Golfing in the Canadian Rockies

Map of the Canadian Rockies

The Top Five Mountain Resorts
Golf has been a tradition in the Canadian Rockies for a very long time. In this part of the world the sport of golf is very much revered. In the months from spring through to the end of fall, golf is a major draw for visitors from all over, just as much as skiing is in winter. The splendid backdrop of gargantuan mountains, the pure unsullied air, the lush green grass framed by sky-scraping evergreens and the deep blue, seemingly endless skies - all lend to making a visit to the Canadian Rockies any golfer’s trip to paradise.

The operators of the many courses in the Canadian Rockies take their guests’ golf very seriously - not only are the physical surroundings of the region ideal for the game, but the actual courses here are run and maintained to a very high standard. Whether the choice is the Alberta Rockies, the British Columbia Rockies or ideally both, the Canadian Rockies are guaranteed to delight.

When to visit
Depending on what part of the region being visited – the season on the British Columbia side of the range is slightly longer – the golf season in the Canadian Rockies lasts from May through until mid to late October, depending on the last and first snowfall. Most golf courses aim to be open and running by the Victoria Day Holiday (the closest Monday to May 24^th) and usually stay open until the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend which ends on the second Monday in October. Some courses will be open before and after these dates.

Climate
Being mountain terrain, the climate can be unpredictable. The bad news is that snow in the Rockies at high altitudes, is not totally unheard of during any month of the year. The good news is that this is rare and if it does occur will not last long. Summer snow is not likely to stick on the ground for more than a few hours, but as a rule it does not usually stick at all. Rain is much more likely to occur than snow, but many of the other great golfing in the world seems to be in rainy areas such as Scotland or the Central California Coast – rain and cooler temperatures help keep the courses in excellent condition. This said, very long and pleasantly warm summer days are the rule rather than the exception. Temperatures range from average highs of 12 Celsius in May to an average high of 23 Celsius in July – and can be considerably higher. Fall is a great time to visit, as crowds are much less, the weather is still good, and the fall colours make the scenery even more beautiful. The average high in September is 17 Celsius.

Equipment and rentals
Most airlines are generous in allowing passengers to carry their golf equipment on vacation. Some even allow golf clubs to be carried in addition to the regular baggage allowance. In most cases the dedicated player would always prefer to use his or her own clubs. However for those who need to travel ‘light’ or for less dedicated golfers who may just want to dabble in a quick game during their vacation, it is very easy to rent golf clubs and shoes. Many of the courses here have rental shops, and the larger towns such as Banff, Jasper or Kimberley also have specialty rental stores that often can rent clubs and shoes at a lower price than the courses. Some of the courses have fairly strict dress codes. It is always advisable to wear dress shorts and avoid tee shirts, sweat pants, anything in denim, and athletic or sweat shorts. Many courses have footwear restrictions as well – soft-soled shoes are always advisable and some courses require soft spikes.

Golf Tours
For many devoted golfers, an organized golf tour of the Rockies is the perfect way to enjoy the best courses. The tours usually take in several premier courses across the region. These tours are very popular and sell out quickly. For one fixed price, accommodations, transportation and green fees are all taken care of. Usually organized tours have options for equipment rentals, and sometimes certain meals are included. An organized tour takes a lot of the trouble out of travelling and allows golfers to focus on their game instead of worrying about how to get to the next course or where to stay for the night. For a list of companies that specialize in golf tours and packages to the Canadian Rockies click here.

Accommodations
The many hotels, motels and lodges in the Canadian Rockies are very used to catering to the needs of golfers. Many of the lodgings in the area offer golf packages that include accommodations and golfing at their own course or one near to their property. Most hoteliers and their staff will be more than happy to offer tips on where to enjoy a great game. The WorldWeb Travel Guide™ has Online Accommodation Reservations for the B.C. Rockies. Each centre in both provinces also has individual accommodation listings. WorldWeb also has feature articles on Accommodation Specifics for the Banff Corridor and Accommodation Specifics for the Jasper Area which both provide shortcuts to various accommodation lists.

Prices
Prices for green fees vary considerably according to season and time of day. The fee scales are competitive in that most premier courses in the area have similar fee scales. Fees range from around $50 CDN up to $165 CDN. Prices can be slightly less for junior players and local residents. Fees sometimes include the provision of a motorized golf cart depending on the course. Where the cart rental is not included, carts are usually available for a reasonable supplement to the green fee. When pricing a Canadian golf vacation it should be remembered that the Canadian Dollar offers a much more generous exchange rate than US dollars. For American visitors, a Canadian golf vacation offers a saving on each dollar spent of more than 30%.

Altitude
It is interesting and worthwhile to note that in the thin mountain air thousands of feet above sea level, golf balls travel up to 10 to 15 percent further. Clubs should be selected extra carefully. This all adds to the challenge of Rocky Mountain golfing.

Elk on the Banff Spirngs Golf Course (photo courtesy of Fairmount Hotels)

BANFF SPRINGS GOLF COURSE
There has been a hotel on the site of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for over a hundred years. The current chateau-like structure dates from the 1920s. With the construction of the present hotel came today’s golf course, which was designed by the famous course architect Stanley Thompson. His 18-hole Banff Springs Golf Course opened for the first round in 1928 and was the first golf course in the world that cost more than $1 million to build. In 1989 the course was completely restored and a further nine holes were designed by Bill Robinson. Today the course is divided into the legendary ‘Stanley Thompson 18’ – the ‘Rundle 9’ and the ‘Sulphur 9’, and Robinson’s much newer (and reasonably priced) ‘Tunnel 9.’ The Banff Springs course has received many accolades; South African golfer Bobby Locke described it best when he said that the Banff Springs course was "out of this world."

As with all the courses in the Canadian Rockies, it is the shear beauty of the panoramic views that can be seen by players that make this course so special. The course follows the path of the Bow River, and Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle soar above. The 7083-yard par 71 course is challenging and part of this challenge is the distraction for golfers to be playing amongst such scenic splendour. Players here often have the local elk for company too as they languidly stroll through the green, which to them is exclusively their territory – humans and golf balls are definite intruders! They certainly add to the majesty of the place. The layout of the course is a delight for any golfer. Stanley Thompson used his genius to design holes that are a masterpiece of golf architecture and the encompassing mountains help create certain optical illusions. The nearby and very impressive hotel enhances the scene. Particularly noteworthy is the ‘The Devil’s Cauldron,’ a Par 3 hole that is considered one of the world’s best.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course has every facility including a stunning clubhouse. There is a golf academy here and good practice facilities. Clubs and shoes can be rented. The dress requirements here are fairly stringent, but this place is steeped with class and charm – it is an oasis of civilization in a wild terrain. Shorts must have a 4" inseam i.e. no ‘short shorts.’ Shirts must have a collar, and denim and jogging or sweat pants, shorts or suits are forbidden. Shoes must be soft soled with spikes. These regulations may sound a little excessive but to be poorly dressed at the Banff Springs would make any player feel very much out of place.

For any golfer who is at all serious about golf, to visit the Canadian Rockies and not play the legendary Fairmont Banff Springs at least once would be something that they would regret for a long time – or at least until they return and remedy the situation.

KANANASKIS COUNTRY GOLF COURSE - [view on map]
East of Banff is an area that first gained world attention during the Calgary Winter Olympiad of February 1988. The infrastructure at Kananaskis Country was literally carved out of the wilderness but has retained its unspoiled beauty. Although initially developed for the Winter Olympics, the Alberta Government and the developers of the area intended Kananaskis to be a year round resort hotels. The main focus of the development surrounds the Kananaskis Village and includes the world class ski resort of Nakiska and some very attractive resort hotels. However perhaps even more popular than the ski resort, are the two Par 72 golf courses here.

	Teeing Off at Kananaskis (photo courtesy of Eb Barton)

Situated at an altitude of almost 5,000 feet. The Kananaskis Country Golf Course consists of two courses. The Mount Kidd and Mount Lorette courses (named for the mountains that tower over them) cover 16 acres between them and follow the wild meandering of the Kananaskis River. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. who was once Stanley Thompson’s junior partner and obviously he learned a lot from his mentor, becoming even more famous than Thompson. Trent Jones described the area of the Kananaskis courses as "The best natural setting I've ever been given to work with." The courses first opened in 1983 and in less than twenty years have acquired legendary status. Trent Jones Golf Digest has named Kananaskis as among the top 25 public courses in North America. The wide and curvy fairways seem to correspond with the path of the river; the use of water and large sand traps – classic Trent Jones signatures – with a total of 142 bunkers, make these courses extremely challenging for those with low handicaps. However, the courses are also designed to cater to players of lesser skills from beginner up. Kananaskis is committed to providing a first rate golf experience at a very reasonable rate – Golf Digest magazine lists Kananaskis as among the continent’s top ten in terms of value.

Mount Kidd and Mount Lorette share a fine clubhouse with a great restaurant serving a full range of foods from simple snacks to gourmet dining. The pro shop features rentals and a very nice selection of golf merchandise. Private, semi-private or group instruction from the pros on staff is available at reasonable rates.

The two Kananaskis courses are simply spectacular and are a definite highlight of the Canadian Rockies golfing scene. If time dictates that a choice has to be made between one of the two courses – at least one of them has to be experienced.

Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course (photo courtesy of Fairmount Hotels)

JASPER PARK LODGE GOLF COURSE - [view on map]
In golfing and show business circles the very name Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course brings back memories of one of the world’s great golfers and perhaps its greatest crooner – Bing Crosby. Decades ago Crosby’s fondness for this glorious place helped put Jasper on the golfing map. Bing played here whenever he could - he even arranged his filming and performance schedule to enable him to play at Jasper. But even without Crosby, this Stanley Thompson designed course would still have earned its legendary status. Located at the world famous Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, this course is a giant in mountain resort golfing, both in terms of its remarkable facilities and its tradition and history.

The course first opened in 1925. It had taken over a year to construct, requiring 50 teams of horses and 200 men to clear the wilderness of boulders, thick vegetation and large trees. The 18-hole course was unique for the way the bunkers were shaped like the snow patterns on the surrounding mountains, the wide fairways were carved out of the forest and the holes purposely aligned with one of the many stunning vistas that can be seen from the course. The course at Jasper actually seems to be a part of the natural terrain – it is rugged and at one with nature. The nearby Lodge blends in with the scenery and is hardly noticeable in the grand scheme of things. Although a premier course, Jasper feels much more relaxed and casual than Banff. Wildlife sightings are also commonplace here, and the local ravens have stolen many a ball.

Starting in 1994, the course was completely renovated. Some of Thompson’s original features had ‘returned to nature’ and so the bunkers were restored to the designs taken from the initial blueprints for the course. New white sand was added, and the tee boxes rebuilt to the original height that Thompson had intended. There is a driving range, and club and shoe rentals are available. All the facilities of the resort are close at hand.

Today the 6,663-yard, par 71 course is once again a true reflection of Thompson’s original vision. This course has been rated as one of the top nine golf resorts in the world. It is another course amongst the ‘must-play’ category in the Canadian Rockies. The history and tradition of the course at the Jasper Park Lodge is just as much a reason to play here as the wonderful game it offers its players.

	Greywolf at Panorama (photo courtesy of Greywolf Resort)

GREYWOLF AT PANORAMA - [view on map]
Across the Rockies in British Columbia, a new resort is making a great impression in golf circles. Located at the multi-purpose all season Panorama Resort is another wonderful golfers’ paradise evocatively known as Greywolf. In 1999 the very eminent journal Golfer’s Digest named Greywolf was the best new course in Canada. Its designer Doug Carrick was inspired by Thompson’s courses at Banff and Jasper. Like these places, a golfer’s paradise has been carved out of the wilderness. Panorama is considered to be one of the world’s finer ‘predator’ courses. The elevation variation is remarkable – one hole drops 200 feet from tee to green. Renowned for its bent grass and water flowing through 14 of the 18 holes, Greywolf carries on the tradition of Canadian Rockies Golf admirably. As with the entire ‘top five’ Rockies courses, the mountains – in this case Monument Peak, Mt. Nelson and Jackpine Bowl – dominate the landscape, making the golf here both breathtaking and a total pleasure.

Despite its wild side Greywolf is also considered to be a very playable course with extra-wide fairways and landings. The philosophy and mission of the staff here is that golf should be a very pleasurable experience. Despite the playability of the course it is designed so that risks are rewarded. The 7,140-yard course is par 72. Of particular merit is the number six hole – the ‘Cliffhanger.’ This entails a play across a 100-foot deep canyon to a green that runs on top of a cliff with a mountain forming a backdrop immediately above it. This cliff was the focal point from which the whole course was designed.

The Greywolf Golf Course offers all the great facilities of the Panorama Resort. It has a beautiful clubhouse with a marvelous panoramic deck. Rentals are available here and the pro shop has an excellent range of accessories and golf clothing available. There is no driving range, but the pros on site offer lessons on the course itself by prior arrangement.

Greywolf is a great addition to the Rocky Mountain golf scene; to play here is to experience golf at a self-contained all-season modern resort at its very best. In a less commercialized part of the Canadian Rockies, Greywolf will be a great accompaniment to a game or two on the more famous courses on the Alberta side of the mountains.

TRICKLE CREEK GOLF RESORT - [view on map]
South of Panorama, also in British Columbia is the Bavarian-themed town of Kimberley. This very attractive town is famous for its gemutlichkeit and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a community where the leisure opportunities of the adjacent Purcell Mountains are truly celebrated. Nowhere is this truer than at Trickle Creek - among BC’s highest rated golf courses and considered one of North America’s best courses in terms of quality and value. Designed by Les Furber, each of the 18 holes here is unique. Trickle Creek is set on the slopes of North Star Mountain and is very close to Kimberley and the new Kimberley Alpine Village.

Trickle Creek Golf Resort (photo courtesy of Trickle Creek)

Trickle Creek has wide fairways and a great variety of bent-grass tees. The surrounding dense forests of spruce and pine – steps away from the green lend to the feeling of being at one with nature. The landscape of the course undulates dramatically and the elevation varies considerably which all adds to the challenge and the pleasure of this course. The course ranges from 5,082 to 6,896 yards, making the Par 72 Trickle Creek as challenging or as easy as desired. There is a very attractive clubhouse that has a great reputation locally for good food, and is ideal for relaxation before, after or between rounds.

Although popular, Trickle Creek is somewhat away from the normal tourist trail and will be a great contrast to the busier and more well known Rocky Mountain courses. Like all of our ‘Top 5’, the proximity of nature is an essential ingredient, and this is particularly true of Trickle Creek. The ambience here is fresh, unspoiled and remarkably tranquil.

Whatever the choice, each of the WorldWeb Travel Guides Top 5 is sure to please any golfer – no matter what their skill level. A golfing trip to the Canadian Rockies offers a truly unique opportunity that is sure to be memorable. Golf is a game for lovers of the outdoors, and there is nowhere else that can offer such an unparalleled proximity to unspoiled wilderness, combined with world class facilities, as the Canadian Rockies.