|
Media Coverage
BC Golf News, June 9, 2007 Fred Couples Rises to Vernon for Site Tour By Ross Marrington PGA tour player, and fan favorite, Fred Couples paid a visit to his current Bates/Couples Signature Design course, The Rise in Vernon on Friday June 8th. This will be one of three planned visits for 2007.
The Rise is a master plan resort community that includes a winery, vineyards, hotels, village centre, private lakeside beach club, and several neighbourhoods consisting of home sites and villas intertwined around the Fred Couples Signature Golf Course. The impact of homes on or near the course will be at a minimum. The Rise's CEO and founder Leona Snider would not compromise her vision with over crowding the course with excessively small and crowded building lots.
There were approximately a dozen media people on site that had a first hand tour of various stages and locations on the course. The BCgolfguide.com Ford Explorer with media onboard assisted in the tour, changing into 4-Wheel to navigate the soon to be paved cart paths. It is expected that 9 holes will be open in late 2007 for very limited non-public play.
Inside the press conference tent, Leona Snider, Fred Couples, Gene Bates, and Ian Renton answered questions on design philosophy, and the many challenges that occur with such a unique site. Ian Renton is also well known for the construction of Greywolf in Panorama, an award-winning course.
After the conference, Mr. Smoothie was gracious and his ultra friendly demeanor was felt as he provided time to have a photo and signature opportunity with everyone on site.
My last encounter with Fred was back in year 2000 for the Export "A" Skins Game held at Predator Ridge Golf Resort.
For additional information regarding the project, click on the logo: 
Reprinted from CANADAgolfguide.com - BC Golf News |
