Eager golfers don’t have to wait much longer – a new season is just around the corner.
One of Banff’s golf courses, The Fairmount Banff Springs Stanley Thomson, is prepping itself for another round this summer while celebrating 80 successful years in the green.
Tunnel Mountain and Sulphur nine, also known as the Stanley Thompson front nine, are scheduled to open on May 9.The full Stanley Thompson courses will open May 15.
With 80 years in 2008, they also celebrate a new addition to their golf crew.
“Yes, as of November 2007, Bob Burrows is our new Golf Course Superintendent. He has over 28 years of experience of working at some of Canada’s most prestigious golf facilities,” says Jenn Chorney, public relations coordinator for the Fairmount Banff Springs.
With a fresh face to perk up the green, the course will also undergo a facelift.
Tunnel Mountain will see improvements to its bunkers with new drainage and fresh sand.
As for the Stanley course, it will see “freshening of naturalized areas.”
Like every year, improving the green means being “green”, adds Chorney.
“We have partnered with the “WWF” to seek ways to reduce our carbon foot-print, with reductions in the use of fossil fuels. As well, we continue to support our certified Autobaun initiatives,” she says.
With those projects, the Stanley aims to be courteous towards the existing wildlife and waterbeds that surround the course, she continues.
In honouring its historic beginnings, golfers will have the opportunity to participate in a classic game of golf for the “Heritage Days” events.
These games will include original 1928 routing from the 15th hole, cadies dressed in period attires, as well as classic hickory-shafted clubs “with new balls that resemble old.”
Despite recent snow, Chorney expects a great season.
“The turf conditions are extremely encouraging,” says Chorney.
Publisher: Kim Oliver Proprietor and published by Bowes Publishers Limited at 201 Bear Street, Banff, Alberta, Canada T1L 1H2
