Set across flat, featureless terrain, Thompson needed to manufacture the interest and did so with a well bunkered switchback hole. InThompson’s day whenhickoriesdominated play, the golfer ideally drew his tee ball around the large left fairway bunker and faded his approach past the complex of bunkers along the right and front of the green. At the rate in which technology has changed in recent times, the tiger golfer is more apt to just power awaywithtwo straight balls today. Though some of the hole’s strategic merit has been lost with time, a recent round played at Banff by the author with hickories highlighted the merits of Thompson’s designs efforts at this hole.
Banff Springs GC:
The majestic mountains that frame the courses at Banff often make distances deceiving. The Fairmont Banff Springs promises breathtaking views in every direction.
Banff:Elk & Oarsman - The Elk and Oarsman's crowning glory is a rooftop terrace, the highest in town, with 360° views of the surrounding mountains. It's a fabulous spot for a meal of tasty and substantial pub fare, washed down with a cold local microbrew. A classic mountain pub atmosphere inside (lots of wood, a stone fireplace, old winter sports equipment and vintage photos on the walls) is augmented by big windows that nicely frame the mountain scenery. For sports fans there are several LCD televisions, tuned to whatever the big game.
This hole gets no picture love or what Gizz?
ReplyDeleteDid I ever show you the giant coffee table book I have? Well they have a giant two page picture of a hole sculpted amongst the trees with a snow capped peak looming behind the green. It is one of my top 5 favorite holes on the course. Yet none online of it...not sure why.
ReplyDeleteI think the back 9 at Banff (Despite not having the devil's cauldron) may give a run at best 9 holes of golf on the trip.