Banff Springs Hole #9

Banff Springs Hole #9 "Jinx" 501-yard Par5 Handicap 7

Taken as a set, the greens at Banff lack some of the random interior contours found at Thompson’s other landmark works. Perhaps when Les Furber (of Silvertip) re-did the greens in 1998 some of the contours were softened to allow for today’s green speeds. Regardless, the ninth green is one of the best on the course. Severely tilted from left to right, it is full of character with much of its charm lying in the simplicity by which the architect followed the lay of the land. The first three shots on this hole are played entirely in hopes of getting the golfer the shortest distance underneath the hole as possible for an easy uphill putt.

As seen from behind the ninth green, by looking at the relative position of the feet of the two golfers, one gains a sense of the green's severe tilt.

Banff Springs GC:

A mile high in the Canadian Rockies, the scenery is distracting on this challenging 27-hole course. It is not unusual to have a full-grown elk bound out of the way of a well hit drive.

Banff:

Banff Gondola/Sulphur Mtn – The pricy 8 minute ride provides some spectacular views of the valley, but for $27, it is thought by some to be overpriced. Hiking is available at the top as well as a visitor center but the whole trip is very dependent on weather. A partially cloudy day becomes extremely cloudy when you take the ride up into the clouds. From prior experience, this is something to be done only on a perfectly clear day and with warm clothing, as the temp drops in an extreme fashion. I believe we can obtain similar views by driving to other free hiking areas. But please let me know your thoughts....