Cottonwood GC in Nanaimo is a place for everyone

By Gord Montgomery, Senior Writer, Inside Golf

While no one wants a golf course that’s going to eat their lunch, along with a half dozen ProV1 balls, you also want a course that’s going to give you some challenges. That is exactly what golfers will find when they tee it up at the Cottonwood Golf Course in Nanaimo, B.C.

Head Professional Mike Loewen said his track is playable for all levels of golfers who will not only enjoy what’s in front of them but also the backdrop of a mountain range in the distance.

“It’s kind of a narrow property with holes stretching out from one end of the property to the other,” Loewen said of the parkland style layout. “It’s pretty flat. Lots of trees, ponds. We are right next to the airport so there’s probably seven holes,” where out-of-bounds comes into play. “It’s playable for everybody,” with tee box distances ranging from 5,200 yards at the front to 6,300 yards from the tips.

While not overly long, Cottonwood isn’t set too far above sea level, so visitors must realize that an extra club is often needed from what they are used to at home. And, while it’s not overly long there are hazards here that can come into play, the pro explained. But then again, there aren’t an abundance of those.

Loewen noted there are ponds that can come into play but not a lot of bunkers on the property, so anyone that doesn’t like hitting from the sand can take heart in that fact. When you do reach the promised land, Loewen said, “Our greens are known as some of the best on the island,” so you can trust your read and the ball to hold its line once stroked. As well, the rough is only about 18 inches in depth, so play isn’t slowed by tough shots out of there or players having to search for mis-hit shots.

When asked what can make or break a player’s round, Loewen replied he feels the home stretch is the answer to that.

“I’d say the stretch from 16 to 18 would probably be the toughest. Sixteen is not overly tough but there is OB on the right. Seventeen is a very long and narrow par three with OB on the right. And then 18 is a very lone par five that has a pond which makes it a risk-reward type of hole. If you make It over you’re all right but if you can’t hit it far enough you’ve got to lay up. It’s a three shot par-5 for sure!”

What helps offset that tough closing stretch is a welcoming front nine which open their arms to those starting out. “Yeah, they’re very forgiving,” the pro agreed. “Our first three holes are quite open, very generous.”

Like many Vancouver Island tracks, Cottonwood is essentially open year- round, Loewen said, with a bit of a caveat. “Basically what we tell people is we’ll be closed for two weeks a year. We just don’t know which two weeks it’ll be!”

The pro added that it  should be noted that even during wintertime play the regulation greens, which run at about 10 on the stimp during the nicer months, are in use when the course is open – other than that two week pause.

Like many B.C. courses, there isn’t a driving range at Cottonwood, although there are a couple of hitting nets to warm up on prior to beginning your journey. There are also a couple of short game areas, including one at around a 50-yard chipping area and a practice bunker, just in case you do end up in one of the few such spots during your appointed round. There is also a putting green to gear up for that part of the game. To top things off there is a full-service restaurant on site, although during the cooler months it is closed but snacks are still available at those times in the pro shop.