At the time the course opened in 1925, this was one of the handful of longest three shot holes ever conceived. Two perfect strikes with hickories were required just to leave the player with a blind mashie niblick approach to a sunken green. Modern technology has taken some of the sting out of the hole but every player delights in playing across such atumbling landscape. The monstrous 13th moves gently right toward a small, three-tiered green set back in a grove of trees. This view from behind the 13th captures the tumbling topography and the blind nature of the approach shot.
One of the four finest short holes in the world, belonging in the groupwith the 7th at Pebble Beach, the 8th at Royal Troon, and the 6th at National Golf Links of America. The hole, aptly named, is a deceptive teaser thanks in part to the restorative work carried out to the course’s bunkers over the past decade. The back right bunker appears to be a genuine greenside bunker, flanking the right of the green. In fact, it is well back, past the back edge of the green. In 1995, the bunker didn’t exist in this spot where Thompson had designed it. Instead it was short right of the green where it created none of the visual trickery that it does today. The width of the green is a scant 14 yards and is located on a small knob. Miss, however, and the sharp falloff on all sides will leave you with one of the most difficult up-and-downs on the course. The play is simply to aim for the middle of the green as regardless of where the hole is located, the resulting putt will be short. The green slopes from back to front, and generally moves from the left to right. Take two putts and be content with par. The first time visitor may not appreciate the difficulties of the short 15th...until after his tee shot!
This hole made the list of 1001 holes to play before you die!
Jasper Park Lodge Hole #16 "The Bay" 380-yard Par4 Handicap 8
JPL's signature hole is #16, a 380-yard, par 4. This is the 2nd hole at JPL to make the list of 1001 holes to play before you die (only course we play to have 2). From the narrow tee, this hole plays to a valley landing area, across a peninsula and to a semi-hidden green. The hole runs back along the peninsula, with another arm of the lake eating into the fairway just before the green. Thompson banked the ground short and right of the green so that the weaker golfer didn't have to necessarily attempt a forced carry over the lake.
Alan Carter, Director of Golf, notes that there is approximately 80 yards or so on the tip of the peninsula past the 15th green site and 16th tee. Apparently, Thompson was originally restricted from building the holes further out onto the point as cottages were to be placed there. Fortunately, such building never took place and the option is available to at least move the 16th further back if they so desire.Jasper Park Lodge Hole #17 "The Climber" 360-yard Par4 Handicap 16
Jasper appeals to the full range of golfers. Every green is open in the front (at least on one side like the 16th ) even though several are elevated. Many of the bunkers are placed well short of greens and deceive the first time visitor as the flashed up bunker faces appear to be greenside. The 4th , 5th, 9th, 10th, and 18th holes all have bunkers 20 to 60 yards short of their respective greens. On other holes, bunkers are five to seven paces off the edge of the medium size greens. The resulting bunker shots are the awkward, in-between kind of 10 to 25 yards.
Thompson built wide fairways that carve through thick forest, and maintained a partnership with the environment's natural contours, blending beautiful landscapes with challenging terrain. As a result, few golf courses in the world can match the rugged majesty of this national treasure.
Jasper enjoys a key attribute over Thompson’s other mountain masterpiece, Banff Springs, a three hour drive south: the course remains as Thompson designed it. The flow at Banff suffered when the new clubhouse dictated re-arranging the holes. Jasper remains a shining example of architectural artistry that compliments and even enhances the incomparable setting.
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge initiated a restoration project in 1994 to refurbish the course back to its initial layout. Using Thompson's original course blueprints from 1924, the main focus of the project was spent on restoring the bunkers and tee boxes in an effort to recreate the fundamental design. Stanley Thompson was more than the patriarch of Canadian golf architecture; he was one of the leaders within North America. Such esteemed architects as Geoffrey Cornish and Robert Trent Jones apprenticed under him at one point, and he was a founding member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. Thompson’s work is famous in Canada; his name is attached to some of the finest courses across the country.
From the moment it was opened, Jasper was recognized as a masterpiece. Two of the greatest names in golf course architecture, Alister MacKenzie and George C. Thomas, visited the course in its early days, rating it among their favourite/elite designs. It was not just the romance of the place that they admired so much; they also respected the subtlety and strategy of the layout, the very features that distinguished their own work from the also-rans.
Then, as now, Jasper Park Lodge went for the rustic, woodsy outdoor look with log cabins spread around the grounds by Lac Beauvert and the Athabasca River.
Visitors from outside Canada will be intrigued by the Moose’s Nook, which has a wine list of more than 60 Canadian wines not seen much outside the country, but are beginning to gain an international reputation. It is much less formal, and also offers live entertainment.
When you’re finished, you can relax in the Insignia Spa or perhaps have a swim in the famous JPL outdoor pool. A cool beverage on the Emerald Outdoor Patio can be the perfect post-round decompress. Watch the sun set and take in the views of Lac Beauvert. On cooler days, the grand fireplace provides a relaxing warm-up.
A stunning natural setting, combined with unparalleled bunkering, makes The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club a "must play" course and is definitely worth the journey to Jasper!
Stops Along the Way/Other Canadi'isms:
Jasper Tramway - Although the ride up is not nearly as comfortable as the Banff Gondola, the view from the top was amazing. In the tramway you ride standing up, with around 20 other people (somewhat like being in a packed elevator). Once you reach the top, there is a nice restaurant with excellent views of the mountains. If you are in good physical shape, the best part of this attraction is to hike up the mountain further to the official end of the trail. It is a very hard, steep hike and not for those in poor physical condition or with vertigo. There are no barriers, or walkways, and in the spring, we were hiking through snow. However, the view from the top is spectacular and you feel like you are literally on top of the world. Be prepared and take refreshments and snacks for the hike - we did not realize it was going to be so strenuous and were exhausted after the climb. Well worth the $70 (family of 4). Some advice... the first tramway leaves at 9:30 - be there shortly after 9! We got there at 9:20 and the line up was quite long already. Also, dress warmly!
Miette Hot Springs - (Tripadvisor reviews) We spent an hour or so there in mid-July 2008. We were lucky to have OK weather that day (the previous day when we were driving the Icefields Parkway through Jasper, it was snowing - in July) and it was warm enough for us to feel okay about putting on our swim suits and getting it. The hot pools were lovely - soothing, relaxing, and HOT! The locker and change rooms are big enough and you can pay a $1 for a day-use locker. Remember to take some soap and shampoo for the showers in the change room though - you will notice the sulphur smell of the hot springs right away and will absolutely want to wash it off your body once you are done. It is a bit of a drive from Jasper and kind of out of the way, but it's a great drive up to the springs and great sightseeing once there. The heard of mountain goats that hang out at these hot springs (they just hang out – and you can really watch them and get up close, however still remaining a safe distance from them) is another big draw to the hot springs.
D'ed Dog Bar & Grill - The De'd Dog Bar has a laid back atmosphere great for hanging out after a busy day of Jasper fun. If you're looking for a party / club scene, pick somewhere else to go... De'd Dog is more pub-style. The staff is knowledgable and very nice, the drinks are great, and the food is delicious. The place seemed to have a mix of locals and tourists and everyone was relaxed and chatty. Definately a great way to spend your evening in Jasper!!
As long as she'll be there...Jasper Brewing Company - Great little brewhouse located on the main strip of Jasper. This brewhouse provides decent meals and pretty good microbrews. Service was very good, however the cost was a little high for a brewhouse, but this is Jasper!
.....or there's always Pete's Night Club! (not joking)
A Slew of Other Falls to Check Out - We'll have to see what Rosch's national parks book recommends, as many of these were simply traveler photos and had little description online.
(Astoria Falls - above)
(Lady Wilson Falls - above)
(Upper Nigel Falls - above)
(Sideways Falls - above)
Big Bear Chase Me - We'll return to the bear safety tips soon, so that they're fresh in your mind for the trip. I may also inact "bear fire drills" in which you will be awoken from your respective drunken stoopers and thrown into bear attack simulations...
Need a lift?
....next up - 36 at Banff Springs and Mt. Kidd !!
1) 603 is brutal
ReplyDelete2) I hope the lake looks like that in real life on the par 4 or I'm not gonna be happy
3) I want that chick to be at the bar as well
4) The Night Club must be hit up
5) Astoria Falls looks the best of all of them
1) In a prelim calc of the number of holes each of us have played on this 1,001 to play before you die list: Most of us have played only 1 or 2 (Arcadia Bluffs, The Lakes). This trip we will be adding 9 to that list!
ReplyDelete2) If only Jasper had greener grass and didnt look like pictures were from the 80s, it might be on par with the others we're playing.
3)Pretty sure that 14-16 stretch will be pretty amazing (Canada's Amen Corner?)
4)I am thoroughly looking forward to enjoying after round drinks on that clubhouse patio as it becomes night time (3pm round, done at 730....romantic sunsets, fine canadian wines), maybe even a dip in the pool if it's not 45 degrees yet.
5a)Thoughts on the excursions - skip gondolas, we can get great views by going to places and doing minimal hiking (not worth cost)
5b)Hot springs - i'd like to hit up some hot springs at some point during the trip, we'll have to figure out where/when
5c)Is this De'd Dog bar supposed to have the D from Dog be like an the A for De'd...or is that just an attempt to vocalize the Canadian accent there eh?
5d)Astoria falls may be best in terms of water flow, but Lady Wilson wins for height of falls, sideways wins for most interesting path down a mountain (we'll have to map thse out to see what is easily hittable along the Icefields parkway--consult the book rosch)
6)I desperately want to see a bear from the safety of our vehicle
12 F'ing DAYS!