[punkwax]

Just got back from a stag up in the Kamloops area, played Tobiano & Talking Rock.

Tobiano - 2nd nicest course I've ever played next to Palmilla in Cabo (12th ranked course in NA last time I had checked) and equally as hard. Fairways mown like local greens. Often times I'd hit a well placed tee shot in the fairway and it would roll into deep rough or the fescue either long or on the opposite side of the fairway if it were sloped (which a lot of them were). The greens were MINT but so damn hard. Five 3 putts. If you had a short downhill putt and missed, you had at least a 6-8'er coming back. If you had a long one... well, good luck. Absolutely gorgeous place to play golf with amazing views pretty much all around. If you're ever in the area, play it. $90 with a cart when booked only 3 days in advance. Shot a 104 with 6 lost balls on top of the 3 putts. Super tough track but a must play.

Talking Rock - nice course but the website makes it look much better than it is. Only 2-3 holes are around the the lake IIRC (foggy memory though, drank a lot of beer!) and the views aren't nearly as nice on the eyes as Tobiano. Kept in really good shape but really no better than a Northlands / Northview level of course. In fact, I'd probably give the nod to Northview. Several short par 4/5's but long par 3's (each one at least 180yds from the blues). Played well, shot an 87 which felt good after a 104 at Tobiano the day before. If you're in the area, check it out for sure, but for the same price of $90 I'd make the drive over to Tobiano in a heartbeat.