I had the opportunity to play the original 18 at the Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta. This is, according to my experience, one of the best golf courses available on the west side of the continent. Hell, on the whole continent. A herd of elk; a confident blonde coyote the size of a large husky dog who looked me dead in the eye as he loped by the 1st tee box; eagles, hawk, geese and beaver were in attendance.

Every tee box places you directly in line with the most extraordinary vistas imaginable. Every shot is well designed, every hole hard but completely fair. Be ready to have elevation enhanced iron shots rewarded and imperfect tee shots punished, but not in a mean-spirited way. Never gimicky, this is how a golf course should be. Period.

Bucket-list-worthy. See it during the Skins game there this summer and then make plans to play it.