JeffArenson

The loop Red and Black are two courses in one. Think of them as two diverse ways to play one course and you are well on your way to understanding the design concept. The good news is that both are about the same as far as enjoyment and you would miss out if you went one way without going the other the next day. The Black starts out with a couple of difficult holes and the finish is also more difficult. The Red starts out with a short par 4 and ends easier. Both courses have drivable par 4s, long par 4s (half par holes each way), short and long par 3s and par 5s that could be gone for in two. The only difference is when these type of holes appear. All holes have wide fairways, firm/fast conditions, undulating greens and a lot of strategy off the tee. Very enjoyable golf no matter which direction you are playing that day. I can only think that more plays will lead to a greater appreciation and understanding of the routing and strategy for each hole. There are bunkers that you will see in one direction and wonder why they are there until the next day. I played 36 each day and was only beginning to get how it was all put together.
One example of this is the tree on the right of the par 5 13th on the red. You must be on the left side of the fairway to go for it in two and if near it for your third, shotmaking will be required. The other way, #6 on the Black, you won't even notice the tree as it is not anywhere in your driving line. Instead, the 6 green has two tiers. While your approach on the 12th for red doesn't have the tiers come into play. This type of variety is unique to the Loop and I for one loved it.
The course does play linksy as you can run your ball to certain pin locations. The fairways also have a lot of run out in them.The green sites also reveal themselves on multiple plays as some contours are not known off the fairway. Multiple plays are needed for any great course and the second time around is a revelation here. Made me want to come back for more.
Off the course, Forest Dunes has everything you need. A range, Putting Green, restaurants, outdoor patio dining, lodging and all are top shelf. The loop is not next to the clubhouse, but still only a 5 minute walk.
If you are going to Forest Dunes, play the loop in both directions as well as the original course. The courses are quite different in strategy, but all are worth your time. Getting two courses for one makes the resort a must visit if you are going to Michigan.

Forest Dunes is the first course at the resort and is well worth the drive from Detroit, Chicago or anywhere within a state or two. The name is perfect as the front nine plays through forest until the 9th hole and the back nine is through sandcapped duneland with some forest that really doesn't come into play.You might have Weiskopf's best work here. You get not one, but two quality drivable par 4s in the 12th and the wonderful 17th. The par 3s play use a variety of clubs and offer a swale, duneland or water in the front on three of them. Most notable is that the greens are more contoured than most of his designs but not so much that there are complaints. However, short game and putting are more interesting/challenging/fun than normal. Almost all of the par 4s and par 5s offer a risk/reward option off the tee making the course very strategic in nature. You are also set in nature the whole time so no houses, etc along the course. Pace of play was under 4 hours which was nice. The course can be penal if you are off your game; however, I think every ball that went off the beaten path was found by our groups.So the penalty is just trying to save par/bogie. The conditioning is excellent as bunkers, fairways and tee boxes were all top notch.
Off the course, you have multiple restaurants and bar areas with really good food and a nice patio bar for outdoor eating/drinking. A very nice setting. The golf has a putting greens, a putting course and driving range for all of your needs. The lodging has a lodge for couples or singles as well as villas/cottages for buddies trips. They are both walking distance from the course. I found the pro-shop, concierge, starter and everybody at the resort to be very kind and do everything they could to make your stay enjoyable.
Negatives are only one: plenty of bugs; however, bug spray will rectify that as one application took them away from me for the whole round.
Don't feel like paying full price? they have a replay rate, shoulder season rates and even a $100 a round rate for Fire/Police/Teachers, etc which I had never seen anywhere else.
Forest Dunes the course is quite different than the Loop in nature so they seem to have found a formula for people playing 36 and/or staying overnight. I suggest that you do the same. Played 36 a day for 3 days and wanted to come back for more.

Arcadia Bluffs is American Golf Incarnate: You take a Cart (you can get a caddie, but I think that the course would be a far cry from an easy walk as there are a few green to tee transitions that are not short), because its on the water it is called a links, but it does not play like one at all (like Pebble, Whistling Straits, etc), The views are Fantastic, The off course amenities are top class, the round will take about 4.5 hours, you need to hit it high and straight, the design is mostly penal as trouble is everywhere. I am glad we had a day without wind as I can picture this place being a multi-sleeve round if the wind is up. Spent plenty of time searching for partners balls without wind; fairways can be quite tight on the back nine.
Now, you might be saying that the previous list sounds perfect to you and that is why Arcadia is doing well. I enjoyed my round and the day. Off the course, they have everything you need to get ready in a practice range and short game area. They have multiple restaurants, a terrace and an area with deck chairs to watch sunset complete with bagpiper. You can also watch people come in on the 18th. The experience is definitely 5 star. From what I understand, the lodging is too.
The course itself is set on cliffs high above Lake Michigan. The routing enables you to revisit the water on multiple occasions and the views are quite spectacular. The only negative of the course is the handful of tight fairways. The layout itself does present some shot options off the tee, plenty of bunkers, some elevated greens and greens which have some contour and plenty of sections divided by ridges, contour, etc. There are half pars on both sides on the par 4s. The par 3s are not redundant, play in all directions and demand accuracy. They also vary in length. You will definitely need your sand game and short game ready as the rough around the greens is tall and plenty of misses will find you with semi-blind uphill shots. A very good course.
Over all,I wish I could give 4.5 stars as it is deserving of it. Between the Bluffs and the South Course, Arcadia offers two courses that are very different and I find that to be a great thing. If you are a golfer seeking to play in Michigan, Arcadia and Forest Dunes should be your first two destinations.

I thought that the South Course would have been polarizing and reviews would have a love it or hate it showing. I am pleasantly surprised that all reviews are favorable. I would have thought that an old school architecture course with firm fast conditions, ground game emphasis, massive contoured greens and no water in sight would have been hated by plenty. I am glad that I am wrong; instead, it has been nothing but love by reviewers and add me to that list.
The course itself is all that is mentioned above and then some. Very Linksy firm and fast golf here. Take 15 yards off your approach shot and watch the roll. It is also very strategic as plenty of fairways have bunkers in the middle of them or cross bunkers. Both of these force decisions and accuracy. I've only seen this at links courses, but they are prevalent in Golden Age Private courses in the USA. The style of golf is mentally engaging and shotmaking is emphasized. Using slopes to bring the ball towards the pin happens frequently. Thinking about the run that your drive will have forces different lines on tee shots. In the end, you are going to have a lot of fun. I wish that I had time for 36 as things are learned in the first round that would help with future rounds. This could be a course for a lifetime as different pin positions and wind will demand different angles and shots.
Off the course, they have a driving range, putting green and chipping green. There is a temporary clubhouse which really just has a proshop and small restaurant but it has a good menu. (They are building a full clubhouse and maybe some lodging) The drive from the main lodge is only 10 minutes so not a big deal. Pace of play was great as I went out as a single and only had to play through one foursome. I was done in about 2.5 hours. Twilight rates make it reasonable. I also think that this course is quite walkable and the only walk of any type of distance would be between the two nines.
Over all this is a can't miss if you are in Michigan. Any golf trip to Northern Michigan should have this on the agenda. A unique, wonderful and fun public course experience.

The oldest Golf Club in England plays like a classic links. It has tumbling fairways and is as natural as they come. Yes, there will be wild animals on the course, but they won't mind you playing through (Reminded me of Brora, except this time it was horses) The first couple of holes get you out to what you want. The 4th hole has a massive bunker (cape in this case), the 5th-7th holes play through the best ground and closest to the sea. From the 8th hole to the about the 14th, there are the Great Sea Rushes which act as hazards instead of sand traps and give ideas on lines of play.
The greens are not massive nor too undulating, but they are perfect for the holes as far as size/contour are concerned. Larger greens on longer approaches such as the par 3s. Tthe par 5 9th is 500 yards, but a small green that is semi-saucerlike; so you need accuracy to putt for your eagle. This course is pure links joy-putt from off the green, play bump and run, play knock downs, etc. and those bunkers are truly penal.
Off the course, these are some of the nicest people you will ever share a beverage at the 19th hole with, they have a restaurant, bar, putting green and a friendly staff/members.
I found this to be a throwback like Macrihanish Brora, Prestwick as you get a feel for how golf was played when it first came into being. I paid about $50 at twilight and it was a great deal. If in the southwest of England, put his on your itinerary. Splendid day.

St. Enodoc is why you go to the Southwestern part of England. The golf is pure joy. It’s a par 69, so don’t let the 6550 tips push you away. The routing is wonderful as you revisit areas without realizing it until later. Therefore, you play on all directions. The links is wavy, humpy fairways, contoured greens, wonderful greensites and just pure links joy. There is the 4th which is a short par 4 but the ideal line goes over out of bounds so no pushover. There are 440 plus yard par fours on each side. Par 5s with options and par 3s which could vary from pitching wedge to wood depending on wind. The 6th and 10th holes are all world and the rest are all good at the least. This might be Braids best course which is saying a lot.
Off the course, they have everything you need for practice. They also have multiple bars and restaurants. The membership is welcoming and there is zero stuffiness.
If you go off the beaten path and play in England and in the Southwest instead of where the open Rota courses are, this should be your first stop. Well worth the detour. Playing anything less than 36 would be a shame. Top notch links.

Saunton has two courses,the East and the West. I would suggest playing both but I only had time for 1 course so I chose the East. The East is the older of the two, has a name designer and is used for Open Qualifying and other tournaments. This is a great test of links golf. The ocean is nowhere in sight, but the course plays firm and fast, there is some wind, the fairways have some slope and the shot options which make links golf a joy are available in abundance. The routing is a large loop so you get all parts of the wind. Not an abundance of bunkers but some well placed ones to keep things interesting. The green sites are good and not a lot of contour.
What makes Saunton unique is the fact that 11 of the first 12 holes are par 4s and 1 par 3. Be ready with your driver immediately or be ready for a long day. The last 6 holes are a lot of 5s and 3s to make the round interesting. My guess is that this makes a match play round quite interesting. Saunton is a good test and the onslaught of par 4s certainly add to the challenge.
The club has a putting green, range, restaurant and all of the amenities that you will need for a proper day. The membership is quite nice and welcoming as are the staff. Greens fees are quite good for a course with a pedigree; you'd pay about double in the states, They have twilight rates, day tickets to play both courses as well as day tickets for 36 on one course.
No blind shots or quirk here. A perfect course for an introduction to English countryside golf. MY only regret is not playing both courses. If in SW England this should be on the itinerary.

Burnham and Berrow is a links; however, you will not get the aesthetics one expects from a links. The presence of the ocean is there, but it is beyond the 9 hole course and hills so the views are not.This course would be a 4.5 to me as it has everything a links should have and a lot of good holes. Rolling fairways, deep bunkers, firm and fast conditions and all types of options from 150 yards and in. They don't have the blindness that the course had when it opened, but there are still a few holes with sunken greens with a pole behind them to aim for or a semi blind tee shot.
The club has everything that you would need off the course; putting green, driving range, clubhouse with restaurant, etc. The staff and members are very nice and want you to enjoy your day. They are quite accommodating on tee times and getting you out with minimal fuss. Also, they want your rounds play at a good pace.
I would recommend a day ticket and let the first round guide you and then the second you can apply what you have learned. Also the second round is about a third the price of the first-good value. The beginning and ending holes are very good with all links glory at your feet. There is a small stretch near the 9 hole course which is flat. Guess that's why it got 4 to 4.5 stars for me but still worth a visit. It is also very walkable and distances from greens to tees are short. The course has some hills but nothing too steep.
I think that this is the type of course that will separate the links lovers from those who are all about the views. Not a reason to cross the pond; however, if in Southwest England this should be on the itinerary after you've figured out St. Enodoc and Westward Ho!

If you love your golf to have "Championship Pedigree' then Porthcawl is the course in Wales for you. No blind shots, everything is in front of you, bunkers are penal and placed in obvious places to make approaches difficult; all of this adds up to a fair test of golf. If the Open was to come to Wales this is the place; it should have been the place for the Ryder Cup.
This is a links test. Plenty of holes with long distances, which this club will let you play if you show them a handicap to match those criteria. The opening holes along the ocean is anticlimatic, but the rest of the holes do provide views of the ocean. Really strait forward links golf where controlling the ball flight in the wind is essential and missing the green can lead to recovery powers of a high order.
Off the course, the members are very nice and proud of their club. The bar and restaurant staff are very pleasant. In most cases, you get a breakfast or lunch with your round. My only regret might be not staying at the "Dormy" house accommodations on site.
If going to Wales, this should probably be at the top of your list; unless you really enjoy the quirk. Excellence all around.

Pennard is Wales’ version of Scotland’s quirky original links (Brora, North Berwick, etc). A links with elevation changes, wavy fairways, firm/Fast conditions, contoured green sites and wonderful routing. The views are also quite stunning (as is Wales for that matter)
There aren’t any animals running wild here anymore (for that go to Westward Ho) nor any of the conditioning problems which could arise from that. You just get an original links course with great golf. Some blindness if not in the correct position; however, you can get a day ticket. What course of any quality reveals all it’s secrets on one play?
They have all you want off the course; putting green, range, restaurants. And the members are quite welcoming. If you venture to Wales, this and Porthcawl are the must plays. Which you like more will demonstrate the type of golf you love unless you actually enjoy both types.
If I go back to Wales, this will be the first tee time made.

Royal St. David's is another championship course in Wales. Everything is in front of you on all holes except one; although on that one, you can still see the flagstick (the par 3 14th). It is about 6600 yards, but at a par 69 it would still challenge the best golfers; especially if the wind is up a bit.
The setting is quite spectacular as you are underneath Harlech Castle, playing by and then through duneland and to the north is the lovely Snowdonia National Park. If aesthetics matter to you, then this place will do just fine.
The golf itself is quality. The routing will have you face the wind in all directions. The fairways are the rumbling linksland that offer all kinds of lies to challenge and bring joy to the round. The final holes through the duneland are spectacular (14-17). The first 13 holes are all true links. It ends with a par 3 to the clubhouse.
Off the course, they have everything you need for a good day at a club. Food is good, staff is quite friendly as are the members, driving range and putting green for warm-up.
If in Wales, this would be a must play; especially if you enjoy Porthcawl. Not quite Porthcawl, but It is under $100 in the summer and less in shoulder season so it is quite a good value. I wonder why you don't really hear more about Wales as a travel destination; the golf is very good, the country is beautiful.

First of all, if you are coming here, you must play the "point" which is the Old Course. This is the nine holes that go out on a peninsula of extraordinary beauty. There is quirk abounds as there are many par 3s, and one par 5 on this nine. How they figured out the routing for this part of the course is a wonder. The front nine is also quite pretty and has views but not quite on the same level as the point.
This course is a unique/quirky special place. One of the better meetings of land and sea. If it was in the States, you would be paying triple. The golf itself is good. Plenty of par 3s which make it difficult to stay near par as they are well bunkered or will play in wind one way or the other. Nothing too special about the 5s and 4s, but nothing bad either. The conditioning is good/average. Good links golf in a very special setting.
The members are very nice and know they have a special place to call home. Pro shop was very accommodating and got me out before members so that I could enjoy a quick round. Food is good too.
If you are about the views, then this place will be 5 stars to you. If you are looking for a championship test with 7000 yards, then you might want to avoid here, but you'd miss out on the beauty. Regardless, go down to the Ty Coch inn which is below the Point for drinks and or food. Also, a lovely setting.

Wallasey's two claims to fame are being the home of Dr. Stableford and where Bobby Jones practiced before winning at Hoylake (Royal Liverpool).
The course deserves some credit for being a proper links. The routing starts in and returns to duneland. The 4th, 5th, 16th and 17th all end or start at the top of a hill with views of the Irish Sea. The course itself does has some flattish parts but the duneland holes are real links. The finishing stretch from 16-18 is quite excellent. The course plays firm/fast and has all of the links strategy/shot options that you could want.
Off the course, they have a putting green, a clubhouse with good catering and they treat their guests well.
I wouldn't put this at the top of a NW England itinerary but it would be a good place to start before heading to the Royals or Formby.

If you are a serious stick (Plus to 6 handicap), I think that you will love Royal Liverpool. They will let you play from almost 7000 yards; the yellow tees are almost 6500. Hoylake is on flat ground, but still maintains a lot of golfing interest. Not a lot in the way of views here so the aesthetic lovers won't be too happy here (just a couple of holes with sea views). The course plays very firm and fast. You will need to adjust quickly or run off the back of greens. There is out of bounds on two holes which is inbounds-caused by the driving range; this only adds to the difficulty of trying to cut off dog legs on approaches. The greens don't have a lot of movement in them and are some of the flattest which I have ever encountered in the UK. The problem is that the break is small and not obvious.
This is a championship test of controlling ball flight and hitting it where you must or there is penalty in the form of well placed bunkers. The good news, for the challenge seeking golfer, is that it is all in front of you. Only one hole with a blind tee shot.
I found Hoylake to be subtle in what is was; this made it all the more challenging as nothing was too obvious on the greens. The course is a loop so you will encounter wind from all directions.
Off the course, they have all you need: Driving Range, practice area of chipping/bunker practice, and a putting green. The clubhouse is nice as is the restaurant as are the members and employees. They make you feel very welcome. The guy I was paired up with had a caddie and if you pay for one, then he was helpful with lines off tees, approaches and reading greens.
Odds are that if you are on the "Golf Coast", then you will book the three Royal Open Host courses. Of course, you are paying more for those three than anything else in the area. This one has Tiger, Rory and Bobby Jones as part of their history; so if that is something that matters to you, then you will want to come here. Regardless, this one will not disappoint.

Formby is near the three Royals in England's Golf Coast. I enjoyed it as much as Royal Liverpool and perhaps even more. The course plays in a counter-clockwise loop with some back and forth to add to the wind challenge. There is a stretch from #6-#8 which is new but I thought might have been the best stretch. You play through hills and dunes and it is quite different from the rest of the opening stretch. The back nine features holes through the pines. Green sites are excellent as are the features of the greens. Although there are only a few holes where you can see the sea, this is links golf as the fairways are firm/fast, options on second shots and all the joy of links golf is here. The routing itself is great as you play through different types of settings all in one round; Links, Heathland and pine trees. Quite unique for the area.
Off the course, the staff is incredibly nice, and members make you feel welcome. They have a putting green, multiple bars/restaurants and a driving area for all your off course needs. Pace of play was amazing as I played two rounds, although as a solo player, in under 6 hours.
If you are playing the three Royals, I highly recommend a detour here. It is different than those Championship courses, and still at 6500 from the yellows and 7000 from the back still plenty challenging for the low handicapper.
Your greens fee includes as many holes as you want. I paid about 140 but got in two rounds. Great Value.

...Golf would have a lot more players.
Pinon Hills is an incredible value. Even without Golfnow deals, which can be under $25, it is great.
The course is in very good condition, fairways can be hit, not a lot of water or chance of losing a ball unless you are spraying it. That said, the course is challenging enough that birdies are not a given, nor is par. The green sites are relatively large, but have contours to divide them into two or three sections. If in the wrong section, good luck avoiding the three putt. If in the right one, a two putt or one putt should happen. If your short game is on, the reading of the green and contours is obvious. You just need to hit the proper shot. Definitely some places you don't want to miss it on or short siding yourself leaves you a nearly impossible chip. Surely, this course reveals those places with multiple plays and enhances the challenge and enjoyment of the course.
There is good variety in all types of par holes. Two par 5s are definite three shotters, while the thirteenth can be reachable for most or just a wedge in. Par 3s will have everything from a short iron to a hybrid or fairway wood. There is a short par 4 on each side, but you must be accurate to take advantage. There are also a couple of 4.5 par holes on each side.
The course is designed by Ken Dye, who also did Paa-Ko Ridge. Dye must be a low handicapper as the course is quite challenging for a muni. Definitely favors a draw off the tee. However, it is not absurdly difficult and players of all abilities will enjoy a round here. Pinon Hills is one of the best values in America. Because it is a good drive away from Santa Fe/Albuquerque it isn't well known. The course is packed with locals and pace of play is 4-4.5 hours all 3 times I played it. I am sure that during the week it is 4 or less.
Off the course, they have a driving range, putting greens, chipping area and everything to help your game. There is also a restaurant on site. The staff is also quite friendly and accommodating.
Definitely a place to play if in the area. Plenty of courses should find out/copy the business model. Say plenty of kids on the course and the locals probably don't drive anywhere else to play. Definitely a must play if in the area. Worth a drive to see.

The Bridges is a Jack Nicklaus design complete with a whole lot of hazards and water. If you are off your game, you won't be close to your handicap. The course has some diversity in holes and offers plenty of challenge for serious sticks/people with distance abilities. If you are a low handicapper, then you will enjoy it here. If not, you can still enjoy your round if you don't try anything outside of your ability. Check out the slope ratings if you want to get an idea.
Favorite hole is the short par 4 third with at least two ways to play it. Most holes are of the hit it here or else type, but it is an enjoyable challenge. Par 3s have variety in distances. The par 5s are not easy to reach in two shots. Definitely three shotters for anyone who isn't of the 350 tee shot caliber. Still, enjoyable for someone show is a mid to high handicapper. High handicappers will want to bring extra ammo as the majority of holes have water.
Green sites are good; some contour, but nothing out of control. Enough to make two putting not a given if not on the right side of slopes. Putts are relatively easy to read if you give it a look from two sides. Speeds are good; about 12. Fast but not ridiculous.
The course conditions are excellent; especially for elevation. They lend themselves to the aerial game being rewarded. Not many shot options with all the hazards.
Off the course, there is a full practice facility, restaurant and anything else you want when not playing. The views of the San Juan mountains are quite wonderful too.
The western slope is not crowded at all compared to the front range (Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, etc), so pace of play and ability to get out is easy.
If in the area, this would be where I would go.

First of all this is not a links by any stretch of the imagination and shouldn't be compared to them. This is earthworks and engineering. Think of Seth Raynor. Most of us can't play a Raynor course so this gives us a chance to see what scale and mounding can do for a golf course. This course was very interesting from a design standpoint. Architecture appreciators will enjoy looking at the mounding, bunkering, routing and great use of natural features combined with earthworks. Most greens are elevated. Plenty of large bunkers to protect them. Greens are large with undulations to force players to approach correct section. Most greens have 10 feet or more slopes for misses to force short game accuracy. I found this course to be unique and therefore enjoyable. Serious bombers might not find it to be extremely challenging but it is challenging to all.
The two nines are both great. The back nine is 3 of each type of par. The back nine also opens up so that you can see the whole back nine and out into the distance. The front nine has a feel that each hole is out there almost on its own. I enjoyed both nines but found the stretch from 5-9 to be excellence. All of the par 3s are great, but 7 is all world. The par 5s offer challenge and demand accuracy if you are thinking about going for it in two. The par 4s vary but most demand that you make a decision from the tee as each tee shot has blatant risk/reward options. The shorter the hole, the tighter the lines and more contours in the greens. Can't just bomb it out there without taking the proper line and need two quality shots for birdie.
Most greens are elevated and well protected. There are also a few blind tee shots. You can drive ahead to figure out landing zone. The 2nd and 8th come to mind. There are forced carries if one wants the best position but there are bail outs which force a great 2nd. The architects found a great routing complete with plenty of elevation changes. I found that the elevation changes added to the interest and even varied in how much more club was needed. They also enhanced the walk. I would also encourage that you walk as, being a golden age course, the distance from greens to tees is minimal.
Off the course, there is a restaurant, putting green , range, etc for everything you need. The customer service was great and they are proud of their course.
I must warn you that the only knock would be playing at twilight-it gets crowded. I played in 4.5 hours. I have heard longer. They do offer an all day rate that, if you can, you should take advantage of. A group in front of me was on their third round and averaged less than 4 hours as a foursome for the first two rounds. Beside Pace of play there were heavy rains so the bunker conditions could be iffy in some places. Some turned into no sand while others had an ideal amount. I can only think that this was attributed to the weather as the locals I walked with said that this is not normal.
Another positive is that this is a great value. A classic and unique course is yours to walk for only about $35 at twilight. The aforementioned all day rate is around $110. Considering the green fees at the destinations in this state, this makes for an incredible value.
I wouldn't say you should make a special trip to get here (unless you are an architecture buff, then you will want to see this course from a design appreciation standpoint and that will make you want to play it), but if you are in Wisconsin to go to Sand Valley or Kohler or Erin Hills, the sheer value makes this worth the hour or so drive. If you are actually in the area for any other reason and looking for a round it is a can't miss.

Let me get the only "bad" out of the way. This isn't Thompson's original routing. If it started at 15 and ended at 14, this would be undeniably a top 100 course in the world.
These 18 holes are still great played in the present order. The "Signature" hole is the Devil's Cauldron par 3 4th, but there are at least a dozen world class holes out here. Architecture buff or not, you will enjoy a round or two here. Considering the exchange rate, I paid $240 for two rounds. Not bad for a world class course and experience. Most American "Bucket list" courses (Pebble, Whistling Straits, Pinhurst #2, etc) are double that for 1 round. You also can't get onto most Golden Age courses without knowing someone in America, but the majority of Thompson's best are public access.
Despite a poor winter, Banff Springs' conditioning was great. The greens ran beautifully and not a spot in the fairway. Off the course, they have a driving range, putting green and chipping area for your warm up needs. They have a shack for food on the turn as well as a restaurant and pro shop with all you want.
The course itself is spectacular. The vistas are amazing and this might be the prettiest mountain course you play. Eye candy isn't much without a good course and I consider this to be a great one. Thompson's par 3 sets never disappoint: beside the 4th, the second plays to an elevated green, the 8th and 10th are a good pair and the long 13th would only be better if it was the 17th. You will use many clubs on these and all the green contours are appropriate for the scale of the shot. The par 5s are wonderful and feature bunkering that forces the risk/reward. The 7th and 18th demand a great tee shot and second to be near the green, otherwise the 3 shot route is perfectly shown by the bunkering. All par 4s are old school in that you need to flirt with the bunkers to be in the best approach position. The 15th is all world as you drive from what used to be the old clubhouse and it is now a restaurant. The 14th might be the best on the course. There are a couple of short par 4s, but not necessarily an easy birdie as the green sites demand a fine approach. Low handicappers might find this to be the best of Thompson's courses as 12, 14, 15, 7, 18, 4 and 13 are all quite demanding and no hole is easy. I shot my handicap at Highlands and Jasper while I averaged about 5 more at Banff. Not so difficult that you feel beat up, but a very enjoyable challenge.
If in Banff for the hiking, then this is worth a day of golf. The golf here is world class as are the amenities.and the vistas. You can't go wrong and this is another reason why Banff might be the best national park experience on Earth.

Jasper Park Lodge might be the best over all resort experience in Canada. They have everything on a course: Putting Green, Driving Range, Pro Shop and Off: World class lodging, restaurants, things to do for the non-golfer that you could want. Off the resort, Jasper Park is amazing-most notably the IceFields Parkway drive.
As for the Golf, this is a golden age architect at his best. Stanley Thompson is known for his par 3s. At Jasper there is the 4th which will need a long iron or wood. The bunkering is great here. The 9th, Cleopatra, plays downhill and has multiple options and quite the backdrop. The 15th is short, but slopes off in all directions; recovery isn't easy. The par 5s are all quality and two are reachable for almost anyone; however, if one shot is off then bogey quickly comes into play. The par 4s have variety and two are very unique-the 3rd and 8th. The 8th is bunkerless, but like Foxy might be the most difficult hole. The 18th is the other nominee for most difficult as it is lengthy and the approach can come from an uneven lie. The greens have some contour but the amount that adds to a round. Nothing that a three putt is guaranteed, but enough that if on the wrong side or looking at a long lag, you will need to be on your game. Over all, not the most challenging course, but you're on vacation. This means that you should enjoy playing in 3.5-4 hours and shooting a good score.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day of 36 at Jasper. The only regret might be not walking. The only warning to give you is that it is in the Canadian Rockies so, like courses in the American Rockies, conditioning can be iffy at the beginning of the season. If it is Augusta like conditions you seek, then you will be disappointed: the greens were all very good (in Colorado at this time of the year many courses had temporary greens open on about 1/3 of the holes-not a good winter), there were some spots in the fairway, but lift and drop somewhere close was available. Certainly, not poor enough to take away from the multitude of positives: You will feel welcome, play in 4 hours, have every resource you could want, a pleasant staff, enjoy the scenery and be able to play a golden age architect's course that is very much like it was when created. Architecture buffs would really appreciate the bunkering and mounding.
If doing Banff/Jasper Parks, these are worth the day out of the park-which is saying a lot. If you are a golfer looking for "bucket list" experiences, then this and Banff combine for one of them. Not many places in America where Golden Age architecture is available to the public. Luckily, Canada has three Thompson's that you can.