The Canadian Rockies Golf destination has released its list of favorite golf and watering holes in Alberta, as golfers prepare for the upcoming golf season in April.
Combining great rounds with great eats, these locations take advantage of awe-inspiring views and local flavors when golfers need more than 18 holes.
The destination’s Top 2011 Picks are as follows:
Best Hole: Kananaskis Country’s fourth hole on its Mt. Kidd Course is a spectacular highlight of this property, known as an Olympic playground and G8 Summit site. The 197-yard par 3 is intimidating with water guarding the front of the green. But the most photographed hole on the course has a generous green that makes it fun and fair to play.
Best Bite: The Mt. Allan Burger is served throughout the season at the Summit Restaurant’s patios, where the glorious, adjacent peaks seem close enough to touch. Named after the site of the Olympic alpine center nearby, this towering Angus burger comes with generous topping of Canadian Cheddar. Director of Reservations Mike Epoch suggests a locally brewed Big Rock beer to complement your burger.
Best Hole: Silvertip’s 18th hole is a scintillating roller-coaster ride which is as memorable as it is pretty. From and elevated tee, the 460-yard par 4 plunges downward through the middle part of the hole. The approach shot must be negotiated from a downhill lie to a green that sits part way up a hill which rests beneath the gorgeous clubhouse and outdoor patio.
Best Bite: Not to be outdone, Silvertip Resort’s patio also has best-of local honors. Stoney’s outdoor patio serves breakfast outdoors in summer, but fire-eaters will most love the challenge of their Six-Chili spice hot wings. Need something middle of the road? Try the Jalapeno Shrimp Tacos while you enjoy the stunning view of the 18th hole. A spicy red Zinfandel from their award-winning wine list pairs well with any dish.
Best Hole: Among its many great holes, one has stood out through Banff’s 100-year golf history: the par-3 fourth hole, simply known as Devil’s Cauldron. The glacial pond between tee and green casts a spider-like web so captivating, you’ll forget to aim your ball beyond it. Historic photos show this hole hasn’t changed since Stanley Thompson designed it.
Best Sip: The Best Canadian Cocktail Scene goes easily to The Fairmont Banff Springs and their Classic Cocktails. While there is a variety to choose from it comes down to the local favorite – The Bloody Caesar. This cocktail was founded in Alberta and has long been a favorite of patrons of the Rundle Lounge and the Clubhouse alike. Sit back, sip on history in the making after a round on one of Alberta’s classic courses.
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Best Hole: Like its sister resort at The Fairmont Banff Springs, it’s difficult to choose one Stanley Thompson hole to single out, but making the turn never looked better. The combination of the par-4 8th hole and par-3 9th both offer stunning views and challenging layouts that create a lasting impression.
Best Bite: You won’t see bison anywhere but on the menu of the rustic lodge, however. Director of Golf Alan Carter (current Alberta PGA President) recommends the Emerald Patio after a round, where you can try the Carmen Creek Bison Burger, which comes with a broxburn tomato relish and wild mushroom duxelle. The “Hole in One” can be found throughout the property, and goes down nicely with the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge’s own craft beer – the Cleopatra, named after its par-3 9th hole.
Best Hole: The No. 2 handicap hole, the par-4 16th warns you to be wary of water flanking the green. The dogleg-right routing is as pretty as it is fraught with potential for a big score. Make sure your second shot finds the fairway, then let the fun begin.
Best Bite: The locals voted Canmore Golf & Curling Club’s patio the best in the region. While they rave about the rice bowls and yam fries, their latest menu addition is topping the charts – the hearty beef brisket. The platter was a favorite at the Taste of Canmore, and will be on the menu throughout the season. Everyone serves Big Rock from the local brewery, but this dish goes especially well with their Big Rock Lime in the heat of the summer.
Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club
Best Hole: The 10th hole at Stewart Creek is a challenging valley hole with an enormous fairway and stunning mountain views. But you’ll remember it most by the old mining cart that sits adjacent to the tee box, reminding golfers of the region’s storied past.
Best Bite: Grilled local salmon over grilled greens is the meal you’ll love when sitting on the patio overlooking the beautiful ninth and 18th holes of Stewart Creek. The chef loves big plates, so you won’t go hungry with this seemingly lighter fare.
For more information on booking your summer golf trip to the Canadian Rockies, please see https://canadianrockiesgolf.ca , with rates starting at $1119 for five nights and four rounds.
