May 22nd: Jasper Park Lodge Hole #2

Jasper Park Lodge Hole #2 "Old Man" 488-yard Par5 Handicap 5

A stunner, the golfer is encouraged 'to swing out and give it a go.' The fairway is miles wide and is threatened only by a bunker at the 200yard mark, which, in the high altitude, should be carried. The hole's defense are two 30-yard long beautiful Thompson bunkers, one starting 110yards from the green and another just eigh eight paces from the green. The large bunkers are in keeping with the grandness of the setting. There is a breathtaking view of the distant mountains, the silhouette of which looks like an old Indian chief lying down in peace.

The second hole is a perfect example of challenging, scenic golf, while not playing overly difficult. Measuring only 488 downhill yards from the back tee, many argue that the hole is too easy to play as a par 5. Depending on where the drive is placed, the hole can be shortened even further, thus tempting even the amateur player to try for the green in two. It is on the approach that the depth of the design subtleties comes alive. The easiest approach is from the right side, which provides an opening into the green, but the hole demands a right-to-left approach from a fairway that slopes from left-to-right. Still, two is a great early birdie opportunity, and the first of many spectacular mountain backdrops.

Jasper Park Lodge:
It has jaw-dropping scenery with mountain vistas, lots of wildlife and an extremely playable course. It's not a long layout and it's fairly friendly off the tees meaning no matter how you hit the ball, you won't walk off the 18th green feeling as if you've spent the afternoon in the dentist's chair. Designed in the 20's by Stanley Thompson, the course has a lot of of subtleties. On many holes you can use the distant peak as your target, and that didn't just happen by accident.

Stops Along the Way - Moraine Lake:


Moraine Lake was originally pictured and referenced early in the blog when discussing the movie The Edge. It is located 14km outside of the village of Lake Louise and therefore is not quite as accessible for the purposes of our day trip to Jasper, but keep in mind both lakes are must-see attractions during our vacation. The area around the lake has several walking/hiking trails which are, from time to time, restricted because of grizzly bear activity. Parks Canada provides updated trail conditions and/or restrictions. The easiest of the hiking trails is the one most commonly taken by tourists. The Rockpile Trail along the actual moraine is approximately 300 metres long, with an elevation change of 24 metres (79 ft). The view of the lake from the top of the rockpile is one of the most photographed locations in all of Canada. That view of the mountains behind the lake in Valley of the Ten Peaks is known as the Twenty Dollar View, as Moraine Lake was featured on the reverse side of the 1969 and 1979 issues of the Canadian twenty dollar bill.