Beginning late this month through early October, travelers headed to Canadian Rockies golf courses will see abundant color lining its famed fairways. The Canadian Rockies Golf Consortia (CRG) selected their favorite holes that feature fantastic foliage on its Canadian Rockies Fall Hotlist:

Hole #14, Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course: This par-4, 440-yard hole named Wampum intersperses deciduous with evergreen trees, and offers a spectacular view of the baronial castle-like hotel in the distance. Late-day sun gives this favorite hole a particular glow, surrounded by abundant color.

Hole #4, Mt. Kidd at Kananaskis Country Golf Course: The most photographed hole in Kananaskis Country is a 197-yard, par 3 stunner. The large green appears receptive from the elevated tee, but you will need to take wind and altitude (at 5,000 ft. above sea level) into consideration when determining which club you choose (one less, if you take our recommendation). The backdrop of Mt. Lorette, coupled by the contrasting colors of the evergreens and poplars make this shot even more stunning than normal.

Hole #13, Silvertip Golf Course: The blue tee box is elevated on this par-4, 399-yard hole, which brings the majestic Three Sisters clearly into view. Director of Operations Jason Guyitt recommends a straight tee shot that will heads towards a hill with bunkers to the left and right, providing perfect positioning for an easier 80-90 yard chip shot uphill. “It’s a great hole, but even better view,” he says.

Hole #10, Stewart Creek Golf and Country Club: Named Bighorn, the 407-yard par 4 provides an exceptional autumn atmosphere with abundant aspens towards the green. The elevated tee shot has a grand view of the lush green and wide 10th fairway with the contrasting snow capped Pigeon mountain in the background, definitely photo worthy.

Hole #9, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge: The 231-yard par 3 named Cleopatra has abundant color from the native aspen trees to the right side of the fairway in September.

Hole #16, Canmore Golf and Curling Club: The 444-yard par 4 is lined by trees that produce bright yellows and oranges in fall.

Dave Barr Visits Kananaskis, Silvertip Hires New Head Golf Pro, and other Notes

• Silvertip welcomes new Head Golf Professional Travis Mann this month. A native of Nelson, BC, Travis graduated from Lethbridge’s Professional Golf Management program and comes to Silvertip from Granite Point Golf Club, where he has served since 2004.

• Kananaskis Country’s Bob Paley was awarded Club Professional of the Year for 2010 by SCOREGolf. Kananaskis General Manager Darren Robinson said of Paley, “He has a special gift when it comes to dealing with people and making them feel extremely good about themselves and what they are trying to accomplish.”

• If golf produces gentleman of humility and service, Canada’s greatest achiever might be Dr. Clarence Guenter. A Canmore Golf and Curling Club Member, Dr. Guenter, plays more than 100 rounds per year at the club and was recently awarded one of Canada’s Highest Honors: The Order of Canada, given to those who have an outstanding level of talent and service, and have made an exceptional contribution to Canada and humanity. We congratulate him on a well-deserved accolade.

• Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and 12-time Tour champion David Barr visited Kananaskis Country Golf Course recently – an old stomping ground during his Tour years. “The hospitality,” said Barr, “is still second to none. It’s just great.”

• The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge will open its new Spa this fall, with features inspired by its surrounding rivers, woods, mountains and waterfalls. The 10,000 sq. ft. facility will include 10 treatment rooms and a large great room for relaxing between services.

• Silvertip’s Rustica Steakhouse was honored with a 2010 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The Award recognizes worldwide restaurants with excellent wine lists/cellars and a dedication to food and wine pairing.