NK'Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course

Nk’Mip is worth the drive for a great desert golf experience

By Gord Montgomery, Senior Writer, Inside Golf

It’s tough to say what’s more challenging: The course at Nk’Mip Desert Canyon or the proper way to pronounce Nk’Mip. While you mull that over there is one thing for sure — this is one great golf course.

Located in Oliver, B.C., and owned by the Osoyoos Indian Band, Nk’Mip (pronounced in ka meep not nik mip) is a course that has changed its design in the past while retaining its desert feel.

Speaking to the changes that took place several years ago, Head Professional Todd Tweedy commented about reversing the nines taking away what was a tough start. Those holes now come into play later in your round, so no, you’re not escaping the challenges they still present.

“That is now ten through fourteen,” he said. When asked if that made the start easier, he quipped, “I’d say so …. but no! The start is still important. If you can get through the first four or five holes on either side then you’ve got some scoring holes coming up so you make up for any blemishes you may have.”

He pointed out that holes six through nine on the front are scoreable as well as 15 through 18. “That’s where you can make up some scores and you can make some numbers in those little stretches.”

Tweedy continued by explaining players need to pay attention to their line not only off the tee but even more so, on the greens. They are, in a word, complex.

“The greens have been the pride, I would say, of the area, for the last quite a few years. A lot of attention has been paid to them and getting them as fast and as, uhh, as tricky as they are. There are a lot of subtle undulations. Not a lot of slope but very subtle. From you to the pin is going to be one break but once it gets past the pin it’s going to be something completely different. You really need to look three-sixty (degrees) to really get a lay of the land. Everything is jus so subtle.”

Asked about the outlook people should have when taking on this desert delight, Tweedy said, “I think they should respect it but not fear it. The fairways are generous once you get out there but to the eye, off the tee it looks tight and it looks intimidating.”

In closing, Tweedy spoke to the importance of Nk’Mip to the Osoyoos Indian Band. “It’s is extremely important to the Band. When you look at what they do, a lot of businesses, I think this is important for them. It’s another avenue for their youth to have those opportunities but then it’s another way for the Band to have their youth, their membership in general, where they feel connected to the land but then have the opportunity to play the game that we all love!”

For amenities, Nk’Mip offers a full driving range with no restriction on club selection; a short chipping area with a bunker; a chipping green; and a putting green all designed to prepare you for your appointed round(s). There is also a restaurant and fully stocked pro shop.

So, is Nk’Meep worth the drive? “No question,” the pro responded. “It gives you the full desert golf experience without having to go down to Arizona.”

ABOUT THE NAME: Nk’Mip, when translated to English from its heritage language of Nsyilxcan means ‘bottomland’. The name refers to the southern end of the Osoyoos Indian Reservation,  near the bottom end of the Okanagan Valley. Historically, Nk’Mip was spelled as Inkameep by government officials.