Princeton Golf and RV Resort

Princeton is a public course dating back to 1928 when there were only nine holes

Driving the Hope-to-Princeton section of Highway No. 3 is a challenge, especially having to navigate the numerous hairpin turns. By the time Princeton is reached, the serenity and beauty of the golf course is a welcome relief. From the highway, holes No. 4 and 5 make the course look flat, but this is a mountain course. It is no coincidence that part of the course was a ski hill dating back to 1934, and in the 1960s, the Norwegian Olympic Ski Team used the facilities for training.

Princeton is a public course dating back to 1928 when there were only nine holes. By 2001 the new back nine was completed, with upgrades in the clubhouse and course improvements. The front nine is largely flat with small traditional greens. What draws your attention, however, is a "grave site" between holes No. 2 and 3 that is surrounded by a white picket fence. On the grave headstone is the inscription, “Here Lies the Last Golfer Who Did Not Replace Divots and Repair Ball Marks.” Love the message and sense of humour!

The back nine is very hilly, especially holes No. 10 to 12, No. 14 and No. 17. Hole No. 3 is the number one handicap hole at 358 yards uphill. Hole No. 17 is the signature hole, a par three at 209 yards from the back tees and dropping 200 feet in elevation to the green. The course features five par threes and five par fives, but the course remains a par 72. The only water hazard is Hole No. 13 with a picturesque fountain guarding the green. The biggest hazards are the ponderosa pines and deciduous trees that line the fairways. The back hilly nine is one of the best in the entire province. The course rating is 72 with the slope at 126 from the back tees, making this a good recreational course and suitable for all levels of golfers.

The RV park

The RV park is just off the parking lot. There are two sections, one for smaller recreational vehicles and the open gravel area for the bigger rigs. The 33 sites have 30-amp power, water and sewer hookups. The amenities include showers, restrooms, laundry, Wi-Fi and a tenting area and the park is pet friendly. If you want to eat out, try the Divot Restaurant in the clubhouse. For RVers there are Stay and Play packages with discounts up to 15 per cent.

Community spirit

The golf course is a community-based course owned and operated by the members. Management uses that community spirit to promote the course, with special rates including Two-for-One Monday and Twilight Tuesday all day. “The two promotions really worked,” said  general manager Pam Morphy. “Now Monday and Tuesday have gone from quiet days to busy days.”

Princeton is a small town of only 2,700 people, but the residents are fortunate to have a first-class golf course. You can feel the spirit and pride the locals have in their course. The next time you are going through Princeton, find some time to play a round. See www.princetongolfclub.com.