The Canadian Rockies may be covered in white and golfers may be hitting the slopes more than the fairways this time of year, but we’re always looking ahead to 2011’s golf season.
Our favorite spots to visit during the off-season? Our pros and fans offer a few suggestions:
Play Golf Indoors: The Fairmont Banff Springs just opened their new golf simulator, located in the Sir William Wallace Room in the Rundle Lounge. It takes an hour for a foursome to play nine holes; for reservations, call 1-403-760-6386 or visit the W. Thompson store. (See below for news on how you can win your own simulator!)
Visit the Mineral Hot Springs: The 1930s springhouse welcomes you to the Upper Hot Springs with an indoor pool open year-round. For those wanting a few more creature comforts, the Willow Spa at The Fairmont Banff Springs is a great option, too.
Curling in Canmore: The great Olympic sport is not just for pros. Try sliding stone on ice with those who love it at Canmore Golf & Curling Club, until the course thaws out.
Ice Fishing in Kananaskis Country: Spray Lake is the place to dunk your sturdy hook when Mt. Kidd and Mt. Lorette courses are frosty. Tour companies will cook what your catch for lunch.
Canyon Ice Walks in Jasper: See frozen waterfalls and incredible ice formations through the Maligne River Bed. For those who’d rather go indoors, the ice sculptures at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge over the holidays – or the ice in your frosty beverage at Cavell’s – is a good alternative, complete with a view.
News from the Canadian Rockies
Congratulations to Alan Carter, Director of Golf at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, who was awarded Club Professional of the Year by the PGA of Alberta in a recent ceremony.
Silvertip Resort wants to help you plan your golf-themed holiday party in full view of the never-ending Christmas trees. Menus start at $38 for 20 people or more. See http://rockiesresortnews.ca/ for more information. Save the date: online tee times can be booked starting February 22 for play at Kananaskis Country Golf Course in 2011. Make a note of it!
Gift Cards and Certificates are always a welcome gift for the golfer who would love to choose their own special club, hat, shirt or round for 2011. Please visit our partner websites to purchase cards in any denomination:
Canmore Golf & Curling Club
Fairmont Banff Springs
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Kananaskis Country Golf Course
Silvertip Resort
Stewart Creek Golf Club
Gift certificates for your golf vacation or golf getaway may also be purchased from Golf Canada’s West. Whether you are looking to present a night’s accommodation and round(s)of golf or a denomination of your choice, Golf Canada’s West can fulfill your golfer’s needs. Call us at 1-877-323-3633.
Sponsored Promotion: Tweet to Win!
Snowy days typically equate to losing a few strokes in your golf game. The OptiShot Infrared Simulator by Dancin’ Dogg Golf allows casual and avid golfers to play all-year round, from the comfort of your living room. It boasts eight extremely precise course replications of world-famous layouts as well as a realistic driving range to fine tune your game, for only $400.
However, the CRG is giving away one free unit to a lucky e-newsletter subscriber. Simply follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CanRockies and give us – in 140 characters or less – the reason why you should win – OR your best Alberta/Canadian Rockies goosebump moment. Include @CanRockies in your tweet and post by December 3 to be entered to win.
The company’s patented technology gives feedback as if you were taking lessons from a professional – the infrared sensors record club head speed, face angle, swing path and more – with vivid, crystal-clear graphics. Simple to use, the plug-and-play interface connects with Windows computers and requires only 8-½ feet of swing space. Check out the OptiShot Infrared Golf Simulator http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-OrdOZGl5k
