Spring Sports You Should Get Into!

Ahhhh finally, you made it. Spring is basically here and daylight savings has arrived! You can say goodbye to the sun setting at 4:30 and those habits of curling up on the couch with your main activities being watching Netflix. Spring is all about blossoming and shaking off those winter blues and it’s also the perfect time to try new things. I also think Spring is the best time to get into new hobbies. The weather isn’t too hot and it’s not too cold and you can work on your game so you’re ready to go once the sun is shining. And that next time you have a group of friends calling asking you if you want to throw a ball around or go to the driving range, you will be ready to say yes. So here are some of the sports I think you should get into this spring. 

Golf

Golf is honestly fun for any level of golfer and trust me, I’m farrrr from good but every time I hit the course with friends it’s a blast. I like to consider myself a “social golfer”. The type of golfer that is there for the atmosphere and the fun. Sure I want to play a good game but I’m not going to beat myself up over shanking the ball or hitting it into the bunker. And you definitely don’t need to be hitting the big 18 hole courses a little pitch and putt or even some driving range action is just as fun. If you have a glow in the dark golf near you you have to give that a go. The only downside is golf can be a super expensive sport and it adds up fast, the green fee, the clubs, balls, and of course if you’re going to rent a cart for the day but if you want to do things on the cheaper side pitch and putt is the way to go. Some of my favourite spots for a quick little game are Murdo Fraser in North Vancouver and the Stanley Park pitch and putt! You can also rent some clubs and some balls so no need to worry about all that! 

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Frisbee Golf 

Maybe golf isn’t your thing but maybe you like the idea of it? Frisbee golf. Two awesome worlds colliding. I mean frisbee is a childhood classic for me, so why not take that up a notch to Frisbee golf. It’s just a mix of golf and frisbee, same idea as golf: you want to get into the hole in as few shots or “throws” as possible. This is a great game to play if you just want to get a group together to share some laughs, have a good time, and do something that isn’t just sitting around. Especially with living in a city that gets rained on most of the year, when the sun comes out I want to make the most of my days and Frisbee golf with friends hits all the marks for me. Even if you aren’t too athletically inclined it’s just a sport that’s super easy to get the hang of and is guaranteed to be a good time. 

Tennis 

If you’re looking to get a workout in and your heart rate up then look no further. Tennis is one of those things that looks effortless but once you get on the court and have a racket in hand, ya… it’s not so effortless. If you want to get a good sweat and your steps in then try tennis. I am by no means good at this sport at all but every time I play it’s just straight laughs and a good time. If you are a beginner I do recommend playing with someone who is a beginner as well. Last summer I hit the courts with one of my friends who just happens to play Tennis in college and I think I spent most of the game chasing around her ball that was seeming to just come constantly back at me at a speed that was a bit alarming for my level. But playing with someone who is at my level and a little bit more on my wavelength with the whole chill fun vibes made for a way better game and a lot more back and forth action rather than me chasing the ball around. 

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Beach Volleyball

Grab a ball and a group of friends and hit the beach! Beach volleyball is another sport that will definitely get your heart pumping and your muscles burning. I mean have you ever tried running on a beach before? Beach volleyball on a sunny day is great because it really does it all the marks. You’re outside getting some fresh air and maybe even a tan, enjoying the ocean breeze with friends, and hey maybe you will even need to go for a cool down ocean dunk afterwards. Nothing beats the beach on a sunny day but if you’re looking to take things up a notch then you definitely gotta try some beach volleyball. And this is another one that is good for any skill level. 

Baseball

Baseball, or really any variation of thi, softball, California kickball, whatever it may get teams together to have a game leans into the true summer spirit. Personally I’m not the best at throwing and catching so California kickball is my choice. Me and my friends love to get a group together, bring some snacks and drinks down to our local field and start up a game. And trust me, you do not have to be good to have fun and don’t worry about bringing the team down, there’s always a position that you find will better suit you. I’m definitely more of an outfielder, I’m not good at all but I still have fun. It’s really all about just getting out there and having fun so if you can get that done you’re a winner in my books! 

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It was a long, hard, cold, dark, and wet winter here in Vancouver but finally you can see the light at the tunnel, spring and summer are coming in hot. Getting out of your winter routine can be hard, I mean it is just so cozy to stay in and hit play on Netflix but I can promise you getting out in the warm weather and making those memories with friends is so worth it. You’ll be socializing with friends, getting that Vitamin D, and moving your body to get your endorphins in running. So shake those winter blues out and get outside with one of these activities! It’s not about your skill level or how good you are, or being competitive, it’s all about just getting outside and enjoying the weather! No need to stress about not being pro, all sports take time too and practice makes perfect! My personal favourite right now is golf, what one will be your next go to? 

Golf, A Love – Hate Game

This sunny weather is really building up the anticipation of summer for me. The birds chirping, T-shirts and shorts weather, and getting together with friends, nothing better. There’s something in particular I’m really looking forward to. I’ll give you 4 guesses to guess what I’m excited for

  1. Somewhere it’s acceptable to drink at any hour of the day.
  2. Somewhere you get a lot of steps – or get to drive around (your pick).
  3. Somewhere you need to be on time for.
  4. Collared shirts. 

In my opinion, I think it was an easy giveaway with the first one, but if you weren’t able to get it I’m talking about golf.

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I’ve never loved something so much and been so bad at it my whole life. I do consider myself to be a perfectionist, I like things to go my way and be done how I like, and for me, golf is the exact opposite. On the course rarely anything goes my way. I’m aiming right down the green and my ball goes into the trees, I’m putting, skips right over the hole, but even then I still find it so fun.

And it’s the whole experience that goes along with golf that I love. Waking up knowing you have a tee time, putting on a good golf outfit, riding around in the golf cart, and of course you can’t forget it’s one of the few places where it’s socially acceptable to drink at any time of the day, even if you have a 7am tee time. 

Golf course

By no means am I a serious golfer, I kinda suck, but for me golf isn’t just about the game, it’s the whole social aspect that comes with it. Whether you’re playing a round with old friends, co-workers or even strangers, golf banter is always fun. My friends always like to remind me that you’re not supposed to hit your ball into the pond cause that’s where mine always ends up. And you can’t forget where the 19th hole leads you – the clubhouse! After a full round of golf in the summer sun (with possibly one too many beers) the post round recap over a burger (and possibly more beers) is the perfect end to the game.  Reliving the best (and worst) shots of the day with your friends is one of the best parts of the day. 

So as the summer rolls around and you’re looking for fun ways to get outside and make the most out of summer try golfing! And there’s plenty of places to start. Like the Stanley Park pitch and putt or Murdo Fraser pitch and putt. Whether you’re playing at a private club or just at pitch putt with some buddies, a day on the greens is like no other. 

 

Best Golf Courses in British Columbia

British Columbia is home to over 300 stunning golf courses, each offering its own unique scenery and holes. I’ve been lucky enough to play lots of different courses across B.C., from my hometown of Prince George to down here in the lower mainland.

Now, I’m not the best when it comes to swinging a golf club, but to me golf isn’t just about trying to get your ball in that tiny little hole. It’s about that feeling you get when you’re enjoying the game’s beauty and excitement. You may be asking yourself, what are some of the best courses to play at in British Columbia? Well, let me tell you.

At number five on our list, we have Talking Rock Golf Course. Situated near Kamloops, on the east end of Little Shuswap Lake, lies a beautiful 18-hole golf course that has views that will blow your freaking mind. Talking Rock is well known for its beautiful views of the nearby mountains and its challenging design. I’ve had the honour of playing at this course before and I gotta say, it’s one of the nicest courses I have played at. I didn’t do as well as I wanted to, but hey, I can still tell my friends and family that I have played at one of the most beautiful courses in all of British Columbia.

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Eagle Ranch Golf Course takes the number four position on this list. Located near the border of British Columbia and Alberta in a city called Invermere, is a course called Eagle Ranch Resort & Golf Course. Eagle Ranch combines mountain terrain with very wide fairways. Eagle Ranch offers incredible views of the Columbia Valley and the Rockies.

Number three on the list of the best courses in British Columbia is Tobiano Golf Course. Whenever I’m going down to the Okanagans for a little vacation in the summer, I always drive past Tobiano and, man, do I really want to play a round there one day. Tobiano, just like Talking Rock, is located near Kamloops and it offers one of the most incredible views of Kamloops Lake. The course has a desert-like landscape, making the whole thing like one giant bunker.

Second place is a course just outside of Merritt called Sagebrush Golf Club. Sagebrush is known for its challenging layout as the course features a variety of uphill and downhill holes with multiple ways to get to the hole from tee to green, suiting different skill levels.

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In first place for the nicest course in all of British Columbia is none other than Capilano Golf & Country Club. Capilano Golf & Country Club in West Vancouver is an iconic course. It has a classic design, great maintenance, and stunning views of downtown Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean. It’s the top golfing spot in B.C.

I gotta show some bias to my hometown of Prince George, so an honourable mention on our list is Aberdeen Glen. Considering I’m from Prince George, I of course have had lots of opportunities to play here and I gotta say it’s highly underrated when it comes to a golf course. It offers a friendly atmosphere, well-maintained greens, and a challenging layout, making it a great spot for golf for both locals and visitors.

British Columbia is home to over 300 stunning golf courses, each offering unique scenery and challenges. From my hometown of Prince George to the lower mainland, I’ve been fortunate to play on many of these courses. While I’m not the best golfer, I believe golf is about enjoying the beauty and excitement of the game.