Summary of a great trip

Wow how do you summarize such an amazing trip?

Even the pictures truely can't capture the power of this majestic area. The stunning beauty of the area, the fantastic design and conditions of the golf courses combined with great hotels and service make for one perfect golf destination!

More Fairmont Banff Pictures

While playing the Fairmont Banff Springs course Dave and I were faced with the unique challenge of having to hit around/over the elk. As mentioned previously it was tough juggling your camera and golf clubs.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is literally a "Castle in the Pines". We knew we were in for something special when Hugh mentioned that the hotel had a museum on itself on the second floor above the lobby. There is so much history behind this absolutely gorgeous building that it would take a whole seperate blog just to touch the tip of the iceberg.

The room accomodation were nice and spacious, as we were located in the suites in the Manor house. I had time for a brief trip around the building before golfing. The world famous "Willow Stream" spa looks like something my wife Julie could spend quite a few days enjoying. Same holds true for the many unique gift shop located just off the lobby. Dave, HG and I missed breakfast, might have had something to do with the beer tasting we did in town the night before, but it probably worked out for the best because the lunch buffet we enjoyed in the Bow Valley grill was fantastic. This grill room offered great views of the surrounding valley.

My quick hike down the Banff rapids/falls was really spectacular. It might be wise even for golf groups to allow themselves time to explore the non golf sites.

After the Round at Silvertip

Here is our happy group after completing our round at Silvertip. From left to right, Harold (HG) Director of Tournament Operations N. Texas PGA, David Director of Junior Operations N. Texas PGA, me, Rob Gialloreto General Manager of Travel Alberta, Brian and Shelby from Dallas Texas. Brian is a former PGA professional turned financial advisor and is still active in the N. Texas PGA Section.

Last but not least the picture was taken by our fantastic host Hugh Tafel, Vice president of operations for Sundbirds Travel International. Hugh was a fantastic host and guide for the entire trip. His generousity and lively discussions will never be forgotten. That being said the item that impressed me about Hugh more than anything else was his knowledge and true love of the area. Anyone sending a group Hugh's way will surely get exactly what they want out of this area because he know how and where to make it happen in this truely fantastic destination.

Silvertip Golf Course

After checking out from the Delta Kanananskis we headed back north into Canmore to play Silvertip golf course. When researching the courses before my trip I have to admit that this course seemed to have the best views. Well pictures do not lie this facility has more elevation changes then any course I have ever been on.

Just like Stewart Creek, Silvertip is built into the mountainside. The biggest difference is Stewart Creek's fairways were pretty flat, Silvertip there were times when I could have used a rope just to make sure I didn't fall over. Silvertip was the only course on the trip to have gps on the course which helped out with all the elevated greens. Quite a few of the holes also have very nice townhomes adjacent to the fairways that provide spectacular views.

Carved from the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies, SilverTip is a world-class, 7200-yard championship course. Designed by the renowned golf architect Les Furber, SilverTip is as challenging as it is spectacular. SilverTip offers 18 holes of beautifully designed golf overlooking the spectacular Bow Valley corridor, deep in the heart of the Rocky Mountain wilderness.

After the round we had a great steak dinner in the clubhouse. The clubhouse was also hosting an wedding ceremony and reception.

Mt. Lorette at Kananaskis

My arrived at the Kananaskis facility which was just minutes from the Delta hotel in which we were staying the first two nights.

Carved from the spectacular Kananaskis River Valley, Mt Kidd and its sister course, Mt Lorette, roll gently along the river valley under the jagged peaks of Mt. Lorette and Mt. Kidd in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. These two course have much less of the elevation change provided at Stewart Creek but provided some equally picturesque holes. Water also comes into play much more at this course than the others we played during the trip. These courses were both designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr., who commented that it was the best natural setting that he had ever worked with.

Fairmont Banff Springs Course

The last course on our itinerary was the Fairmont Banff Springs course. The golf course sits below the hotel in a majestic tree lined valley. As shown above, quite a few of the holes play right back at the hotel which makes for some really cool views. Stanley Thompson, Canada's master golf course architect, used his expert talent when he designed the original 18 holes in 1928. The course winds along the Bow River under the peaks of Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle.

This course made for a fantastic encore to our trip. The combination of the views of the hotel, Bow River and mountains was just unbelievable. So much so you will find your self with your camera in your hand as much as your golf club. Course conditions just like the other courses played were immaculate.

First Day: Stewart Creek

After a quick continental breakfast at the Delta Kananaskis Lodge we headed north to Canmore. The first course to be played on our trip was Stewart Creek golf course which is located in the Three Sisters Resort Complex. The resort complex sits on 2000 acres of beautiful mountain terrain. For an early 8.30am tee time in September I was pleased to find the temperature already at 50 degrees.

Stewart Creek golf course was designed by Gary Browning. Browning has sculpted the rugged landscape into layered fairways and subtly sloped greens, with landing areas defined by pristine forest. The holes are located around rushing streams, crystal clear lakes, rocky outcrops and restored mine entrances. These restored mine entrances are really a neat feature that brings the essence of old Canmore into the new era.

Brian and I were accompanied by Bill and Judy from Sunbird Travel International. It was a privilege to play with two extremly accomplished individuals from the Calagary area. We could not have asked for anymore than they provided us as our hosts.

Much to my surprise Brian decided we should try the course from the max yardage of 7,150 yards. Hey, I'm a PGA pro but I don't hit it quite as far as I used to. The course was absolutely beautiful, almost exactly what I envisioned a true mountain course to be. The elevation changes added to the beauty and challenge of the holes. The conditions of the greens, fairways and tees were immaculate. Each hole had a unique name and comment noted on the scorecard. Most had something to do with the area in which the hole was placed. A couple holes even had a picture of a mountain range with an arrow that noted which peak to aim for.

The facility was in the process of building a new clubhouse but the temporary facilities proved more than adequate for our needs.

After our round we headed into the town of Canmore for lunch. We dined at a magnific restaurant called Murriettas. The restaurant is on the top floor of a two flat with a 360 degree view of the magnifcent mountains that surround the town. Lunch was very tasty and provided a much needed energy boost as we were on to our next course Mt. Lorette at the Kananaskis Country course.

We were joined by two new golfers from the Texas PGA section office Harold and David.

Delta Lodge at Kananaskis

Our first two nights we were fortunate enough to stay at the beautiful Delta Lodge at Kananaskis. Fortunate because this facility has hosted the world leaders G8 summit along with providing accomodations for movies like: Brokeback Mountain, X Men 2, RV and the soon to be released Legend of Outlaw Josey Wales.

The words upscale lodge perfectly described the facility and the amentities. The rooms have a fireplace and windows that open to the perfectly crisp fresh air. I was impressed by the overall level of service from all staff at the facility. I then noticed that they guarantee their quality of service with a money back offer.

Our generous hosts were James Tingley, general manager, Joanne Perschbacher, director of sales & marketing and Shane MacPhail, tour sales manager. One night we were treated to a dinner which featured their fantastic chefs. From the tender steak to the mixed berry dessert it was extremely tasty.

I did wake up early one morning and used the indoor/outdoor hot tub which is part of their beautiful Summit Spa. It is really cool to be surrounded by the pines and cool morning air while taking a quick dip. I also noted that they use that area for a family bondfire each night complete with smores, definetly made me wish the family had made the trip.

One week away from departure to the Canadian Rockies.