Banff/Jasper Report

[Jeff Goldman]

I've just returned from a glorious trek to Banff and Jasper (in part thanks to the advice of you folks in response to my first post a while ago).  Played Banff Spriings 2 1/2 times (we couldn't wait and played the crummy nine and the front 9 of the old course the day we arrived - finished around 9 pm) and Jasper twice.  Even a novice can appreciate the difference between great course architecture and standard stuff by playing the tunnel 9 and one of the other 9s.  Played devil's cauldren 5 times from back and regular tees.  Stunning.  The course was not in great shape (they need to send their guests to ballmark school), but the scenery was stunning, and, more important, so was the golf.  The grass felt very different from what we get in chicago -- is it because of hard turf in the mountains or just a different grass?  It is very "spring-y" and hard to take a divot.  Also, no roll at all.  Add me to the crew that can't believe they made the original 1st the 15th.  It must have been one of the greatest openers in golf.  Is anyone bothered by the new tee, which gives a much more dramatic tee shot, but was not on the original?  I thought it was great.

Jasper was much less difficult, but even so it seemed to be a somewhat more thought-provoking course (challenge the bunker that juts into the fairway on 2 with the second shot?  Layup safely on the 240 yd par three or risk a big score?).  Banff, especially the really hard back nine, seemed to give fewer choices for strategy - hit it straight and long (but better views), but more wind problems.   Also, Jasper was in terrific shape and the greens were amazing.  Some people we played with were more enamored of Kananaskis and the newer mountain courses there, and didn't seem to "get it."  Since we only played the Thompson courses, I obviously couldn't comment, except to say that we have RTJ courses in the states, and I'd seen enough of them.  

It was thrilling to play the courses and commune with the elk.

[Ben Cowan-Dewar]

Jeff,
I am thrilled to hear your comments, you clearly understand these two wonderful courses.

A few comments
- Banff has had their worst weather of summer in memory, with snow in June.  This has probably adversely affected the condition of the golf course.  Too bad.

- I stated in June that I thought Jasper would be one of three courses that I would play everyday if I had to choose.  Not because it is supremely challenging (though it is not a pushover), but because of the strategy, setting and design.

As for Kananaskis, I have played both courses and while I would imagine that the backdrops in Chicago would have to be different  , they do not even compare to Banff or Jasper.  Though, they have wonderful conditioning, which might explain the comparisons to Banff.

Also, the new tee on 15 is rather dramatic, I think those who miss it most, do so because they miss the old clubhouse as well.

How difficult is the stretch of 10-14 into the wind?
What were your favourite holes at Jasper? 2, 3, 4, 9, 14, 15, 16, 18?

[Jeff Goldman]

Thanks for the comments.  Don't get me wrong, Banff was stunning regardless of the conditions.  10-14 into the wind were looooonnng, forcing an attempt at a big drive, often into the trees; there was simply no other choice (although, actually I could have played for safe bogeys).  

Its amazing that I played Jasper twice and remember every hole.  We played behind a local club championship, which made it slow, which I appreciated (probably for the first time) because it gave me time to watch how others played the course.  I think 14 and 15 were my favorites, although its hard to choose because the course builds hole by hole.  The short hole was amazing, and the par-5s too.  The first day we played 15 the wind came up, and I hit a pitching wedge way left on purpose and it blew onto the green about 12 feet.  I was surprised that the peninsula holes don't really have a view of the lake, except the tee shot on 14.  Do you think they should cut the trees to expose it?

[Jeff Mingay]

Jeff,

As Canadians, Ben and I should start the petition to reinstitute the original 1st tee at Banff. The re-numbering of holes a decade or so ago was tragic. Glad you agree (as so many keen golfers do).

As for the peninsula holes at Jasper, I'm in favour of selectively removing some trees from the shoreline to expose the lake, for sure. This would presumably be a problem though. As you know, the golf course lies within the confines of Jasper National Park. As you might guess, the "authorities" would likely objective to any tree removal.

But that's not to say it's not worth a try. They got it done at Highlands Links back in 1995-96 with some lobbying from a few different angles.

[John_D._Bernhardt]

I am amoung those that feels Jasper is one of the great courses anywhere. the first time i played there i had no idea what a Stanley T course was and feel in love with the strategic shot values and the general balance of the course. the more i have read about him and his courses, the world is a much better place for his work.

[Ben Cowan-Dewar]

Jeff G,
I agree with you re: the trees, but they are not coming down anytime soon.

Jasper is one of the special places in golf, I have no qualms saying that.  Glad you see the beauty.

As for Banff, I was not trying to construe that you missed the course due to conditioning, rather that it was too bad you did not get putt on great greens.

Jeff M,
You and I need to start a partnership to set Canadian golf straight.  How bold am I?  I really feel that Banff is hurt by the rerouting, but as you will see in my long awaited piece, I do not feel it takes it out of Canada's top 10.

John B,
Again, I cannot agree with you more regarding the wonderful ability of Thompson.  I am very excited to see Capilano in a few weeks and round out what I believe to be one of the most underrated architects in history.

We need another GCA outing to a Thompson destination, perhaps Jasper  .

Anyone who does not attend such an important piece of instruction should lose a star...  
Except Jeff Mingay, who has none to begin with.