Tobiano Golf Course, one of the Top 100 Golf Courses in Canada, and its namesake community continue to earn major accolades and gain the attention of golfers from around the world.
It’s no surprise: British Columbia is especially coveted as a golf travel destination.
The province is home to over 300 golf courses. From greens surrounded by deserts or lush forests to courses set in the middle of a cosmopolitan city or overlooking the ocean, British Columbia’s links could turn even the most staunch anti-golfer into a player.
Tobiano Golf Course, in particular, with its exquisite course and copious opportunities for après-golf, is especially poised to stay a top-tier golf destination.
Next, we’ll share how B.C. courses fare on the list of Canada’s best and how Tobiano Golf ranked.
B.C. Golf Courses Score Well On Canada’s List of Top Links for 2022
Nineteen of B.C.’s course made SCOREGolf’s biannual Top 100 Best Golf Courses in Canada for 2022. One links course even cracked the top 10!
Capilano Golf & Country Club in West Vancouver, B.C., was the top B.C. course on the list. It reached 6th place and was rewarded for its challenging yet welcoming design, tree-lined fairways, spectacular views, and quintessential West Coast style.
To roundup the B.C. courses recognized by SCOREGolf, here’s the full list of the 19 links that made the 2022 Top 100.
Where did Tobiano Golf Course land on the list? Let’s find out.
Tobiano Golf Lands Safely On The Green on SCOREGolf’s Biannual List
Tobiano Golf Course landed in 26th spot on SCOREGolf’s 2022 Top 100.
Designed by Thomas McBroom, the Tobiano public golf course is located in our backyard of Kamloops, B.C. We love it so much we designed a master-planned community around it.
But don’t take our word for it, take SCOREGolf’s and PGA of Canada’s—and the many other organizations and publications that have ranked Tobiano as one of the best in Canada—word for it.
Tobiano Golf Scores An Eagle On The List Of The Best Golf Courses Canada
Out of the 2,363 golf courses across Canada—1,400 of which are members of Golf Canada— Tobiano Golf Course holds its own among the crème de la crème.
Nestled in the Thompson-Okanagan ecoregion of Interior British Columbia, the public course and its namesake Tobiano golf resort community are located a short 15-minute drive from the City of Kamloops.
Set perfectly on the breathtaking hills above Kamloops Lake, the course looks like it was carved from the landscape.
Add to this the area’s coveted climate, magnificent backdrop, and ample opportunities for après-golf, the course is slowly gaining in popularity with golfers from around North America.
Of the Top 100 Golf Courses in Canada, Tobiano Golf Course and its namesake community continue to earn major accolades and gain the attention of golfers from around the world.
In the next section, we’ll share the long list of golf honours given to Kamloops’ most prestigious course.
Tobiano Golf Course Canadian Golf Rankings
The stunning Tobiano Golf Course boasts numerous golf rankings, awards, and accolades in its repertoire. Most notably, it was named Canada’s Best Golf Course in 2020 by World Golf Awards—and then given the honour again in 2021 and 2022!
On top of being named the best links in the country, here are some of the other major honours given to Tobiano:
- Canada’s Best Golf Course 2022 – World Golf Awards 2022
- Canada’s Best Golf Course 2021 – World Golf Awards 2021
- Canada’s Best Golf Course 2020 – World Golf Awards 2020
- #26 The Top 100 2022 – SCOREGolf 2022
- #12 Top 59 Public Golf Courses in Canada – SCOREGolf 2021
- #30 The Top 100 2020 – SCOREGolf 2020
- #1 Ranked Public Golf Course in British Columbia – Golf Digest 2022
- #8 Top 30 Golf Courses in Canada – Golf Digest 2022
- #8 Top 30 Golf Courses in Canada – Golf Digest 2021
- #15 Best Courses in Canada – Golf Digest 2020
Golf Talk Canada & PGA of Canada
- #7 PGA of Canada Top 100 (Public or Semi-Private) – Golf Talk Canada/PGA of Canada
- #1 Ranked Public Golf Course in British Columbia – PGA of Canada 2019
- #34 Canada Top 100 Golf Courses – Top100GolfCourses.com 2021
- #1 Ranked Public Golf Course in British Columbia – Canadian Golf Magazine 2018
An impressive resume, to say the least. A full list of Tobiano Golf Course’s recognitions can be found on the club website.
International Golf Rankings Celebrate Tobiano Golf Course
We’ve established Tobiano Golf Course’s stronghold as one of Canada’s best links. It’s no surprise that the greens have earned international recognition as well.
How well does the course do when compared to the world’s best golf courses? Pretty darn well it seems.
According to a 2019 study by R&A’s Golf Around the World, there’s an estimated 38,864 golf courses around the world.
The sheer number of locations is impressive on its own. Imagine for a second what it would take to crack the top 100 list of world’s best links. That’s exactly what Tobiano Golf Course did in 2022.
World’s Greatest Golf Courses for 2022
Golf Digest ranked Tobiano as #90 on their list of the World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses for 2022.
Why? Golf Digest described the greens this way:
“There aren’t many places in Canada as ruggedly beautiful as Tobiano, perched on benchland next to Kamloops Lake. … The wide-open property is a labyrinth of dry ravines and rocky arroyos, and the design keeps mostly to the high ground along the tops of the narrow ridges. (For) the public player’s money, there’s more visceral excitement at Tobiano than almost anywhere else on the continent.”
A major international rating would catapult any golf links to the top of golfers travel plans. A top 100 world classification would attract new golfers in spades.
This was the case for Tobiano. Due to its breathtaking course and surrounding tourism opportunities, the greens have started to attract new and repeat golfers from outside the region.
Top Golf Travel Destinations Around The World
With golfers eager to travel again post-pandemic, it was the right time for golfing experts and experienced writers to create a fresh inventory of the world’s best golfing travel destinations.
GolfPass did just that by publishing their list of the World’s Top 100 Golf Destinations for 2022.
These rankings looked at more than factors relevant to the playing of golf, things like course design, difficulty, creativity, and beauty. Instead, the GolfPass selection committee asked themselves:
- “Which location do I want to visit most?”, and
- “Where can I play?”
Then it considered objective factors like the destination’s:
- Public accessibility of the course (the main criteria),
- History and culture,
- Off-course tourism and après-golf opportunities (museums, family-friendly attractions, and other outdoor activities), and
- Hospitality industry, i.e., the number and quality of restaurants and accommodations.
Players now had a checklist they could use to enjoy the very best in international golf travel.
Tobiano Golf Tees Off Well On The World Stage
Tobiano, and in fact all of the Interior British Columbia golf courses that made the list, ranked within the bottom half (nos 51-100).
Described as the “you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it Tobiano”, the rating took into consideration:
- The links’ striking landscape,
- Its proximity to outdoor recreation and wineries, and
- The overall quality of the course.
Tobiano Golf Course: A Club Made in Fairway Heaven
What makes Tobiano Golf Course so special? It’s in the details.
From its opening in 2008, Tobiano links have attracted the attention of golf course critics from across the globe. The public course boast:
- 18-hole, Par 72, 7367 total yards championship course
- Challenging course complete with, at times, weather reminiscent of the distinguished Cabot Cliffs in Nova Scotia, and St. Andrews Links in Scotland.
- Planned by the same award-winning designer as Tower Ranch Golf Club in Kelowna, B.C.
- Ultra-fast greens
- A breathtaking backdrop of incredible topography and holes carved into the surrounding hoodoos
- Every hole has a view of Kamloops Lake
- The public can reserve a tee time up to 1-week in advance
- The golf season runs from mid-April to mid-October, weather-permitting. In general, the links close for the year right after the Canadian Thanksgiving Long Weekend.
- The Tobiano golf resort community surrounds the course in a way that is unobtrusive and respectful of the design
Although full rentals of the Tobiano course aren’t available yet, they’re expected to be offered in the coming years. The hope is to make Tobiano Golf Course the location for many meaningful charity and corporate golfing events.
Tobiano Golf Course Scorecard: Something for everyone
The real beauty of the Tobiano Golf Course is its design. With its seven different tee combinations, it was thoughtfully planned to be accessible to golfers of all abilities.
From its more forgiving ‘Sage’ tee box option to its most difficult ‘Tour’ combination, Tobiano golf offers a challenge for both the beginner and the veteran player.
Here are how the two outer limits of tee combinations measure up, no pun intended:
- Sage:
- Total yards: 5,358
- Course rating: 66.3/71.6
- Slope rating: 115/126
- Tour:
- Total yards: 7,367
- Course rating: 75.3
- Slope rating: 134
What do the numbers mean? Keep reading as we explain all.
Tobiano Golf Course Scorecard: What’s in a number?
The Course Rating System measures the playing difficulty of a golf course for scratch, or a player with a zero handicap—a player who shoots around par on any given course. The golf course rating system consists of two things:
- Course Rating: how difficult a course is to play under normal conditions expressed as number of strokes.
- The more strokes it’ll take a scratch player to complete a course, the harder the course and the higher the course rating.
- For example, Tobiano Golf Course’s Sage tee combination has a course rating of 66.3/71.6 strokes compared to its Tour level with 75.3.
- Slope Rating: how difficult a course is for non-scratch players relative to a scratch golfer.
- The lowest Slope Rating is 55 and the highest 155.
- Tobiano’s Sage combo has a slope rating of 115/126; it’s Tour level has a 135.
The Par 72 Tobiano Golf Course, with its Par 36 front and back nines, 4 5-par holes, and challenging terrain, is sure to elevate the game of every golfer that tees off from its grounds.
Tobiano Golf Club: The perks of membership
Tobiano is a rare gem when it comes to public golf courses. Anyone with a tee time reservation can play the greens.
There is the option to buy a membership for the benefit of receiving booking perks. Tobiano golf club members receive:
- More booking flexibility—members can book further in advance (up to 2-weeks instead of the usual 1-week)
- Booking perks apply to tee times for foursomes, twosomes, or singles
- Premium cart privileges.
For all membership perks and upgrade options, visit the Tobiano website.
Tobiano Golf Course’s Amenities Are Sure To Keep You In Play
Tobiano Golf Course’s amenities will hook anyone who plays its greens.
From modern carts with fully integrated GPS touch-screens and Bluetooth speakers, to some of the most talented and friendly golf pros in B.C, Tobiano will turn even the most staunch anti-golfer into a golf-adoring convert.
Read on to learn about the amenities at Tobiano Golf Course.
Tobiano Golf Course Practice Facility: Hone Your Game
Whether you’re looking to warm up before a round of golf or practice a particular part of your game, Tobiano’s Practice Facility is outfitted with everything you need. The best part: the views from the practice areas are as incredible as from the front or back nine.
The full-service facility comes complete with a:
- Chipping Green
- Driving Range
- Putting Green
These areas are open to:
- Those with a reserved tee time—up to 30 minutes prior to their start time,
- Club members, and
- T-Pass Practice Pass holders.
Tobiano Members and T-Pass holders can use Tobiano’s practice facilities for up to an hour/day, space permitting.
Tobiano Golf Pros: A Team of CPGA-Certified Instructors
Quite simply, Tobiano’s pro-team of CPGA Certified Instructors are friendly and first-class.
Whether you’re a new player who would like to learn the sport from scratch or you’re a veteran looking to improve your game, Tobiano’s experienced and approachable pro team can help you reach your desired handicap.
There’s no maximum number of golf lessons you have to book with the team. Whether you’re:
- A visitor looking to book a single class, or
- A resident who can dedicate themselves to season-long lessons,
…you can reserve a time to learn from one of Tobiano’s instructors.
Tobiano’s CPGA Certified Instructor Pro Team
Tobiano’s pros love the sport of golf and want you to love it, too! From putting to chipping, drive accuracy to club choice, their instructors will focus on helping you learn the skills that matter most to your game.
Meet Tobiano’s Head Golf Professional
The Tobiano golf team is led by Shannon McGeady. As an Inductee into the Regina Sports Hall of Fame, Shannon has an infectious passion for golf.
As one of only six female head golf professionals in B.C., Shannon’s secret to student success is in helping them learn new skills and encouraging them to embrace golf as a fun life-long pursuit.
For a full list of Tobiano golf pros, visit their website.
Tobiano Golf Shop: Top-Tier Gear & Service
Whether you’re in need of new golf shoes or would like advice on your next set of clubs, Tobiano’s Golf Shop has what you need. The merchandise on offer is top quality and the rental clubs, outfitted with Titleist clubs, are impeccably cared for.
Although their online shop isn’t ready yet, their friendly staff are happy to help if you call them or visit the pro shop in-person.
Gift cards are also available and can be used at the clubhouse restaurant.
Tobiano Club Championship: An Annual Golf Tournament
Most professional golf courses hold their own tournament every year. Some are major international PGA events—think of The Masters at Augusta Country Club—and some are low-key local events.
The Tobiano Club Championship is Tobiano’s course offering. An annual tournament held on the third Sunday in September, the event is open exclusively to members and their guests.
There are opportunities for corporate sponsorship—where sponsors can enter up to two players in the match—and everyone who competes is encouraged to come together in the spirit of sport.
The love of golf, and a deep appreciation of the surrounding environment, are celebrated by everyone who attends the tournament.
Tobiano Golf Club Social Nights
Tobiano Golf Course also hosts social events for its community. Weekly Men’s and Ladies’ Nights are an example of this—and always prove to be a hit with attendees.
Evenings for either gender include:
- Cash prizes & deuce pots, and
- Door prizes
There are some differences, though—read on to find out more.
Tobiano Ladies’ Nights
Tobiano’s weekly Ladies’ Nights are the perfect opportunity for members, their guests, and the public to enjoy some fun competition, special rates on golf, and the chance to swing prizes and swag!
Ladies’ Night is held every Monday from May until September 19th (excluding holidays). Players have the chance to win:
- Weekly competition prizes
- On-course competition prizes
Women are invited to join in to unwind, play with their peers, enjoy drinks and dinner afterward, and generally have a good time without the men—not a bad way to start the week!
Tobiano Men’s Nights
As with Ladies’ Nights, Men’s Nights are open to members, their guests, and the public.
Men are invited to play a round of golf—at a great rate—enjoy some friendly competition, and analyze their golf game over dinner.
Weekly Men’s Nights happen on Wednesdays between May to September. Attendees have the chance to win:
- A weekly prize pot with Gross and Net prizes,
- Skills prizes,
- Plus, new for 2022, weekly challenges have been added to sweeten the friendly rivalry
With no wives, daughters, or mothers allowed, Men’s Nights give the gentlemen free reign to take over the links and the clubhouse!
Top Golf Courses in Canada: Clubhouse Restaurants As Good As Their Fairways
Every golf course worth its weight in grass seed comes with a restaurant as noteworthy as its links. Tobiano is no different.
The Black Iron Club & Grill at Tobiano is not only the beloved clubhouse eatery, it’s also one of the premier restaurants in the Kamloops area.
Be warned: you’ll be hard pressed to keep your eyes on your food.
The clubhouse’s massive windows that frame the landscape offer spectacular views. We dare you to keep your concentration on the first course, or the main course, or the dessert, or…
The clubhouse’s vast patio gives players the opportunity to continue to enjoy the topography a little longer. Even though your round of golf may be over you can still enjoy the desert-like cliffs and surrounding mountains.
Tobiano As A Travel Destination: What To Do In And Around Kamloops, B.C.
Yes, this blog has been about the top golf courses in Canada and yes, we’ve focused mostly on the Tobiano Golf Course. Having said that, we want to encourage you to think about the area as more than 18 pristine holes.
Our motto is: “Come to Tobiano, stay for Kamloops.” Or is it, “Come to Kamloops, stay for Tobiano”? Whichever the case, the point is the same: there’s a lot more to Tobiano than a world-class golf course. Things like:
- Delicious restaurants,
- Breweries and wineries, some local in scope, others which have national-reach,
- Arts & culture—including many galleries and museums,
- Music, film & theatre events and venues,
- Eclectic & local shops,
- Farmer’s markets, and
- A conveniently-located regional airport
Whether you’re planning a vacation to play in Tobiano, or whether you’re considering a move to the area, we hope we’ve convinced you that there are many, many, many reasons to visit.
We’ll leave you with one more. Hint: it has a connection to the PGA.
Visit Tobiano Golf Course—A Top Golf Courses in Canada—And Fall In Love Like Louis Oosthuizen
We have one last piece of insider information about Tobiano Golf Course:
Rumour has it that PGA Pro Player, Louis Oosthuizen, calls Tobiano one of his favourite golf courses and has his own personal tee box area at the greens.
While we can’t guarantee you’ll catch a glance of the South African player while playing the links, it couldn’t hurt to spend more time there.
Tobiano Golf Course Real Estate Near Kamloops, B.C.—Live & Play At One Of The Top Golf Courses in Canada
We hope you loved our tour of the top golf courses in Canada, the Tobiano Golf Course, and its resort community, Tobiano.
If we’ve tempted you to consider visiting Kamloops and playing its world-renowned holes, we’ve done our job. We bet you’ll like your visit so much you’ll want to move to Tobiano! We can help you there, too.
We’re excited to announce Latitude, the newest neighbourhood to join the Tobiano community. If you’re a golfer or home buyer (or both) who is looking to build a home in the interior of B.C., consider Latitude.
Our Tobiano duplex building lots are selling at a significantly lower price than full-sized single-family lots (~$800K versus $1.5 million). This is the perfect time to create a stay-play-vacation lifestyle for yourself in the Kamloops area.
Imagine living with a world-famous golf course blocks away from your home.
Contact us to book a tour of Tobiano Golf Course real estate and Latitude. We’d be happy to show you around, answer your questions about the community, and discuss golf tactics.
Book a tour today—we promise it’ll be a hole-in-one decision.
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