Banff Springs In Winter

[ColinC]

I was recently travelling in Alberta and and was able to spend an evening up in Banff. As a Linkster with an afternoon off, do I check out the beautiful ski village, stunning Lake Louise or the world class ski resorts? Of course not, I went to check out the golf course!

The Banff Springs Hotel is closest to the 14th and 15th holes and farthest from the 4th. I was running out of daylight and before setting out I was reminded that the golf course is in a national park, not maintained in winter, and transited by wildlife coming down out of the mountains to get to the Bow River including Bears, Cougars, Elk and many others (they had me at Bears, I didn't stray far from civilization). Walking was a challenge in the snow, but still I was able to get a few photos I thought I would share.

entrance near the 14th/15th holes

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14th fairway looking toward the tee

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14th fairway looking toward the green and hotel

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15th green

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15th tee view

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Bow River, (course is on the right side)

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Cheers, ColinC

[Jimbo]

Hi Colin...it's a gorgeous place whatever the season. You can find all kinds of wildlife on the course in the summer too. That view of the Banff Springs Hotel is memorable-I hope you had a chance to visit (or the $$$ to spend a night!)
Anyway Banff's sister course is a few hours (depending on the season) north at the Jasper Park Lodge (also a We$tin Hotel). It's more of a woodland course and it's on my list of Thompson courses-as soon as I figure out APCD and do Capilano.

[ColinC]

I agree Banff and Jasper are incredibly beautiful at all times of year and the drive between Jasper and Hinton has some of the most spectacular ranges. I haven't seen the Jasper course but I have read about it, sounds amazing! Good luck with your designs, I have struggled with APCD on and off for 20 years and never produced anything. It's incredible what APCD designers have been able to produce.

Cheers, Colin

[FOOOOORE!]

Beautiful photos. I was at the Banff National Cadet Camp in 1969 (right across the road from that little airstrip, and the camp is gone now -- 1948-1998). I would whoever did the most recent version of Banff Springs would go in and replace all those hideous 7Up green-coloured trees with the usual dullish-green trees, as seen in your photos. There are no evergreens in the world, to my knowledge, that are such a bright, jarring green.

[Jimbo]

Beautiful photos. I was at the Banff National Cadet Camp in 1969 (right across the road from that little airstrip, and the camp is gone now -- 1948-1998). I would whoever did the most recent version of Banff Springs would go in and replace all those hideous 7Up-coloured trees with the usual dullish-green trees, as seen in your photos. There are no evergreens in the world, to my knowledge, that are such a bright, jarring green.

It's still gorgeous-my suggestion would have been to insert the occasional wildlife that likes to wander around at all times.

[FOOOOORE!]

It's still gorgeous-my suggestion would have been to insert the occasional wildlife that likes to wander around at all times.

There actually is a bit of wildlife on various holes. You may have to "get into trouble" to see some of it. Long after we're all gone, the wildlife will be animated and gulls will steal your ball.

[Jimbo]

I just noticed after I shot what for me was a career round at the Banff online tournament. Playing the three wood instead of the driver has really made a difference in my scoring!

[ColinC]

bump!