Friday, May 29, 2009

May 25th: Jasper Park Lodge Hole #5

Jasper Park Lodge Hole #5 "Miette" 480-yard Par5 Handicap 7

The concept that Jasper Park is 'just' great holiday golf is as criminal as saying the same about St. Enodoc and North Berwick (um?). Take an excellent half parhole like the 5th with its central hazard and tightly guarded green. Though the tiger golfer using modern technology will have a mid-iron into the green for his second shot, so what? Call it a par four and call Jasper Park a par 68 then if that makes the course more of a true test. Regardless of what par says, Jasper is full of very good to excellent holes and few courses can make that same claim.

The short par 5 at the 5th or par 4 1/2 perhaps, because it is well within two-shot range for many golfers today. However, it is tightly bunkered and calls for arrow-like straightness on both long shots. Behind the green is a series of mounds mimicking the outline of the mountains beyond.

Jasper Park Lodge:
Few courses in the world rival Banff Springs and Jasper Park for animal life. Bears, elk, big-horn sheep, mountain goats, wolves, coyotes and eagles are frequently seen on both courses.

Stops Along the Way - Sunwapta Falls:
Sunwapta Falls are situated half way between the Columbia Icefield and Jasper Townsite (56 km south of the town of Jasper) on the Icefields Parkway. Sunwapta means "turbulent water". The viewpoint of Upper Sunwapta Falls is just off the road. To see the lower falls, just as impressive as the upper falls, you have to make a short hike, a 30 to 45 minute walk on a clearly marked trail, this trail will provide also a panoramic views of the distant Athabasca Valley.

1 comment:

  1. Love that picture with the bear and the golfer. We should recreate that picture with Rosch next to the bear sporting the driver and a pipe, meanwhile Halbert in the background with some bear spray and a shotgun.

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