Whistler Golf Club is getting a major facelift, and the initial images are stunning.
The Arnold Palmer design, which has been a fixture of British Columbia's premier mountain golf destination since 1983, is undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation that will keep the course closed until a planned reopening in July 2027. When it returns, golfers can expect a refreshed layout, improved conditioning and upgraded amenities designed to enhance the overall experience without losing the character that has made the course a favorite for more than 40 years.
The work is being overseen by Thad Layton, a former architect with Arnold Palmer Course Design, and touches nearly every corner of the property. Plans include rebuilt tee complexes, renovated bunkers,
resurfaced fairways and greens, improved cart paths and adjustments to holes 3 and 12 aimed at improving both visibility and safety.
"When we reopen in July 2027, golfers will discover a course that feels distinctly Whistler while offering a more contemporary and welcoming experience," general manager Alan Kristmanson said. "These improvements will elevate the course's playability, beauty and safety while preserving the character that has made Whistler Golf Club special for more than four decades."
The changes extend beyond the golf course itself. Palmers Restaurant is being fully renovated, the clubhouse patio is being refreshed and a new snack shack near the first tee will give golfers another food-and-beverage option during their round.
“The July 2027 reopening will be an important milestone for golf in Whistler,” says Barrett Fisher, President and CEO of Tourism Whistler. “This investment will ensure Whistler Golf Club remains a premium, playable course capable of attracting and inspiring golfers from around the world for decades to come.”
Interestingly, Whistler Golf Club is not on the Golfweek's Best ranking of Canada's top 25 modern courses that will be unveiled in our upcoming print edition. That's not entirely surprising given the strength of competition across the country, but it also might not remain the case for long. With one of the most dramatic mountain settings in golf and a significant investment now being made into the property, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Whistler work its way into that conversation once the renovation is complete and golfers have a chance to experience the updated layout.
The timing is important for the destination as well. Whistler already boasts a strong golf lineup that includes Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club, Nicklaus North Golf Course and Big Sky Golf Club, giving travelers plenty of reasons to make the trip. A renovated Whistler Golf Club should only strengthen that appeal.
For now, the course and Palmer's Restaurant will remain closed during construction, although the driving range and retail shop will continue operating seasonally. If all goes according to plan, golfers will get their first look at the new-and-improved Whistler Golf Club in the summer of 2027, and the finished product could well be one worth keeping an eye on when future course rankings are released.
Tim Schmitt is the managing editor of Golfweek and the golf coordinator for the USA Today Network.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Whistler Golf Club in Canada is getting a facelift and the images are stunning
