(ALBERTA, CANADA) – May will officially open golf season in the historic, dramatic and untamed region of Alberta’s Canadian Rockies, as the most recognized courses in the country ready for a dramatic year of golf.
The destination, which features seven courses in Banff, Jasper Park, Canmore and Kananaskis Country, enter the 2011 season with accolades and events of national significance.
National Awards, Recognition for Canadian Rockies Golf
Three Canadian Rockies courses were named to Golfweek’s Best Canadian Courses list this month: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge course ranked third on the Best Canadian Classic Courses list; The Fairmont Banff Springs was named tenth. Kananaskis Country’s Mt. Kidd was ranked 28th on the Best Canadian Modern Courses listing.
National Geographic also recognized Silvertip Resort as one of the Ten Top Environmental courses in the world in April, noting its focus on “balancing high-altitude habitat concerns with high expectations for aesthetics and playing conditions.”
Nationally Recognized Golf Event in the Canadian Rockies in 2011
For the second time in five years, The Fairmont Banff Springs will host the Telus World Skins game, to be held July 25-26 on the historic Stanley Thompson 18 and televised worldwide. IMG, event developers, have announced that PGA Tour Professionals Anthony Kim, Paul Casey and Canadian Stephen Ames are among the five players selected to participate.
The course, known for its stunning views and challenging layout, will remain open until days before the event. It last hosted the match play event, in 2006.
“In our 100th year of golf in Banff, it’s a special time to visit,” said Fairmont Banff Springs Director of Golf Steven Young. “We’re writing the next chapter in our history, and we want everyone to play a part, by playing our courses and enjoying the event with us.”
The Canmore-Banff Shield Returns
The Fairmont Banff Springs and Canmore Golf and Curling Club will celebrate significant birthdays this year by reinvigorating their classic match play event: The Canmore-Banff Shield.
Started in the late 20s, the challenge matches between members of both clubs is well documented. As The Fairmont Banff celebrates its 100th year of organized golf and Canmore celebrates its 85th season, both clubs will renew their friendly rivalry by pitting member against member this September.
The town of Canmore, a mining community, kept its golf course from early demise more than 50 years ago by individual contributions of its membership. As one reporter noted, “It is a very busy place and I sometimes wonder if it isn’t the hub of activity in Canmore.”
A contingent of Canmore members will play against select members from The Banff Springs Golf Club, which formed on July 13, 1911. The original Shield trophy is still in existence and will be given to the winner for display and safekeeping.
In addition to the September Shield event, both clubs will honor their respective anniversaries with community, member and destination celebrations. Canmore Golf and Curling Club has updated its clubhouse in anticipation of the anniversary year.
Stewart Creek Gets Women Ready to Play
Throughout May, Stewart Creek will offer a series of Ladies Spring Golf Clinics beginning May 10. The three-lesson series includes 1.5 hours of instruction per lesson that covers full stroke, short game and putting, for $125 per golfer. Both weekday evening clinics and weekend morning sessions are available.
“This is a great way for women to bond together to learn the game or improve their skills at the start of the season,” said Chris Schatzmann, head golf professional.
For a complete list of available dates and more information, see stewartcreekgolf.com. A glass of wine is included in the price, as well as discounts for 9-hole play following the clinic. Participating women also receive a 20% discount on subsequent ladies clinic programs.
Spring Golf Packages Now Available: see canadianrockiesgolf.ca for stay-and-play packages at each of the seven Canadian Rockies golf courses throughout the 2011 golf season.
About Canadian Rockies Golf
To view the stunning topography, vacation options and learn more about the area visit www.canadianrockiesgolf.ca. Website visitors can view stay-and-play packages or request custom quotes for trips and packages or they may call 877.323.3633 for more information. Online information is regularly posted at http://www.facebook.com/canadianrockiesgolf
The critical acclaim and extraordinary attributes of the six members of the destination – “Canadian Rockies Golf: Historic. Dramatic. Untamed.” – include:
1. Canmore Golf and Curling Club (www.canmoregolf.net, 888.678.4785)
• Celebrating 85 years of golf in 2011
• Valley-based property requires players use all clubs in their bag, narrow fairways challenge all levels of golfers
• Tree-lined course, friendly community atmosphere provides intimacy and camaraderie
• Located at base of Bow Valley, glacier-fed streams lace through course
2. The Fairmont Banff Springs (www.fairmont.com/banffsprings, 800.441.1414)
• Celebrating 100 years of organized golf in 2011
• Historic course and Conde Nast Gold winner for its castle-like hotel, award-winning Willow Stream Spa and exquisite resort amenities
• 27 holes of golf – 18 Stanley Thompson-designed holes including the 200-yard, par-3 Devil’s Cauldron, 147 bunkers, and the 9-hole Tunnel Course
• Panoramic beauty, picturesque-mountain setting nestled between Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle
• Situated in Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Golf Digest “Top 5 Resort in North America,” “Best 25 International Golf Hotels” and “Best 100 Courses Outside the USA” ; GOLF Magazine “Best Lodging in Canada” and “Top 3 Golf Course in Canada” and Golfweek Best Canadian Classic Courses
3. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (www.fairmont.com/jasper, 800.441.1414)
• Voted Best Golf Resort in Canada by ScoreGolf Magazine
• Featuring the “wild side of the Rockies” – elk, caribou, coyote, bear and wolves inhabit the national park
• Designed by Stanley Thompson, the 18 holes carve contours at the feet of mountains
• Located in the heart of Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Golf Digest “Best 100 Courses Outside the USA” ; Golfweek Best Classic Canadian Course; GOLF Magazine “Top 3 Lodging in Canada” and “Top 3 Golf Course in Canada”
4. Kananaskis Country Golf Course (www.kananaskisgolf.com, 877.591.2525)
• Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed courses, situated in serene Kananaskis Country
• 36 holes played beneath breathtaking Mt. Lorette and Mt. Kidd, after which the courses are respectively named
• Features immaculate lush fairways, famed island-like 4th green on Mt. Kidd course, 140+ silica sand bunkers and the cascading Kananaskis River
• Golfweek “Best Canadian Modern Courses” ranking (2011)
• SCORE Golf! “Top 5 Best Public Courses to Play”
5. Silvertip Golf Resort (www.silvertipresort.com, 877.877.5444)
• Home course of PGA Tour Member and 2006 Players Champion Stephen Ames
• National Geographic Top 10 Environmental Courses (2011)
• Golf Digest rated 4 ½ stars, lauded for environmental sensitivity, maintenance practices
• 600 feet of elevation change, including dramatic par-4 18th with extreme altitude drop from tee to fairway, fairway to green
• Wine Spectator 2009 and 2010 “List of Excellence” Award for Rustica Steakhouse
• 2009 Golf Digest Environmental Leader Award
6. Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club (www.stewartcreekgolf.com/golf, 877.993.GOLF)
• Golf Digest rated 4 ½ stars
• Surrounded by the spellbinding Three Sisters Mountains, practically close enough to touch during play
• Audubon-certified course preserves habitat for plentiful wildlife
• SCORE Golf! “Top 5 Best Public Courses to Play”
Contact:
Dan Shepherd, Buffalo Communications, 703.403.5317, dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com
Janeen Driscoll, Buffalo Communications, 910.690.9711, jdriscoll@buffalocommunications.com
