Stewart Creek

This week, I’m doing some photos of a local golf course. Stewart Creek is one of three courses located in Canmore and it has been designed to take advantage of some striking, surrounding scenery. It is also a great golf course. Even the most serious golfer can be distracted by the stunning views and it takes a little while to become accustomed to it before seriously tackling the golf challenges.

The fun begins right at the first hole, a par 4 named “Auger”. Stewart Creek is built on the site of an old coal mine. A number of the holes bear mining terms for names in recognition of Canmore’s mining tradition. The view from the first tee can be intimidating for the golfer playing it the first time. The tee is elevated and doesn’t reveal much of the target below. Of course, the view from the tee down the Bow Valley is worth seeing and is some consolation for an errant first shot.

That is the Rundle Range dominating the background and you can see a little of Cascade Mountain to the right, partly obscured by trees.

The next picture I have was taken at sunrise to capture the rays of the rising sun hitting the peaks of the Rundle Range. I framed this shot from behind the green on the 4th hole, known as “Paintbrush”. It’s named for the bright red wildflowers abundant here at this time of the year. This hole is the most difficult one on the course, measuring 453 yards. It’s a par 4, plays uphill all the way and more often than not it plays into the wind.

The seventh hole is named “Outcrop” for its prominent geological feature, a large rock outcrop just in front of the green. I took this photo very shortly after sunrise from behind the green, looking back up the fairway. The outcrop is quite visible in the very centre of the scene. I really like the effect of the rising sun filtering through the trees, illuminating the grasses on the hillside and casting long, contrasting shadows.

It is a beautiful time of the day to be out on the golf course. It is pretty much deserted but for the greens crews preparing the course for the day’s play. (With a little foresight, I can steer clear of them.) Wildlife is very active; I see many deer, elk and sometimes bighorn sheep. I’m very vigilant for bears because they can be out there too!

My last photo for this post was taken from beside the green at the number 9 hole, “Bear’s Den”.  I like this shot for the filtered rays of the sun and the reflection in the greenside pond. The green itself is a little difficult to see clearly due to the shadows, but it’s there.

I’m continuing with this project and I hope to post some further shots as they become available. I’ll let you know when they do appear.