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One of the many beautiful things about the game of golf is the opportunity it can provide to see other countries,cultures, and courses. In July, members and guests joined me in my home countryof Canada for a week of great golf courses along the backdrop of spectacular Canadian scenery.
Our trip started in the beautiful mountaintown of Banff. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff’s scenery is renowned around the world. Towering mountains split by glacier freshrivers and emerald color lakes make Banff a true natural paradise. For the first 3 nights, we would call the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel our home.
This hotel is steeped in history as it first opened its doors in 1888. Known as the “Castle in the Mountains,” this European inspired hotel has been hosting luxurious travelers for nearly 130 years.
After arriving in Banff in the late evening, we were up early the next day to make our way, via gondola, to the top of Sulphur Mountain. 360 degree views of the Rocky Mountains and valley below were well worth the trip.
Following our trip to the top of the world, we made our way to Stewart Creek Golf Course. Carved through the forests of the small mountain town of Canmore, Stewart Creek was a great start within tranquil surroundings.
The next day took us to Banff Springs Golf Club. Designed more than 80 years ago by the legendary architect, Stanley Thompson, Banff Springs is a striking golf course set along the valley floor and ranked No.6 in the country. Mountains that touch the sky surround each hole with dear, the Bow River and the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel providing an evenmore incredible backdrop. After a delightful round of golf, we made the 60 km journey to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a traditional Afternoon Tea. The Chateau Lake Louise was built more than 100 years ago and overlooks the jade colored Lake Louise with the massive Victoria Glacier perched above. It was the perfect backdrop to enjoy a classic British tradition of Afternoon Tea. 班芙的最后一站我们来到灰熊高尔夫球场打球。球场建造于山的另一侧，可以一览三姐妹峰的美景。虽然让击球保持平稳的线路有点难，但是只要抬头就不难发现令人窒息的美景。打球后，我们来到卡尔加里机场，乘坐45分钟飞机来到欧肯那根谷。 Our final day in Banff would bring us to Silvertip Golf Course. Built on the side of a mountain and overlooking the incredible “Three Sisters” mountain peaks, finding a flat lie for your ball was nearly impossible but finding a stunning view was as easy as lifting one’s head. After golf, we headed to the Calgary airport and made the 45 minute flight to the Okanagan Valley. Known for golf and wine, the Okanagan is a favorite summer destination for Canadians. Upon arrival, we checked in to the 5-star Sparkling Hills Resort located at Predator Ridge. The ultra-modern décor was a far contrast to the classic elegance of the Banff Springs Hotel and built using over 3,000,000 swarovski crystals, this resort was truly sparkling. Amazing views of Lake Okanagan and the surrounding hills and a European style spa make this hotel an incredible destination for rest and relaxation. After waking up to a delicious breakfast with even better views, we teed it up once again at the Predator Ridge – Ridge Course. Rolling up and down with views of the lakes and surrounding forests, the views were only outdone by the condition of the golf course.
As Predator Ridge has 36 holes, we played the Predator Course the following day. Narrow fairways, hidden greens, andperfect course conditions are some of the many reasons why this course is considered one of the best in the country.
打球后，我们离开了宁静的普雷迪多山麓，来到了喧闹的基隆拿。作为欧肯那根地区最大的城市（尽管仅120,000长住人口），由于夏季游客因为湖边、沙滩、酒庄和高尔夫的到来而热闹起来。 After golf, we left the serenity of Predator Ridge for the vibrance of Kelowna. As the biggest city in the Okanagan region (although there are only 120,000 people that live there,) it comes alive in the summer as holiday makers flock to the lakeside beaches, vineyards, and golf courses. Our final full day would lead us to Tower Ranch Golf Course. Carved in to the rolling hills of the Okanagan Valley, this challenging layout was in perfect condition. Set with views of Kelowna to oneside and lush orchards to the other, this was a perfect place to play our finalround of golf.
After golf, we had to check out one of the 300 wineries in the area. Quail’s Gate is regarded as one of the best wineries in the country and they also have one of Canada’s best restaurants. The food and wine are as good as the views and gave us a great opportunity to soak up what Canada has to offer, reflect on the week that seemed to pass so quickly, and appreciate all of the great new friendships that were forged.
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