Getting To Know: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with Gregg Lown, who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.

Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property
Celebrating 90 years in 2015, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club is a Stanley Thompson design. As incredible a golf experience it is for players of all abilities, you are even more amazed when you reflect on the fact that the course was built in the early 1920's by 50 teams of horses and 200 men. The soil to cap the course was brought in from Edmonton by train to cover the rocky ground typical to the region. The most striking feature of the course, with credit going to Mr. Thompson again, is how he framed so many holes with mountain backdrops. The views of all sides of the valley are unique to the course and if you visit Jasper without playing the course you will miss out on some of its most incredible sightlines.

In 2014 we celebrated out 18th consecutive season as the #1 Golf Resort in Canada. The golf course aside, a resort wouldn't be complete without a unique accommodation experience and warm service throughout the property. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge prides itself on offering the Unique Rocky Mountain Lodge Experience. 60 Log Cabins spread throughout the sprawling grounds surrounding Lac Beauvert offer a variety of room types and views. Many regular guests refer to their favorite room or cabin as their own. Of course all modern amenities are on site. A Spa, 2 Restaurants, Lobby Lounge, Coffee Shop and Recreational activities all make the Lodge a special place.


What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course?
While not long, this course has holes to take advantage of and holes to be respected. While the Par 5s offer a good opportunity to score early on, the final Par 5 - the 13th - offers one of the bigger tests with your approach to the green not clear until you reach it. At 3500 feet of elevation you will find a slight advantage in distance, but only a half a club which is difficult to accommodate for.

Make sure to bring your camera. You will certainly want to return, but make sure you take lots of pictures of your day here.

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
The course has been awarded the #1 Public Course in 2013 and #1 Golf Resort in Canada since 1996.

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
There are differing opinions, however the 14th Hole will stand out in everyone's mind and will certainly win most photographed. A Par 4 measuring only 361 from the back tees, doesn't seem very imposing on the scorecard...until you stand on tee. Built out into Lac Beauvert, your ideal tee shot is only 220 yards, however it is nearly all carry over the lake. Once you find the fairway, your approach is again all carry, and uphill to a challenging green with no forgiveness on the left hand side by the lake. It is straightforward, should you be able to keep your mind clear of the distractions.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
Oddly, my favorite is the shortest, but one of the most difficult. A Par 3 named Bad Baby, for good reason. If ever you find yourself on the putting surface off the tee, count yourself fortunate. A dramatic false front, drop off to the left side to a bunker, runoff on the right to a collection area and an unseen dropoff behind the green all provide visual distractions that can make even a confident golfer steer the short 140 yard shot. Focus on the middle of the green and try to tune out all of the hazards.


Back Tee Stats
Par: 71
Yardage: 6663
Slope: 130
Rating: 71.6

More Information
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
1 Old Lodge Rd Jasper,
Alberta, TOE 1EO
1-780-852-6090
www.fairmont.com/jasper/golf/