Banff Springs - Alberta - Canada

In direct contrast to Jasper this certainly didnt disapoint. I thought it was fantastic. The condition was much better than JPL and it had a more intimate (tree lined) feel. I thought the bunkering was also a standout feature of the course. Its probably the dearest of all the Canadian courses but its probably justified. Truly awesome...

As others have written, this is an awesome course whose setting draws the eye so often that you can be forgiven for any mishits (that's my excuse anyway). It can be windy and in that case some of the longer holes are a real challenge. But while you are waiting to play, just look around at those majestic mountains, admire a coyote being herded across the fairway behind you by a family of elk pretecting thier young, and accept that some greens may have had the same elk leaving hoof prints. The best hole is, in my opinion, the original first (I think), now the 14th(?) high up the side of the mountain and near the hotel, where your drive has to clear a river - a real invitation to let rip.

Banff Springs is one of the most enjoyable courses I have ever played. It's set in the beautiful Rocky Mountains where golf is just one of the amazing outdoor activities. The course layout is fantastic with the par 3 4th, Devil's Cauldron, being the most spectacular. The course continues to challenge the golfer while providing breathtaking views on nearly every hole that follows. The cost is a little high, with peak times costing around $300. The only drawback happens to be good for the environment. Because Banf is a National Park, pesticides are not allowed. This may provide less than smooth early season conditions but this course is worth the visit any time of the year.

Banff Springs is simply one of the best courses in Western Canada. The layout is outstanding with a variety of holes to test your game. The par 3 4th, offers a unique tee-shot into a bowl surrounded by bunkers and water. Club selection is key as there is a significant elevation drop from the tee.Because Banff Springs is located in a Provincial Park, certain chemicals are not alowed to be used. This will affect course conditions especially coming out of cold Alberta winters. The fairways and greens aren't perfect but the course is a joy to play even with those factors. The course is fair but challenging and would be a treat to be a member at. The biggest drawback for me was the price as I believe its the most expensive course in Alberta. Enjoy it if you can!

Banff Springs had always been a course that I had wanted to play since I saw it in a book given to me one Christmas. It took me about 30 years to get there, but it was well worth the wait. I booked the tee time at the golf shop in the hotel, and on the morning jumped the shuttle bus down to the pro shop as a helicopter buzzed low overhead. There the staff (who were all kitted out in a uniform of white shirts, black plus-twos and argyle socks) could not have been any more helpful. As I was doing a trans-Canada tour & this was to be my only round, I hadn’t brought my own clubs but hired some. I was given a full set of brand new Taylor Made’s. The emphasis here is on service; range balls were included (“Just help yourself sir”) the buggy had an icebox with complimentary bottles of water in it, there were tees, a pitch mark repairer & a towel in the front (“We’d like the towel back sir, but keep the rest”). I was paired up with another 3 visitors, and off we went. The course itself was in excellent condition and is a very good test of golf, but to some degree suffers from the absolutely stunning views around it; if the same holes could somehow be set elsewhere without the views, I’m sure the golf course itself would get excellent reviews and be well regarded. There are a good mix of par 3’s, both in length & changes of elevation, the short par 4’s invite you to take them on but bite back if you are careless, the longer 4’s test you and the par 5’s can be played a number of ways. As a first time player you can see all that you need to from the tee. And for all that, you keep looking at the amazing views. It turned out that my visit was a couple of weeks before a Skins game at Banff; the helicopter was doing the flyover shots, and we were politely interrupted on a few holes by the pro & a camera crew doing the descriptive shots about how the hole should be played, but this was done in such a manner that it added to the experience. Cost was £130 in summer 2006 for the green fee and the clubs, and as far as I am concerned was worth every penny. If Lorne & Mr. & Mrs lee happen to read this, thanks for your company, it added to the day.