Banff Springs Hole #10

Banff Springs Hole #10 "Little Bow" 218-yard Par3 Handicap 14

With the world famous Devil’s Cauldron soaking up so much attention, this one shotter doesn’t get near enough recognition. Often played into the prevailing wind, Thompson helps the golfer by building up a bunker ten yards left and short of the green, the grass back side of which was originally used to propel the ball onto the green. The green itself is one of the best on the course, featuring a spine running from five o’clock to 11 o’clock. Anything right of the spine feeds right and anything left feeds left. A well struck shot that catches the spine and feeds toward the back hole locations is a sight of beauty and one of true skill.

Which angle should the golfer take off the tenth tee - just right of the hole to leave himself an uphill birdie putt? Just left of the back bunker and let the spine feed the ball toward today's hole location? Or perhaps...

...play well away from the water and let this bunker slope kick the ball toward the green? The grass on the bank of the bunker needs to be cut tighter to propel the ball well onto the green as Thompson intended.

On the Tenth an arm of the river slices between tee and green where the earth banks off sharply toward the water. Too little club here can be costly.

Banff Springs GC:

Shuttle buses run from the Banff Springs Hotel to the clubhouse. (The original 1911 clubhouse still stands, but has been replaced by a modern, circular building in the heart of the course.) I suggest we hit up the Fairmont Banff Springs Castle for an early breakfast.

Banff:

Bow Valley Grill @ Banff Springs - This expansive dining room is one of the hotel's largest, most popular venues. It's usually busy throughout the day, but it makes the most of its space by offering both a la carte and buffet dining. In the evenings, the menu focuses on Canadian fare, especially steaks and seafood. Appetizers include oyster mushroom chowder and Dungeness crab cakes; rotisserie options feature duck and chicken, succulent when roasted on a spit. Alberta beef is offered in several different cuts and comes with rich, accompanying sauces, and you'll also find pork chops and local trout on the menu. Reservations are a smart idea, especially if your time in Banff is limited. GREAT BUFFET!

So when you go to this Bow Valley Grill, you get to drive up to that....Roscher, why aren't we staying here?