than length on many holes. A couple challenging Par 3's over 200 yards from the Blue Tees.

The facilities are comparable to many top Golf Country Clubs courses throughout Canada and USA. The new Owners and Management have built a remarkable development of an older Hack Course.

Food is great. I would suggest the Margarita Pizza.

I've played this course several times this year and one thing that keeps getting under my skin every time is how narrow the fairways are. I did a little research, turns out the average width of a fairway on a public course in North America is 35-45 yrds wide. I measured up the Tsawwassen Springs fairways and they average 15-25 yrds wide. This confirms to me that they squeezed that course together so that they can market themselves as an 18 hole course and charge exorbitant prices . On the plus side, it was built on a huge sand base so is bone dry during the West Coast monsoons. So this course is a winter course when the rates are lower.

Summary:This small course offers great value in the winter months as it is very dry with greens that are in summer-like condition. Not so much value in the summer as the course is more expensive for the experience and short length. The course offers you chances to go for the green or to play a "safer" route. Excellent par three variations in terms of length from the various tees. Some of the Pro Shop staff are not the friendliest or most considerate of the customer.

Tees: 4/5 ... the course offers multiple tees for various handicap levels. Well spaced out so as to make sure that there are a set of tees enjoyable for all skill levels.

The tee box conditions are pretty good, and will be better once the warmer - drier weather arrives. Well positioned and generally level with good drainage.

Greens: 4.5/5 ... this is the strong point of the course. The greens are in really good shape, not only for the time of the year, but in their overall design. Being a shorter course, the greens are the course's best defense against par. They are fairly generous in size, with good undulations. Great drainage means that they stay firm and dry throughout the wet months and the grass is healthy and usually cut short for a fairly fast green speed.

Fairways: 3/5 ...this is a bit of a mixed rating....the course, particularly on the fist nine, is somewhat narrow meaning that you need to be mindful of wayward tee shots. However, they are generally well design, particularly on the second nine, offering good landing/target areas and options to either "go for it" or to take a "safer route". The second nine, plays much more open and has that "links style" feel given the lack of trees and the wind that can kick up from time to time.

Practice areas: There is a very small practice range that is being upgraded to cover some of the tee areas from the elements. A small practice green but no chipping areas. The practice range is only open during daylight and is limited in the number of spots.

Food & Beverage: there is none at the time of writing, but there should be in the next month or so as they are constructing what seems like a gorgeous clubhouse, pro shop, restaurant, fitness area and more. It will overlook the 18th green and will offer a great vantage point for watching the finishing hole!

We played twilight so it was expected for some but dang there were a lot. Front 9 was familiar and easy. Back 9 was not forgiving. Some blind fairways. Will go back but only during primetime and if there's specials. Would not pay $80 for this course.

If you are looking for a beautiful setting and laid back setting, this little gem is for you. While the front 9 is older and easier to play (my favourite) the back 9 will challenge the best golfers, with narrower, winding holes. The new clubhouse and facility is under construction and this is sure to be a hang out spot for members and guests alike.

I hope to move there!