EAT. GOLF. STAY. Great Golf at Sagebrush gains Great Gastronomy by Chef Ned Bell
Since its inception, Sagebrush Golf Club emerged as a Shangri-La for hardcore golf players.
With panoramic views in British Columbia’s interior above the breathtaking Nicola Lake and rugged rangeland just north of Merritt at Quilchena, it has repeatedly made it to SCOREGolf’s Top 100 list.
Couple that magnificent setting with the Spring 2024 culinary overhaul guided by acclaimed Canadian Chef Ned Bell and stay-and-play packages in course side suites or in town just a 15-minute car ride at the nearby Best Western Plus Merritt, it has become a complete destination golf experience.
Former Chief Strategy Officer of Intrawest and CEO at Replay Resorts Michael Coyle has returned from retirement to lead the charge to take Sagebrush’s compelling vision to fruition as a ‘must-play’ facility.
Even the keypad security gate to access the course and facilities heralds you are entering another realm. As you follow the winding road with glimpses of the golf layout, the outer world slips away as you arrive at your clubhouse destination.
Staff in the well stocked Pro Shop/Registration Desk are eager to assist and were instrumental in ensuring our visit was memorable.
The Food
The culinary transformation was well underway in June when we visited. Chef Bell was digging deep into the course’s iconic Douglas Lake Ranch roots to develop menus with flavours to pay homage to the past and to appeal to modern culinary preferences. He was fine-tuning the kitchens, assembling a talented team, and aspiring to unveil protégés to bring his vision to life on the front lines.
Drawing from his extensive experience and passion for locally sourced ingredients, honed further in his role as British Columbia’s Buy BC Ambassador, Chef Bell is pumped to infuse the menus with vibrant flavours. That enthusiasm and dedication is amplified even more given Chef Bell’s love for the game of golf.
“Growing up with a passion for golf, I always dreamed of playing professionally,” reflects Bell. “Yet, it’s in the kitchen where my true talents lie, surpassing my abilities tee to green. Now, I’m thrilled to merge my culinary expertise with our world-class golf experience, crafting a distinctive ‘taste of place’ that perfectly complements the exceptional course.”
Celebrated as one of Canada’s culinary luminaries, Chef Bell is revered for his exceptional cuisine and unwavering dedication to sustainability along with his vibrant personality and broad-reaching achievements. With an illustrious career marked by hyperlocal commitment and an impressive business track record, Chef Bell is a catalyst for positive change wherever he ventures. His accomplishments at Naramata Inn, amid the hurdles of a global pandemic, solidified his status as a culinary trailblazer. From his tenure at esteemed establishments like Ocean Wise, the Vancouver Club, and Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, Chef Bell garnered prestigious titles such as Fellow of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society and an Honorary Doctorate in Technology from Vancouver Island University.
Fortifying for our golf round, we devoured the Ranch House Burger and Chips, a 63 Acres angus beef patty with barbecued bacon, smoked cheddar cheese, onion, pickles, chef’s ranch sauce on a brioche bun. Absolutely divine, it gave us some insight into Chef Bell’s Buy BC Local bias.
For dinner, we were treated to a delectable and indulgent sneak peek of potential menu selections that Chef Bell was serving to a senior management team for their input. For each course, he told us from where the food was sourced and anecdotes about the providers.
Canter Rogue Reserve 2021 from the District Wine Village of Oliver, BC was a luscious pairing suggested and it was fitting for the ranch and BC local theme. (“CANTER: A HORSE’S GAIT WITH THREE DISTINCT BEATS AND A WINERY WITH THREE FOUNDING FAMILIES.”) I imagine as the food menu embraces BC products, the bar menu will evolve to shine the light on BC beverages.
Having experienced Chef Bell’s cuisine on many occasions in various settings, personally I’d trust his judgment to know what works for epicureans and for kitchen production considerations. Each dish was exquisite although we had to cry “No Mas” at finishing the second dessert!
The mid-course amenity area at the 13th hole called the Hideout was under construction on our visit. Ultimately, it will provide sustenance to continue your game or an option as the 19th hole if you want to circle back after your round. Later, you could linger on its relaxing lounge on the water or grab a fly-fishing rod to try your luck at another sport. The supplier that provides the fish for the clubhouse restaurant has stationed poles on a ledge above the lake which is stocked with trout.
From the Hideout halfway hut to the all-new Ranch House patio restaurant, guests of the prestigious links-style course can anticipate an elevated culinary offering that redefines the golfing experience.
Accommodations
Sagebrush lodging offers the option of upper suites with balconies off each bedroom and ground floor suites with walkout patios from each bedroom. Each suite has two bedrooms and two bathrooms with the option of a King bed, two Single beds, or a combination of both in each suite.
The suites are tastefully appointed with mini refrigerator, stainless steel sink and coffee maker and are adorned with Western-themed artwork.
With views of the first tee and Nicola Lake from its secluded perch, it is a tranquil setting from which to reminiscence about golf or perhaps channel memories of historic life on the range.
Golf
Sagebrush is renowned for its uncompromising links-style design and a unique commitment of fewer players. Carved within the largest privately owned ranch in the country, the feeling is created that Sagebrush is yours and yours alone. The website promises, “When you are here, Sagebrush is the most private public golf destination in the world.”
We found Sagebrush tough as recreational golfers which wasn’t helped with the high winds we hit on our visit. Still, the course provided a memorable round and since other players weren’t breathing down our every swing, we had a lot of fun. As advertised, “every hole is unique and presents its own set of obstacles and rewards.”
We’d play it again in a heartbeat and there is no doubt “the course and how to play it” would change every time.
Finding ourselves with time to kill before our round, we warmed up on the pitching course, Double 8 Ranch. It gives you a preview of what’s next and it’s a lovely walk around the property.
We also checked out the Badlands Putting Green, where the slope and contours provides an idea of greens ahead. Yes, we would have been wise to follow the hint to always keep below the hole. It is a thoughtful practice area with an adjacent chipping area, where the professionals suggest to “keep the ball low to the ground and allow the contours to move the ball towards the hole.” Perhaps, we’ll master it next time!
Destination Golf
Enhancing the exceptional golf experience with a culinary program to match, Sagebrush has arrived as a true golf destination. For us, the trip to find its solitude and elevated cuisine is comparable to such golf destinations as the Links at Crowbush Cove, Prince Edward Island; Gamble Sands in Brewster, Washington; Bandon Dunes in Oregon; or Pebble Beach, California.
For bringing this exciting golf destination to my attention, a special thanks to Hatch Comms. This stunning Golf in BC location is easily accessed from Kamloops, Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, and the Central Okanagan.
Snag your tee time soon while bookings are still available.
