Bear Mountain - Valley Course

2020 Country Club Way
Victoria, B.C.
V9V 3R6
Pro Shop: (250) 744-2327
Toll Free: 1-866-391-6100

map to get you there

Head Professional: Tony Harris
Director of Golf: Shayne Dysart

BC Golf Association

New to the Greater Victoria golf scene, opened June of 2009, the Valley Course is the kinder and more gentle cousin to the Mountain Course. It may be somewhat short than its older cousin next door, but it presents an exceptional example of how a course ties in with its natural environment. The water, the fairway-framing rocks and the magnificent stands of coastal trees make this a must-play course in your visit to southern Vancouver Island.

The Valley Course is also a cart-only course with GPS assisted carts helping with your shot making. And believe me you will be thankful for the GPS. The Valley course uses elevation changes to challenge you. Whether it's a tee box "way up there" or a green that is perched on top of a hill, your golfing skills will be brought into play.

Number one is a "wide open spaces" par five that is mostly uphill after your tee shot. You will get your first look at water on the longish par three second hole. Three is a par four and first time you may want to consider leaving your driver in the bag. In fact, there are several holes when a well placed tee shot, not using a driver is strongly advisable. Put that GPS to work for you. Number five gives you a great example of how the natural terrain has been used. The huge boulder behind the green really sets up the green.

Number six is "black diamond" like downhill. It's not overly long, but you will need to adjust for the elevation change. Seven, eight and nine will put you to the test. You face a blind tee shot on seven, eight present a mid-fairway hazard that is one to stay out of and finally nine is the number on handicap hole on the course with seemly more sand than the Sahara Desert.

Number ten is a longish downhill par three. Just a little side note on this hole - check the wind as the green and flag are sheltered by a large stand of nearby trees. Eleven is a short par four, but you will need a lay up because of a mid-fairway hazard. Number twelve is an uphill par five that is wonderfully framed by rock outcroppings on either side. Get you camera out for number thirteen. This a hole that is a perfect example of how the whole course was molded around the natural environment. Par on this hole is reserved for only those who strike it well and show patience.

Fifteen is another beauty. If your ball stays dry on this hole, be thankful. Shot placement is again at a premium on this hole. Sixteen and seventeen while not overly hard, again will have you challenged to make the right club choice from tee to green. Finally eighteen has you coming home. The par five green is well-guarded by sand right and left of a severely sloped green. Once on that final green, two tiers will challenge your putter one final time.

Whether you play the Mountain Course or the Valley Course, the memory of either will stay with you for a long time. Playing either course is not just a golf game, it's a golfing dream.

Call the pro shop for tee time at (250) 744-2327, call toll free 1-888-533-BEAR or go online to the Bear Mountain web site.

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