Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
The Takeaway: One of Canada’s finest courses and among Stanley Thompson’s Big Five, Capilano is a British Columbia treasure on undulated terrain outside of Vancouver. The architecture is compelling, the setting is memorable, and the overall experience is outstanding. Grade A
Quick Facts
Designer: Stanley Thompson 1937
Cost: Private
Phone Number: 604.922.9331
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Capilano Golf and Country Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 420 Southborough Drive, West Vancouver, British Columbia V7S 1M2 – CANADA
Photos: See additional photos of Capilano Golf and Country Club
Similar Courses:
What to Expect: Part of Stanley Thompson's "Big Five," Capilano is nestled high above Vancouver's north shore and stands as one of Canada's best courses with a beautiful blend of old-world design charm along with stunning views of the mountains, ocean, and cityscape. Towering evergreens frame the holes and dramatic elevation changes create memorable shots to execute. The crafty design is a treat in every way and can't be overpowered, but instead requires thoughtful golf to uncover the rewards that await. The routing is a masterclass in terrain management considering how hilly the location is, but it never feels like a slog when walking it. In addition, the routing is complimented by green complexes that are some of the best you'll find anywhere and the conditioning is a perfect blend of firm and fast. It all adds up to an absolutely top shelf experience at Capilano. One of the highlights of the round at this mountain course certainly comes at the 6th hole where the elevated tee affords impressive views of Vancouver and the neighboring water; a unique site indeed! With just minor alterations being made over the years, Capilano is a trip to yesteryear and shows that some courses know how to age with class.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 70 | 6723 | 73.0 | 130 |
| Blue | 70 | 6448 | 71.3 | 128 |
| White | 70 | 6187 | 70.3 | 125 |
| Silver | 70 | 5550 | 67.0 | 119 |
| Green | 70 | 5053 | 64.5 | 115 |
| Orange (Ladies) | 74 | 3006 | 59.3 | 101 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 1st Hole – 460 Yard Par 4 – Capilano’s opener might just be one of the finest starting holes in Canada. From an elevated tee, players are greeted with distant views of Vancouver in the background and a fairway that disappears out of view in the foreground. Players that carry the crest in the fairway will be rewarded with plenty of extra yards as the fairway tumbles down the hill in dramatic fashion. Bunkers guard both sides of the green, but shots that favor the left side will utilize the slope to feed the ball towards the center of the putting surface. It is an exhilarating start to the round and the beginning of something special.
Best Par 3: 4th Hole – 161 Yards – A classic and picturesque Stanley Thompson par three, the 4th hole plays over a pond to a green set in an amphitheater of trees, effectively creating an alluring, peaceful setting. The wind coming off the mountains is known for making this hole play a club or two longer, so if in doubt, club up and swing with some confidence while attacking this green that is protected by a trio of bunkers; none of which block the front so that the ground game can be utilized.
Best Par 4: 13th Hole – 400 Yards – Oh 13th hole how I adore you, even if you are mostly cruel to all of us that dare tee it up on your 400 yards of brilliance. This late dogleg right two-shotter actually reminds me a bit of a reverse version of the brilliant 16th hole at Pasatiempo; but with a much less dramatic green. The tee shot should favor the left side of the fairway as the right side kicks balls towards the thick foliage on that side of the hole. The approach shot plays uphill over a grass ravine to a green tucked into the hillside with dense bushes creating the backstop and towering mountains in the distance. Distance control, accuracy, and execution are required to conquer this bunkerless beauty.
Best Par 5: 5th Hole – 521 Yards – Though the heavy forestry throughout the course restricts some views, the 5th is an opportunity for you to score well and enjoy a great setting along the way. The tee shot plays over a pond before bending slightly to the right. A series of bunkers up the left side of the fairway ask players to shape their ball with some fade to set up the best chance of attacking the green in two. As players come around the bend, they are presented with an inspiring view of downtown Vancouver fronted by sparkling ocean water. The approach shot plays to a green flanked on the right with a bunker but devoid of trouble on the left, so if you can work a fade, attacking the flag should be right in your wheelhouse. Even less obstructed views of Vancouver await on the next hole, so players can make sure to get their phone out there if they miss the opportunity on #5.
Birdie Time: 3rd Hole – 481 Yard Par 5 – Shorter than the par four 17th, this reachable par five offers a golden opportunity early in the round to score under par. The welcoming tee shot rewards players who fade the ball, so long as the fade doesn’t turn into a slice that falls into the fairway bunker protecting the bend in the fairway. While sand is found on each side of the green, the entire front of the putting surface is open for players to bring their approach shot in either on the ground or in the air. The welcoming entrance affords a great opportunity to get close to the flag whether going for it in two, or from a layup position. Capilano has plenty of challenging holes awaiting, so taking advantage of this birdie opportunity can provide some nice insurance to your round.
Bogey Beware: 17th Hole – 490 Yard Par 4 – A monster par four that stretches out to 490 yards, the 17th hole tests your merit on its penultimate offering. While the tee shot plays well downhill, the fairway narrows with distance with heavy tree lines framing each side of the short grass, and bunkers on the right. From the back tee box it stands as one of the most difficult fairways to hit since the extra hang time from the elevated tee magnifies the effect of a ball being off line. Even if you find the fairway, a long approach shot awaits and thwarts chances at finding the green in regulation. A par five awaits on the final hole, and you may need it as one last birdie chance to make up for the bogey, or worse, that is carded for most players on the 17th.
