Ryan Schulhauser’s first round at the Jasper Park Golf Course is one he’ll never forget.
The Saskatoon golfer recorded the first hole-in-one of his life on Friday, May 29—the opening day of the 2026 golf season at Jasper’s iconic Stanley Thompson-designed course. According to golf course staff, it’s also the first time anyone can recall a hole-in-one being recorded on opening day.
Schulhauser’s historic shot came on the 12th hole, the picturesque 157-yard par 3 known as Tête Jaune—although a front pin meant it was playing more like 142 yards. Using an 8-iron from the white tees, he struck a shot that looked good from the moment it left the clubface.
“The ball took one hop and disappeared,” Schulhauser said.
Even then, he wasn’t completely convinced.
“I yelled once, but I was still nervous [that it didn’t go in],” he said.
The uncertainty lasted only a few moments. As Schulhauser and his playing partner approached the green, they found the ball resting at the bottom of the cup.
The ace marked the first hole-in-one of Schulhauser’s golfing career and an unforgettable introduction to one of Canada’s most celebrated mountain courses.
The milestone also added an extra layer of excitement to an opening day that many golfers and staff were simply grateful to experience.
The course opened for the season on May 29 after another successful spring preparation, with fairways and greens drawing praise from early-season players. The strong conditions are especially meaningful given the enormous effort required to restore the course following the July 2024 Jasper wildfire.
Last year, crews undertook extensive rehabilitation work to repair damage, remove hazardous trees, restore playing surfaces and reopen the course safely for golfers. Those efforts allowed the course to celebrate its centennial season in 2025 and continue welcoming players in 2026.
Now, less than two years after wildfire threatened one of Jasper’s most treasured recreational assets, the season has opened with a reminder of why golfers keep returning: spectacular scenery, an eminently playable track and, in Schulhauser’s case, a little bit of history.
Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com
