Play a round at the base of Yamnuska

Kananaskis Ranch Brewster’s Golf

With a bunch of bogeys already under my belt, I stood on the par-5 11^th and decided to let the big dog eat. No more irons off the tee. But, like many holes at Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch Golf Course, the fairway was narrow. Tubular, in fact, and the margin for error was, well, nil. I had nothing to lose. I reeled back and fired. Lo and behold, I caught it flush. And watching my ball soar against the rugged ramparts of Yamnuska – the towering monolith that stands sentinel above the fairways on this understated mountain course – was worth the drive alone.

Stunning Vistas of the Rockies

Like every golf course in Alberta that sits snug beneath the snow-capped Rockies, the stunning vistas at Brewster’s Kananaskis Golf Course are awe-inspiring. On my maiden voyage around this little gem of a course (it tips out at just 5,606 yards and plays to a par of 72) I stopped numerous times to gaze up and soak in the splendour. Yamnuska, “Yam” as it is affectionately known, was like a magnet for my eyes. Its stark beauty, rising from the golden aspens, provided all the drama a golfer could ever hope for on a mountain course.

Bud Brewster – a golfing dream

The golfing dream of entrepreneur and 4^th generation cowboy Bud Brewster, Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch is a laid-back, unpretentious course that caters to recreational golfers who don’t need a $200 day to have a good time in the mountains. The green fees are modest – just $59 during the week – and the cozy log cabin clubhouse, complete with porch and picnic tables, is the perfect place to unwind and tip back a beverage after the round.

For me (straight tee shots are not my forte), the sleek, well-kept course proved to be all the challenge I needed. But interestingly, as soon as I decided to throw caution to the wind and just let ‘er rip, I actually managed to post a few good scores coming in. Of course, considering the beauty of the course and the fact that this fall day was simply sublime, I was well under par before I even hit a shot.

Andrew Penner – Guest Journalist and photographer