Cache Creek’s golf course has, like a phoenix, risen from last year’s flames to reopen, but that opening could be short-lived unless golfers step up to the tee.
The newly renamed Bonaparte Ridge Golf Course—formerly Semlin Valley Golf Course—opened for the season on April 14. The 35-year-old course was run by a society until 2017, but declining membership left its future in doubt even before the 2017 wildfires, which destroyed a bathroom facility at the fifth hole and more than $75,000-worth of fencing.
In August 2017 the Ashcroft-Cache Creek Regional Golf & Country Club Society voted to dissolve the society, and announced that the golf course was closing immediately and would not reopen.
Owners Brenda Woodward and Gord Colliar, who purchased the golf course more than two years ago, held meetings earlier this spring to determine if there was enough interest from golfers to reopen.
“We had a great turnout to the first meeting, and it looked like good support,” says Whitehead. “Forty-five people committed to purchasing season’s passes, but so far we’ve only sold 20.” She and Colliar decided to press on, however, renaming the course for financial reasons and as part of a re-branding exercise.
Woodward says that while there have been a few changes, such as the hiring of a new golf consultant, there have been no changes to the course. “Everyone seems to like it, although a few people would like sand traps built in.”
She hopes to be able to build a new clubhouse eventually, but for now the old one remains in place. Until a health inspection can be made and a certificate issued in the course’s new name, the clubhouse is acting as a concession, although Woodward is hopeful that by the end of May they will be back to selling cooked hot food as well.
The infrastructure damage caused by the fire is being addressed, with delivery expected soon of a new men’s and women’s complete bathroom facility. They hope to have all the damaged fencing repaired or replaced by the end of June.
“It’s back to basics,” says Woodward, noting that a Ladies Tournament has been booked for May 26, and that they’re also hoping to have a grand opening tournament and barbecue in May. “We’re open every day except Tuesday, when we’ll be having work bee days.”
Hours are currently 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays (except Tuesday). “The hours will be expanding when the temperatures start getting warmer in the morning. The earliest we’d open is 6 a.m.”
A full season’s pass for adults (unlimited golfing) is $1,050, while a two-day pass (golf on any two open days each week) is $850. Youth aged 18 and under pay $200 for a season’s pass.
The golf course’s phone number has remained unchanged, so for more information call (250) 457-6666. You can also check their Facebook page (Bonaparte Ridge Golf Course) and website (bonaparteridgegolf.com) for information about opening times, upcoming events, and more.
editorial@accjournal.ca
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