Banff Springs Hole #4

Banff Springs Hole #4 "Devil's Cauldron" 192-yard Par3 Handicap 13

During the course of the round, some may inadvertently start to take for granted Banff’s stunning beauty. Comparing it to other courses helps the golfer realize what just how one-of-a-kind, special Banff really is. Thus, think of your favorite one shot hole at your club, or perhaps your favorite one shotter in the state or province that you live. Then compare it to the one in the photograph below.

Swirling breezes over the 175 yard expanse make correct club selection crucial. Under-clubbing can sink a ball in the glacial waters and over-clubbing can hide a ball in the dense forest just behind the putting surface. The fourth green itself is of the punchbowl type and is steeply sloped from back to front to helpget the water off it as fast as possible. The bunkers are a good six to ten paces off the putting surface and banks shots are possible on the tightly mown banks to work a ball toward certain back hole locations.

Banff Springs GC:

The course is typically Thompson, taking advantage of natural contours, and featuring elevated tees, wide fairways, and holes aligned to distant mountains. From the back markers it is 6,938 yards and plays to a par of 71. The course is not only breathtakingly beautiful, it's also challenging for every level of golfer. Pick up a copy of the book The World's Greatest Golf Holes, and you'll see a picture of the fourth hole on the Rundle Nine. It's a par three, over Devil's Cauldron 70 meters below, to a small green backed by the sheer face of Mt. Rundle rising vertically more than 1,000 meters above the putting surface. Another unique feature of the course is the abundance of wildlife: there's always the chance of seeing elk feeding on the fairways, or coyotes, deer, or black bears scurrying across.

Hotspot:

Banff Avenue – take a guess, shops, restaurants, bars …. View of CASCADE MTN!