We're a month away from the opening of the 2011 golf season - and busting at the seams to start our year.  With the 100th Anniversary plans actively in the works at The Fairmont Banff Springs and the 85th season celebration in Canmore, there's never been a better time to visit.  See below for the latest news.


Fairmont Banff Springs, Canmore Golf & Curling Club Remember Historic Match

The Fairmont Banff Springs, 5th hole

Dating back to 1932, the members of The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Club and the Canmore Golf & Curling Club have enjoyed a friendly rivalry. As the Canmore newspaper said in 1932, “Local golfers entertained the members of the Banff Club, last Sunday week and last Sunday visited the Banff course. The winner of this competition was C.Reid with an aggregate score of 164.”

Both courses hope to revive the match as both courses celebrate anniversaries this year: The Banff Springs Golf Club will enjoy 100 years of organized golf, and Canmore will open its 85 season in 2011.

Stay tuned for more information as these two member clubs gather for one more match this summer.


Needed: Your Photos and Stories

The Canadian Rockies Golf destination has just started their Facebook page and needs your photos! “Like” us at http://www.facebook.com/CanadianRockiesGolf and add your favorite photos and stories of past rounds on the golf course for those that are new to the area. Thanks in advance for your help.


The Fairmont Banff Springs Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Organized Golf, Offers Use of Free Hickory Clubs in May

If you’re playing the Tunnel Nine course at The Fairmont Banff Springs in May, you’ll get a chance to play with complimentary usage of hickory clubs during your round. No advance registration is necessary and clubs can be picked up at the Pro Shop, based on availability.

The Fairmont Banff Springs is also offering its new Nine and Dine program, offering either nine holes on the Tunnel Nine and dinner in the clubhouse for $69 per person, or nine holes on the Stanley Thompson course plus dinner in the clubhouse for $89. Rates are valid for golf after 5 p.m. and based on availability.

For more information or to book your tee time call golf reservations at 1 (403) 760-6801


Canmore Uncovers Greens, Readies for Spring

Canmore continues to push the snow of its greens to allow early spring sun to work its natural magic. With 2011 inventory arriving daily, golfers can get great deals from last season in its pro shop, where apparel is as much as 50% and last year’s demo sets and shoes at 40% off.

Advanced booking is now open for 2011 rounds starting at $114 per person with cart and food and beverage credit. Call the club or visit their website at canmoregolf.net.


The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Releases Two New Golf Packages

Guests of The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge can enjoy a Ski and Golf weekend to open their 2011 season April 30 and May 1. Those that book a round on the classic Stanley Thompson design will receive a free Marmot Basin lift ticket. Cost is $115 per round for these two days only.

For those looking for a little assistance with their swing, the golf pros at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge also invite golfers to its Spring Swing Clinic. Offered on select dates from May 22 to July 10, 2011, the package includes three nights’ lodging, six hours of golf instruction, three rounds of golf, welcome dinner with a golf pro and breakfast and lunch daily. Rates start at $859 per person on weekdays, $919 on weekends.

See http://www.fairmont.com/jasper for more details or call 1(866) 540-4454.


Silvertip Launches Online Store
If you love Silvertip, you’ll love their new online portal for pre-paid golf cards, valid throughout the season. See http://www.silvertipresort.com/ to order them, and gift cards, any time of year.


Important Dates in the Canadian Rockies:

April 15 Last day to order discounted Pre-Paid Golf Cards at Silvertip for $145/round

April 30 Anticipated opening of The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course

Month of May Free Hickory Stick Usage at The Fairmont Banff Springs

May 6 Kananaskis Country Golf Course Opens for 2011 Season
The Fairmont Banff Springs courses open

May 31 Last day to enjoy Early Season Rates at Stewart Creek Golf Club

July 13 Community celebration of the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Club 100th Anniversary

July 25 Canmore Golf & Curling Club Hosts the Alberta Ladies Junior Championship

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:

Kananaskis Country

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.

Silvertip Golf Resort

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.

The Fairmont Banff Springs

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.


Canmore Golf & Curling Club

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 http://www.canadianrockiesgolf.ca , with rates starting at $1119 for five nights and four rounds.