Black Mountain Golf Club

Black Mountain Tees Up A Unique and Interesting Round

 By Gord Montgomery, Staff Writer, Inside Golf

With files from Russ Latimer

The most noticeable thing about the Black Mountain Golf Club in Kelowna isn’t the speed of the greens, the tightness of the fairways, or the views although all of those do exist. Rather, this 18 hole layout offers a unique design which is something that catches one’s attention.

Speaking to the design, GM Russ Latimore noted in an email, “Black Mountain’s layout is intentionally distinctive, featuring six par 3s and five par 5s, which creates a very engaging and strategic round for golfers of all skill levels. Rather than relying on repetitive mid-length par 4s, players are constantly asked to adjust their approach, club selection, and mindset throughout the round.

The abundance of par 3s demands precision with irons and wedges, while the five par 5s provide excellent scoring opportunities. As a result, the course tends to reward smart, well-rounded play rather than just length off the tee.

It is considered a scoreable golf course—particularly for players who manage risk effectively. Golfers who take advantage of the par 5s and stay sharp on the par 3s will find plenty of birdie chances, while still being challenged throughout the round.

The short holes on this track offer more than a standard distance and look.

Said Latimer, “Each of our six par 3s offers a unique look and challenge: The easiest hole is No. 4 and is generally considered the most accessible. It plays significantly downhill, which shortens the effective yardage and makes club selection key. With the right choice and a confident swing, it presents a great birdie opportunity. On the other hand, the most challenging short hole is No. 17. It requires a precise shot into a well-protected green, often influenced by wind, and comes at a critical point late in the round.

Then you have the longest holes on Black Mountain and one the GM feels where strokes can be gained.

“Our par 5s—holes 2, 6, 8, 12, and 18—are a major highlight of the course and offer a variety of risk/reward opportunities. Longer hitters may have chances to reach in two on select holes, but success depends heavily on positioning off the tee and managing hazards.

• Hole #2 can set the tone early, offering an opportunity to be aggressive depending on tee shot placement.
• Hole #6 and #8 introduce more strategic elements, where players must balance distance with accuracy due to surrounding hazards.
• Hole #12 rewards precise layup positioning to set up a strong wedge opportunity.
• Hole #18 is a classic finishing hole, where players can choose to take on more risk for a chance to get home in two, or play it methodically to secure a solid closing score.

Across all five, the key is managing risk versus reward—aggressive play can pay off, but smart course management is often the better scoring strategy.

Overall, this could be classed as a shining-player’s track, Letimer suggests.  “Black Mountain offers a more strategic test than it may first appear:

While playable, several holes feature tighter fairways that demand accuracy off the tee rather than simply favouring distance. Bunkers are thoughtfully positioned to influence both tee shots and approaches, especially around greens. As well, water plays a significant role across holes 4 through 8, adding both visual appeal and strategic challenge during that stretch.

This combination encourages disciplined shot-making and rewards golfers who can keep the ball in play.

Latimer concluded by nothing, “Black Mountain is well set up to accommodate a wide range of players with five tee decks offering a variety of yardages suitable for all skill levels. There are also Combo tees between every set of tees, allowing for customized yardages that are especially beneficial for mixed-ability groups and tour play.

This flexibility ensures an enjoyable and appropriately challenging experience for all guests.