Loomis Trail Golf Club (360) 332-1725 Day 2
After a delicious late night meal overlooking the beach at Semiahmoo Resort and a very restful night’s sleep, day two of our mini break began on a unique note for me. With my recent struggles to play and score well, Myra said it might help if I sought some advice from the noted teaching pro at Semiahmoo, Mr. Jeff Coston.
A great view from the clubhouse deck overlooking the course
With a very rewarding one hour swing lesson behind me, we headed over to Loomis Trail golf club, the sister course to Semiahmoo Golf & CC. Originally a private venture built in 1993, Loomis Trail was purchased by the parent company that owns and runs Semiahmoo Resort in 2000. Director of Golf Brett Eaton met us outside on the patio of the impressive Tudor style clubhouse at Loomis Trail. He gave us further insight into the course and pointed out some particular holes that we should make note of. He suggested if one hole was to be considered the signature hole it was hole number two, a fantastic long dogleg right par five.
Again his welcoming manner was appreciated by us and we reiterated how much the resort had that friendly Canadian feel we are known for here north of the border. With a big smile on his face he told us he was born in Canada and had grown up there before moving to the US with his family. We all had a good laugh when he let the cat out of the bag .
Myra gets ready to tee off on the Par 4 1st hole
Loomis Trail has one very noticeable difference in design and playability. All 18 holes have water features that come into play, but unlike numerous courses I have played emphasizing water as the main challenge here it didn’t feel like it overwhelmed you in a negative way.
After meeting some of the good folks running the pro shop Chet, pretty Sophia and Justin we teed off on another scorching day.
With the excellent adjustments and pointers from Jeff Coston fresh in my mind, I got off to a blazing start including a fabulous birdie on the signature hole number two.
Looking down the fairway from 260 yards out on the Par 5 second
By the time we had made it to the 9th tee I was at even par and although I only had a gallery of one, in my lovely wife Myra, she was rooting me on to keep it up.
My 37 on the front nine really perked me up and we both loved this amazing layout very much. It was well into the 80’s with no breeze and it took its toll on both of us as we kind of lost our focus and limped in to finish our day at this very challenging but equally enjoyable course. The quality of maintenance equalled that of Semiahmoo and other than the design differences the only other real difference was they used a tan silica sand which had no negative effect on bunker shots as it was fluffy and easy to get your ball out of. The greens were perfect and we both rolled long putts close all day long.
The par 3 5th
Loomis Trail, when it was built, had the finances to sand cap the entire course. What it guarantees is fantastic drainage and a template for superintendent Bill Dierdoff to perform his magic on with his very hard-working crew under him.
Looking at the green on the daunting Par 5 14th
From tee off to finish our day at Loomis Trail included great service and a tasty hotdog in the Loomis Trail Bar and Grille plus a send off from young back shop worker Alex who hails from Maryland.
Looking back down the Par 4 18th
Heading back to the resort the day was capped off eating on the outdoor patio of Packers Oyster Bar again, this time devouring succulent Angus Beef Burgers and St. Pauli’s NA Beers.
The front end staff in the hotel were very skilled, all smiles and enjoying their work. Ben, Stephanie, Elizabeth, Brianna, a really solid team and over at the Great Blue Herron Grill, Tiffany and Linda our servers a couple of different times help up their end of the bargain. What a great 2 days in every way imaginable and the beds , yes the beds, my old achy sports body thank you, I slept like a king both nights. We have already planned a return visit in August.
Sincerely, Bill and Myra Flower
Parksville, BC Canada
Myra and Bill on their last night
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Bill Flower
Bill Flower is a passionate golfer and lover of the game who lives on Vancouver Island in Parksville, BC. He has played the game since the age of 10 and has spent many years in the golf business ranging from full time teaching pro to part time professional caddy, golf tour operator and golf writer. He loves to travel with his wife Myra throughout the US and Canada playing and reviewing golf courses of all styles. To date he has reviewed over 125 golf courses.
