Golf Cape Breton Island

On the Road Again

Golf Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada

by Dave Finn as published in the July 2025 issue of Golf Central Magazine

“On the road again

Goin’ places that I’ve never been

Seein’ things that I may never see again

I can’t wait to get on the road again…”

Willy Nelson’s words reflect a rebellious time in my life in the 80s, when my wife and I took that suggestion literally and went “walkabout.”  We boldly sold our house, quit our jobs and took our two children out of school to embark on a nine-month odyssey throughout Australia and the South Pacific, including six weeks in an RV motorhome exploring all of New Zealand.

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Golf in Wales

A Whale of a Time Golfing in Wales

Three Uniquely Different Courses You Can Play

By Dave Finn

As published on pages 24 to 26 in Volume 26 Issue 1 of Golf Central Magazine

If you’re seeking an unspoiled, unpretentious, unhurried vacation then golfing in Wales should be on your bucket list. After escaping from the hustle and bustle of London, it took us slightly over two hours to reach the 400-acre park St. Pierre Marriott Hotel and Golf Club. Impressive was the word that sprang to mind when we first saw the 14^th-century manor house and 11^th century church that sits at the heart of this resort.

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World Hickory Open Scotland

Hooked On Hickory Golf – World Hickory Open Scotland

by Dave Finn

As published on page 40-41 in Volume 26 Issue 2 of Golf Central Magazine – May 2025

As a true golf enthusiast, you must have imagined yourself standing on the first tee at one of the world’s most historic links golf courses with 5-foot ocean swales pounding the coastline, forming an ideal backdrop. The forecast calls for an overcast day with a high of 59 degrees. The onshore winds blow directly into your face, averaging 30 miles per hour but gusting to 50. The fescue looks like it rises above your knees, and two deep-faced sod bunkers look almost impossible to get out of.

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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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