Predator Ridge Golf Resort

Canadian golf-course architect Doug Carrick built the 18 new holes on and near a ridge that rolls down toward Lake Okanagan. It affords marvelous views from the property's high points and weaves through forest below. The Ridge rates as a prettier, more player-friendly rival to its next-door neighbor, the infamously tough Predator, designed by Les Furber.

The new 18 holes were built with scenery and playability in mind. Carrick used a piece of property with more severe features and loaded with trees, deviating from the mostly wide-open Predator. He also weaved fairways around granite outcroppings in many spots, often in view and frequently in play.

The Predator course is set on rolling, open valley land in most spots and has tall fescue grass and dunes lining most fairways, which are usually narrow and have bunkers and fescue grass defending them. The greens are also very sloping, often featuring multiple tiers and slopes, making putting and approach shots very challenging. The par 71 course has four sets of tees and plays 7,090 yards from the championship tees.