Silvertip Golf Course- Canmore, AB

Silvertip is one of those ridiculously scenic golf courses that photographs insanely well. Upon seeing a picture, you immediately start planning a trip. Towering snow capped mountains provide the backdrop to a winding verdant valley course. Absolutely breathtaking. And to be fair, it was breathtaking when we arrived, albeit in an entirely different respect.

From the moment the plane touched down in Calgary, it was apparent there was a problem. Thick smoke choked the city, and the air smelled oddly of bacon and burning rubber. Hundreds of wildfires were burning out of control in British Columbia, and the wind was delivering the toxic, stinging smog to Alberta. The Rockies were all but obliterated, hidden from view by an dense apocalyptic fog.

Given the catastrophic circumstances, we couldn’t complain. All we could do was carry on, and play our pricey round in what felt like Armageddon, a bit like Nero. Although we will never know the scenic Silvertip Golf Course shown in marketing materials, it was still a fun tract. Filled with elevation changes, blind shots and tight fairways, it’s a difficult course. At least I wasn’t distracted by the scenery, not that you would know by my score.