Architect Pegged to Reinvigorate Kananaskis Country


Many local and visiting golfers rejoiced when the Alberta government announced last year that it would be funding the restoration of the two flood-damaged golf courses at Kananaskis Country, not the least of which was Calgary resident Gary Browning.

Not only does Browning love playing Kananaskis Country, but the golf architect was chosen to undertake the redesign of the two 18-hole layouts originally created by Robert Trent Jones, Sr.

Mount Kidd and Mount Lorette were award-winning, much-loved courses favored by golfers around the world. However, devastating floods in June 2013 wiped them both out and they've been closed ever since.

"I am honored to have been entrusted with the task of re-creating world-class golf in such an environmentally sensitive and truly magnificent and beautiful alpine setting," said Browning, who has extensive experience in Alberta, including Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club in Canmore. "Helping to return these golf treasures - that most everyone had given up for lost - is my career coup de grace."

Browning will stay true to Jones's plans while improving the courses with contemporary touches not available when they were created. These include agronomic upgrades, adjusted landing areas and hazard locations to account for modern equipment.

His background in landscape architecture and environmental planning makes Browning a strong designer, sensitive to all facets of golf course architecture. He is a student of the game who believes in classic, traditional values and the environmentally friendly, "less is more" school of design.

Browning is a staunch advocate of minimalist golf course architecture. He believes holes should reflect their site; greens should be shaped to "hug" existing terrain; bunkers should be carved from existing hillsides; and each course should have its own character.

"We are thrilled to have Gary Browning lead the restoration of these two golf course gems," said Darren Robinson, Kananaskis Country general manager. "His design philosophy ensures the enhancements will recreate their timeless look and feel while contributing to a unique and memorable player experience."

Named after the limestone peaks that provide them with a scenic backdrop, the Mount Lorette and Mount Kidd courses boast glacier-fed creeks and ponds, the cascading Kananaskis River and a variety of wildlife.

Kananaskis Country is part of Canadian Rockies Golf, a collection of six golf properties in Western Alberta. The affiliated courses include: Canmore Golf & Curling Club, Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Kananaskis Country Golf Courses, Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club and Silvertip Resort.

For more information call 855/835-8484 or visit www.canadianrockies.net.