Golf Vancouver Island – Play on Island Time

Golf Vancouver Island – ‘Play on Island Time’

By Dave Finn as published in Volume 26 Issue 1 of Golf Central Magazine 

Located on Canada’s Pacific coast, this evergreen destination has been voted the #1 Best Island Destination in North America by Travel + Leisure Magazine and Conde Nast Traveler Magazine.

Experience the wild with the Indigenous

Why? Because the island offers something for everyone. You can view Orcas, Humpback whales, sea lions and dolphins in their natural habitat, fish for salmon, mountain bike, savour the freshest seafood anywhere or relax in a luxurious spa that caters to your every need.

The Vancouver Island Golf Trail encompasses four regions, 12 golf courses and 12 accommodation partners.  Golf Magazine calls it “one of the best deals in the continent.” In this issue, I want to focus on the largely undiscovered Comox Valley and Campbell River regions, which offers four unique and memorable golf experiences.

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Naturally Pacific Resort – Campbell River BC

DOIN’ WHAT COMES NATURALLY

As published in the April 2025 Issue 30 of Planet Golf Review Magazine.

When the Mailman family acquired the Sequoia Springs golf course in Campbell River in 2017, daughter Amanda, a fourth-generation Vancouver Islander, had a vision for the property that exceeded expectations. She realized her dream in May 2024 with the grand opening of the Naturally Pacific Resort.

First impressions count and as I scan the lobby, I absorb all the details that individually are interesting but together make a statement. The décor is contemporary, but the elements of land, sea and sky are evident. The soft blues and greens of the textured cloth walls harmonize perfectly with the earth-toned furnishings, creating a tranquil, welcoming and elegant feel.

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Pining in North Vancouver Island Canada

Pine for Cedars on North Vancouver Island

As published in the April 2025 Issue 30 of Planet Golf Review Magazine

Within minutes of leaving the Victoria airport, I find myself on Malahat Drive. Tall standing cedars line the road. Wise, old sentinels that part now and then to offer glimpses of Saanich Inlet and the surrounding mountains. Cedar has been considered a sacred tree associated with protection and purification for centuries. Stepping out of the car to breathe in their heady perfume, I feel the healing power of nature and know I’m blessed to be back on Vancouver Island.

Saanich Inlet viewed from the Malahat Skywalk

Now it’s time to head north to explore new territory; the Comox Valley.

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Golf in Bogota Colombia

Bueno Golf in Bogotá Colombia

As published in the February 2025 issue of Golf Central Magazine

By Dave Finn

Colombia may be the most underrated country in South America. After years of uncertainty, challenge and change, Columbia has emerged as the newest travel destination for curious travellers and naturalists. According to World Wildlife Magazine, Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, with ecosystems that range from the Andes mountains to Amazonian rainforests and oceans that border the country. These elements are part of what makes golfing here so exciting.

Bogota Street Art

Bogotá is the capital, with over 10 million inhabitants. It is the third-highest capital city in South America, at 8.600 feet above sea level. With average temperatures ranging from 45°F – 60°F, it’s cool in more ways than one, so make sure you bring extra layers of clothes. There are 20 courses within a 45-minute radius, but regrettably, I only had the opportunity to play four. Continue reading

Golf Costa Rica – Pura Vida

Golf the Pura Vida in Costa Rica

By Dave Finn as published on pages 36 and 37 of  the January Issue of  Golf Central Magazine

Costa Rica is one of the most environmentally conscious countries in the world.  In fact, 25% of the land mass is dedicated to parks, marine reserves and wildlife refuges.  It’s no wonder they have adopted the motto “Pura Vida” which translates to “Good Life”.

Costa Rica offers temperatures that hover between 70 and 80 degrees all year round. Perfect weather for golf.  There are two main seasons – the ‘dry season’ and the ‘green season’ which starts in mid May and lasts until mid November.  Either way you can always get you round in during the mornings as it only rains like clockwork in the afternoon.  There are 11 golf courses to be tested and below are my favourite 4 courses in descending order.

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Top 3 Golf Courses on the Silver Coast of Portugal

Golf with a Silver Lining (Surf & Turf Portugal)

Top 3 Golf Courses on the Silver Coast of Portugal

By Dave Finn as published in the December issue of Golf Central Magazine

World Renowned Surfing in Peniche at Baleal Beach

If you are looking for perfect year round weather, delicious food, incredible wines, and an inexpensive winter getaway, look no further than Centro Portugal. Also known as the ‘Silver Coast of Portugal’, it is most famous for having some of the best surfing beaches in the world and more than a few excellent courses to test your game. Here are my favourite three:

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