Canada Boasts Some Spectacular Courses, Including This Beauty...

We take a look at one of the loveliest courses in the Rocky Mountains, Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Rob Smith's avatar
By
published
Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Hole 8
The par-3 eighth at Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a real beauty
(Image credit: Fairmont Chateau Whistler)

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Hole 16

Looking down on the final par 3, the 16th, with the lake beyond

(Image credit: Fairmont Chateau Whistler)

From coast to coast through mountains and lakes, Canada is home to some of the most scenic and dramatic golf in the world. Towards its western reaches in British Columbia and the Coast Mountains range, Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a real beauty that opened for play in 1993.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Aerial

Fairmont Chateau Whistler is blessed with a stunning setting

(Image credit: Fairmont Chateau Whistler)

It was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr and runs on an impressively grand scale through ancient, majestic and wildly undulating forests of Douglas fir. Rocky outcrops, rivers, ponds and the magnificent trees define the challenge, as does the architect’s trademark bold, visual bunkering. The signature hole is the gorgeous par-3 8th, played from an elevated tee.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler - H12 left and H7 right

Loooking down on the 12th and 7th holes, with the par-3 8th on the right

(Image credit: Fairmont Chateau Whistler)

Everything is presented in excellent condition with holidaymakers and enjoyment very much in mind – testing but never too demanding. Open from early May to mid-October, a GPS-enabled cart is mandatory but recommended anyway due to the elevation changes. If you’re lucky, you may even see wild bears on this striking, Audubon-certified course.

The hotel is perfect for skiers and golfers alike, and lunch on the patio overlooking the beautiful par-5 18th is a treat on its own.

Rob Smith
Rob Smith
Contributing Editor

Rob has been playing golf for more than 45 years and been a contributing editor for Golf Monthly since 2012. He specialises in course reviews and travel, and has played nearly 1,300 courses in almost 50 countries. Last year, his tally was 77, 44 of them for the first time, which included his 1,000th in the UK&I. One of Rob's primary roles is helping to prepare the Top 100 Courses, of which he has played all, as well as the Next 100 where he is missing two in Scotland and four in Ireland. He has been a member of Tandridge for over 30 years where his handicap hovers around 14. You can contact him at r.smith896@btinternet.com.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.