Waterton Lakes

Currently operated by Lakeland Golf Management, Waterton Lakes Golf Course in Waterton Lakes National Park started out as a 9-hole layout in 1921, designed by William E. Thompson, the Banff golf professional. Stanley Thompson was called in soon after to extend the course to eighteen holes.

James M. Harris in his book Stanley Thompson and Icons of Canada writes: “It seems that Stanley’s plans which were done in 1929 were not fully executed as drawn. The architect wrote to the Minister of the Interior in September 1934 to give the opinion that ‘the route is wrong and before spending additional money this should be corrected.’

Stanley provided some written evidence regarding maintenance during WWII and then in 1946 he took on the Waterton Lakes GC as part of his national park annual inspection contract. Stanley was well aware that in his career his biggest and most reliable paydays had come from either Canada’s national parks or from large railway companies.”

A report was drawn up recommending improvements to the course and this plan, dated 18th March 1951, was used to significantly alter almost half the holes.

Today, the course measures 6,120 yards from the back tees, with holes configured as two returning nines. Water comes into play at the 6th and 12th holes in the shape of a small lake that lies between the two fairways. Highlight holes include back-to-back par threes at the 4th and 5th, along with the left doglegging short par four 16th.