The six courses that make up the Canadian Rockies Golf consortium are just a hop, skip and a pleasant jump away from Alberta's central hubs. (Shutterstock)

BANFF, Alta. -- The idea of playing six world-class golf courses in four days sounds pretty daunting, but when the courses are framed majestically by the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, the reality can be very pleasant.

The six courses that make up the Canadian Rockies Golf consortium are just a hop, skip and a pleasant jump away from Alberta's central hubs. And as part of a new marketing push, the group is looking to attract a new niche market to the hallowed fairways of these storied links -- the ladies.

There have always been facilities for female golfers, says Gord Schultz of CRG, but with help from Buffalo Communications, the group is designing packages with golf at the root and a bevy of side activities.

"Sure we still cater to the couples and family golf vacations, but we looked to create a package that would be attractive for a group of ladies, akin to the ubiquitous 'guys golf trip,' that would have other opportunities at reasonable rates," he said. So while golf remains the hook, yoga, spas, food, wine, hiking and shopping are there, too.

OFF TO GOLF IN JASPER

Through the mountains to Jasper, a 1 p.m. tee off with Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge head golf pro Kevin Sebulski and his wife Cheryl beckoned.

Established in 1925, the Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club, designed by Stanley Thompson, has changed little in 80-plus years, said Sebulski.

Set in the Athabasca valley, surrounded by the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains, this 18-hole, par-71 course features elevated tee boxes, and wide fairways with bunkers that can make life very interesting for the errant golfer.

The course was restored in 1994 to Thompson's original plan, Sebulski said.

JPL proved to be a challenge but very playable for a part-time duffer. The beautiful vista can make even the worst of golf shots seem a tad better.

"Nobody comes off being beat up," Sebulski said.

The club has several promotions, including Swing Clinics. Some deals include three nights lodging at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, six hours of instruction, a round of golf per day (including cart, reserved tee times) and most meals, for $859 per person. Another interesting deal, with the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, is the Stanley Thompson Cup. Play one course at full rate and you can head to the second to play a round for just $25.

DOWN ICEFIELDS PARKWAY

From Jasper, it's a breathtaking three-plus hour jaunt along the majestic Icefields Parkway to Banff, where another Thompson-designed Banff Springs golf course awaits.

Designed in 1928, the course runs along the teal-tinted Bow River and is flanked by Mt. Rundle and Sulphur Mountain. The course has been reflowed slightly over the past 80 years, with the addition of the Tunnel Nine, bringing the total number of holes to 27. The Tunnel Nine serves as the base for the Fairmont Banff Springs course Ladies Only summer golf program. The six-week course ferries women from Calgary to Banff Springs for lessons with CPGA pros and a round at Tunnel Nine for $698.

Banff head pro Steven Young has an enthusiasm for the layout, which offers spectacular scenery, wildlife and a challenge on every hole -- including ground squirrels, elk and an occasional bear. With five tees (including a resort tee at each fairway), even novice golfers can enjoy the course.

The 15th tee shot is heralded as one of the most famous vistas in golf, and the signature par 3, fourth hole known as The Devil's Cauldron is considered one of the best golf holes in the world. Shooting from an elevated tee, one must clear the glacial lake to land on a small, bowled green.

Young is very pleased with the new Heritage Golf Experience package, which allows players to use 1930s hickory-shafted golf clubs. "It's something that's a little different and goes back to the heritage of this course," he said.

HISTORIC HOTEL

Coming onto the 14th green, there are great views of the historic Fairmont Banff Springs. Modelled after a Scottish castle, the luxury hotel is an iconic Canadian landmark. Its 768 guest rooms range from simple, but elegant, to presidential suite. Dining options include Castello Ristorante, Waldhaus, the Samurai Sushi Bar, and the gourmet-to-go Castle Pantry.

Resort guests can hike in the mountains or kayak down the Bow. Then there is the Willow Stream Spa -- a calm oasis that revitalizes. After 45 holes of golf, the Rockies Rehydration treatment -- dry-brush exfoliation followed by algae blended with Aloe Vera -- and a face, neck, scalp and foot massage, proves to be the best 60 minutes I've spent anywhere.

CANMORE CALLS

From Banff, it's just another 30-minute drive to three more of the very best Canadian Rockies golf courses.

Designed by Les Furber, Silvertip golf resort features beautiful scenery on every hole. Built into the mountains of the Bow Valley in 1998, the par-72 course has 183-metre elevation change with a slope rating of 153. This is not a course to walk, in fact, carts are mandatory. Each cart is equipped with a GPS system that provides details on each hole, and pace of play, as well as an emergency button for medical emergencies or in case golfers run across a cranky bear.

Several instruction packages are available, with a new "Birdie Builder" women's program added this year.

"We built the sessions around what people were looking for," said head golf pro and sales manager Kelli Fry.

The program begins with a nutritious breakfast at Stoney's Bar & Grill, followed by a session of Yoga for Golf. "You use the entire body for golf, so we start by focusing internally, breathe, and then into some stretches that are designed to open the hips, pelvis, spine and shoulders," explained yoga instructor Simmi LaTulippe.

A mental awareness, discipline and performance session follows before participants head to the driving range for an hour of swing instruction.

After a fantastic lunch at Stoney's, it's time to hit the course. As carts are limited to the path, the track offers a workout but it's not unmanageable for the amateur and the scenery is breathtaking.

Golfers can find something different nearby at Stewart Creek Golf and Country Club on the Three Sisters Mountain Village development in Canmore. Designed by Gary Browning, the semi-private course opened in 2000. Built on an old coal mine site, Golf Digest ranks it as Canada's second-best new course. Wide fairways have been worked into the rugged landscape making the course "tourist-friendly" and playable for golfers of all levels. A second course is in the works.

At the other end of town is the non-profit Canmore Golf and Curling Club, an 18-hole, par 71 course with mountain views and natural terrain. Fairly level, this track is very walkable and in the process of becoming Audubon certified. With noted golf architect Les Furber as a member, there have been many upgrades including a double-ended grass tee driving range and short-game practice area.

Deeply rooted in the community, the club is member driven, said golf director Darien Cooke. "There is a lot to offer in this area and we've created an affordable place to go." Cooke is excited about a women's program that starts in September.

Cooke and chef Mike Gerlach designed the package, which includes a lesson, a round of golf and a night of interactive dining. "Mike has jumped on board and will share some of his secrets with the ladies."

"It's going to be a comfortable, fun time," Gerlach added.

Cooke is confident it will be a hit as the course's ladies camps fill up quickly.

KANANASKIS COUNTRY

Less than an hour from Calgary or Banff is Kananaskis Country Golf Course. A public track designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Kananaskis features two 18-hole, par-72 courses -- Mt. Lorette and Mt. Kidd.

Mt. Lorette has flatter terrain with the Kananaskis River coming into play on 13 holes. The more forgiving Mt. Kidd features more sand bunkers but equally stunning vistas.

"We are kind of everybody's other golf course," said head golf pro Bob Paley, who puts a big focus on women with half of the pro shop dedicated to their needs. Built through the Alberta Heritage Trust Fund, Kananaskis charges $90 ($70 for Alberta residents).

There is no end of opportunity for golf and other activities in the Canadian Rockies. And Canadian Rockies Golf's Schultz says his group will continue to cater to female golfers.

"While golf remains the key, we realize it's no longer all just about the golf. ... There's way more to do," he said.

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GOLFING THE ROCKIES

There are a few things to remember when golfing the Rockies. First is the weather. While summer is beautiful, mornings can be chilly in the mountains, so dress in layers if teeing off early. The second is the affect of altitude -- expect to hit almost 10% further on every shot.

For more information, contact the following:

- Jasper Park Lodge, fairmontgolf.com/jasper.

- Banff Springs Golf Course, fairmontgolf.com.

- Silvertip, silvertipresort.com.

- Canmore Golf and Curling Club, canmoregolf.net.

- Stewart Creek Golf Course, stewartcreekgolf.com.

- Kananaskis Country Golf Course, kananaskisgolf.com.

For details on packages, visit Canadian Rockies Golf at canadianrockiesgolf.ca.