Colorado, known for its stunning mountains and diverse landscape, is a haven for golf enthusiasts alike. With a variety of top-notch golf courses that cater to players of all skill levels, the Centennial State offers picturesque locations and challenging layouts. From private clubs to public access courses, golfers in Colorado have the luxury of experiencing unique play styles and exceptional sceneries.
As we dive into the world of golf courses in Colorado, we’ll explore some of the finest establishments this state has to offer. With a rich history and notable designers, these courses have made their mark in the golfing community. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing weekend getaway or looking to hone your skills on challenging terrains, you won’t be disappointed by the captivating charms and excitement that these Colorado golf courses present.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado boasts an impressive array of high-quality golf courses with rich histories and stunning landscapes.
- Both private clubs and public access courses in the state cater to the needs and preferences of a diverse range of golfers.
- Golf in Colorado continues to hold a prominent place on regional and national lists, with promising outlooks for 2023 and beyond.
Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Colorado
The Broadmoor
The Broadmoor Golf Club offers exceptional mountain golf experiences. This historic club is known for its championship courses and stunning views. As one of the best golf courses in Colorado, the East Course is renowned for its challenging terrain and the optical illusions posed by its famous green contours.
Red Sky Ranch
Red Sky Ranch features two distinct courses, one designed by Tom Fazio and the other by Greg Norman. Both courses provide golfers with a memorable experience, featuring breathtaking mountain views and impeccably maintained fairways and greens.
Ballyneal Golf and Hunt Club
Ballyneal Golf Club in Holyoke, Colorado, is ranked highly among the state’s golf courses. Set in a remote destination, this private club offers a unique golfing experience and a challenging layout that appeals to golf enthusiasts.
Cherry Hills
Cherry Hills Country Club, located in Cherry Hills Village, is known for its rich history and championship pedigree. This highly regarded Colorado golf course has hosted nine USGA championships and boasts a challenging layout, perfect for testing even the most seasoned golfer.
Castle Pines
Castle Pines Golf Club, situated in Castle Rock, is a world-class golf destination with an impeccably designed course. Known for its majestic setting and elevation changes, Castle Pines offers a memorable golf experience for players of all skill levels.
Colorado Golf Club
The Colorado Golf Club, located in Parker, is a premier golf destination. Known for its challenging design and picturesque surroundings, this private club provides an unparalleled golf experience for its members and guests.
TPC Colorado
TPC Colorado is a modern golf course set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. As a public-access course, TPC Colorado offers high-quality golf experiences in a breathtaking setting. Golfers can enjoy the meticulously maintained greens and fairways, along with unmatched views of the surrounding mountains throughout their round.
Arrowhead Golf Club
Arrowhead Golf Club is set within the iconic Red Rocks region and offers one-of-a-kind golf experiences. Known for its dramatic elevation changes and picturesque landscape, Arrowhead is a must-play golf course in Colorado for visitors and locals alike.
Redlands Mesa
Redlands Mesa Golf Club in Grand Junction is a challenging and visually stunning course. The Jim Engh-designed layout features dramatic elevation changes and a unique mix of landscapes, offering golfers an unforgettable experience.
Feature Analysis
Eligibility parameters
When considering the best golf courses in Colorado, there are several eligibility parameters that must be taken into account. These parameters may include the course’s overall quality, design, maintenance, and the level of challenge it offers to golfers. It is also essential to consider various ratings and reviews provided by expert panels, as well as golfers’ choice lists from community members for the best golf courses in Colorado.
Access Levels
In Colorado, golf courses can be grouped into different access levels, such as private, public, resort, and municipal courses. For example, Ballyneal Golf Club in Holyoke, CO, is a highly-rated private course. On the other hand, some of the best public courses in Colorado offer great golfing experiences without the need for a membership. Access levels play a crucial role in determining a course’s suitability for different types of golfers.
Community Reviews
Community reviews offer valuable insights from a diverse range of golfers, providing a more comprehensive perspective on each course. As part of the analysis, it is essential to consider reviewer scores and their individual comments regarding the course’s quality, facilities, and overall experience. These reviews can serve as a guide to highlight the top courses in Colorado based on actual golfer experiences.
By evaluating eligibility parameters, access levels, and community reviews, a thorough feature analysis of Colorado’s top golf courses can be achieved, allowing readers to make informed decisions on where to enjoy their preferred golfing experience.
Notable Golf Course Architects
Greg Norman
Greg Norman is a renowned golf course architect, known for creating courses showcasing his passion and talent for the sport. His designs incorporate the natural environment and existing features, with strategic placements of hazards and greens. In Colorado, Norman is responsible for the creation of the awe-inspiring Colorado Golf Club in Parker.
Tom Fazio
Tom Fazio is widely regarded as one of the top golf course architects in the world. His courses are known for their stunning visual appeal and challenging play. In Colorado, Fazio’s work can be admired at the renowned Sanctuary Golf Course, located in the picturesque city of Sedalia.
Donald Ross
Though he did not design any courses in Colorado, Donald Ross is a legendary architect whose influence can be seen in many courses throughout America. He is known for his groundbreaking concepts, such as the “turtleback” green, and designed several iconic courses, including Pinehurst No.2 and Seminole Golf Club.
Robert Trent Jones
Robert Trent Jones is a legendary golf course architect who left his mark on numerous courses in over 40 U.S. states, including Colorado. His skillful design techniques have earned him a significant reputation in the golfing industry. One of his masterpieces in Colorado is the Broadmoor East Course in Colorado Springs.
William Flynn
William Flynn was a highly influential golf course architect during the early 20th century. He designed some of America’s most well-regarded courses, such as Shinnecock Hills and The Country Club. In Colorado, one of his notable works is Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village.
Tom Doak
Modern golf course architect Tom Doak is known for his minimalistic and environmentally friendly designs. His firm, Renaissance Golf Design, has built multiple highly-regarded courses across the globe. Doak’s impressive work can be experienced at the unique Ballyneal course in Holyoke, Colorado.
Jack Nicklaus
Legendary golfer and esteemed golf course architect Jack Nicklaus has designed over 400 courses around the world, including a few in Colorado. His designs typically challenge golfers of all skill levels while maintaining a strong focus on aesthetics and playability. Nicklaus’ notable creations in Colorado include Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock and Country Club of the Rockies in Edwards.
Golf in Colorado’s Geographic Diversity
Colorado is home to a variety of stunning golf courses that take advantage of the state’s diverse geography. In this section, we explore some of the top golf courses located in different regions, including the Rocky Mountains, Vail, Wolcott, Grand Junction, Aurora, and Littleton.
Rocky Mountains
The majestic Rocky Mountains provide an awe-inspiring backdrop for several golf courses in Colorado. One of the most popular courses in this area is The Broadmoor Golf Club East Course in Colorado Springs, which is ranked as one of the best golf courses in Colorado. At an elevation of 6,035 feet above sea level, this course challenges golfers with its mountainous terrain and spectacular views.
Vail
Located in the heart of the Rockies, Vail is known for its ski resorts and beautiful golf courses. One of the most prestigious courses in the area is Red Sky Golf Club. Comprised of two courses, the Greg Norman Course and the Tom Fazio Course, Red Sky Golf Club offers world-class golf experiences in a breathtaking alpine setting.
Wolcott
Wolcott may be a small town, but it boasts a gem for golf enthusiasts: Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club. The courses at this private club are designed by Tom Fazio and Greg Norman, offering challenging yet enjoyable golf in a stunning setting. The club is a luxurious retreat with top-notch amenities, making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable golf experience.
Grand Junction
Grand Junction, situated on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains, offers a diverse landscape for golfers to enjoy. Tiara Rado Golf Course is one of the city’s renowned courses featuring remarkable views of the Colorado National Monument, majestic canyons, and natural wildlife.
Aurora
Aurora offers various excellent golf courses, including the CommonGround Golf Course, ranked among the top ten courses in Colorado. Designed by Tom Doak with the natural topography in mind, this public course offers an impressive layout and a unique challenge to golfers of all levels.
Littleton
Littleton, a charming city located just south of Denver, also boasts impressive golf courses. Arrowhead Golf Club in Littleton is known for its unique red rock formations and astonishing views of the Rocky Mountains. The course is challenging yet exciting, making it an ideal destination for golfers looking for an unforgettable experience in Colorado.
Public Access Courses
Public Golfing Options in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs offers a variety of public golf courses for golfers seeking picturesque mountain views and a true Rocky Mountain golf experience. One notable course in the area is The Broadmoor Golf Club East, built hard against Cheyenne Mountain with famed green contours that pose a challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
Another public golf course option in Colorado Springs is Patty Jewett Golf Course, known for its historic roots and beautiful views of Pikes Peak. Nestled at the base of the mountains, this course combines challenging plays with stunning scenery, making for a memorable golf experience.
Colorado’s Best Public Access Courses
For golf enthusiasts seeking the best public access courses in Colorado, there are several options to choose from. The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa in Grand Junction offers a visually stunning course with a challenging layout. Set amidst a red rock landscape, Redlands Mesa has been consistently ranked as one of the top public courses in the state.
Apart from Redlands Mesa, there are several other courses worthy of the title “best public access courses in Colorado.” For instance, the Grand Elk Golf Course in Granby provides an impressive mountain backdrop and a challenging course designed by golf legend Craig Stadler.
Green Valley Ranch Golf Club in Denver and Riverdale Dunes in Brighton are two more public courses that offer both challenging and enjoyable rounds. These courses are easily accessible and provide quality golf experiences for golfers of all skill levels.
In summary, Colorado offers a wide range of public access golf courses that cater to different preferences and skill levels. Whether situated in the heart of Colorado Springs or nestled in the picturesque mountains, these public courses provide unique and unforgettable golfing experiences.
2023 Predictions
Emerging Golf Courses
In 2023, we can expect to see several new and emerging golf courses in Colorado that offer outstanding experiences for players. These courses will feature innovative designs, incorporate the natural beauty of the state, and challenge golfers of all skill levels. Our predictions are based on course ratings and reviews, as well as industry trends.
One of the emerging courses worth mentioning is Pole Creek Golf Club, a picturesque course with a sunset view. This course has gained attention due to its excellent design and the exceptional experience it offers to golfers. It is expected to become more popular in 2023 and beyond.
It is also worth keeping an eye on the 10 best golf courses in Colorado (2022/2023) as identified by GOLF’s expert panelists. These courses are expected to maintain their positions and continue to attract golfers from all over the country.
Changes in Ratings
Golf course ratings will likely experience some fluctuations in 2023, as new courses emerge and existing ones undergo improvements or decline in quality. The Golfers’ Choice 2023 lists recognize the best public golf courses in Colorado, based on community reviews. These ratings will serve as a valuable resource for golfers planning their visits to the state’s premier golf destinations.
For example, the Red Sky Golf Club – Fazio course is currently ranked as the number one golf course in Colorado. However, as new courses rise in popularity and existing ones make improvements, we might see a shift in the rankings, with some new names appearing near the top of the list.
To stay ahead of these changes, it is important for golfers to stay informed on the latest course reviews and ratings, ensuring that they make the most of their golf experiences in Colorado. The ratings provided by Golf Digest and Golfweek can also offer valuable insights into the quality and performance of the state’s golf courses.
In 2023, golf enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing several new and emerging courses in Colorado while also monitoring ratings to see how their favorite courses fare. This information will help golfers make informed decisions about where to play and get the most enjoyment out of their time on the links.
Colorado’s Place on National Lists
Top 100 Courses in U.S.
Colorado is home to several top golf courses that have earned their place on prestigious national lists. One noteworthy Colorado gem is Ballyneal Golf Club in Holyoke, which consistently ranks as the best golf course in Colorado and is featured on Golf Digest’s Top 100 Greatest Courses in the U.S. Another highly praised course is the Broadmoor Golf Club East, known for its challenging green contours and remarkable location at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain. This iconic course is mentioned on Golf Digest’s Best Public Courses in Colorado list.
These beautifully designed courses, among others in Colorado, provide not only excellent golfing experiences but also stunning views and landscapes. The quality of the courses in Colorado has allowed the state to solidify its position among the golfing elite, consistently featuring notable golf destinations for golfers of all skill levels.
Colorado’s Standout Position among 50 States
Among the 50 states, Colorado holds a distinguishing position in terms of its golf course offerings. Its unique geographical features, such as the Rocky Mountains, add a special challenge to its courses and an unparalleled beauty for players to enjoy. The high altitude of Colorado’s courses also adds a distinct element to golfing in the state, which can affect ball flight and make it a unique experience for players.
Although Colorado has a relatively harsher winter climate compared to some southern and coastal states, it still manages to maintain an impressive golfing landscape year-round. Numerous courses throughout the state have gained national recognition, placing Colorado in a standout position when compared to other states.
The variety of golf courses in Colorado caters to different tastes and preferences, making it an ideal destination for golfers across the nation. The state’s commitment to maintaining high-quality golf courses and embracing its natural beauty contributes to its strong presence among the top golf course rankings, securing Colorado’s position as a must-visit golf destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top public golf courses in Denver?
Denver boasts several excellent public golf courses for players to enjoy. Arrowhead Golf Club is renowned for its stunning red sandstone rock formations, while Fossil Trace Golf Club offers a challenging yet picturesque layout. Additionally, The Ridge at Castle Pines North provides a top-tier golfing experience with beautiful scenery and well-maintained greens.
Which golf courses should I visit in Colorado Springs?
In Colorado Springs, the Broadmoor Golf Club East stands out as a must-visit course. Built against Cheyenne Mountain, it features remarkable green contours that create optical illusions, making for a unique and memorable golf experience. Another noteworthy course in the area is Patty Jewett Golf Course, one of the oldest public courses in the United States, known for its captivating views of Pikes Peak.
What are some highly-rated golf courses in Colorado?
Colorado is home to numerous highly-rated golf courses, including Ballyneal in Holyoke, recognized for its challenging design and remote location. Additionally, the Golfers’ Choice list includes Pole Creek, a course that showcases the state’s rugged terrain, and Red Sky Golf Club, set amidst the spectacular Rocky Mountains.
Are there any notable golf courses near Denver?
Yes, there are several notable golf courses within close proximity to Denver. Bear Dance Golf Club in Larkspur offers a mountainous landscape with beautiful views of the Front Range, while Green Valley Ranch Golf Club provides a challenging and rewarding playing experience just a short drive from Denver. CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora is another popular option, featuring an innovative design that accommodates players of all skill levels.
Which Colorado golf courses offer the best views?
Colorado is known for its breathtaking scenery, and many golf courses in the state take full advantage of these natural surroundings. Arrowhead Golf Club, as mentioned earlier, stands out for its incredible red rock formations. The 10 best golf courses in Colorado also highlight the dramatic views and elevation changes found at courses like Redlands Mesa in Grand Junction and The Club at Crested Butte.
What are some affordable yet high-quality golf courses in Colorado?
There are several affordable golf courses in Colorado that still offer excellent playing conditions and memorable experiences. Fox Hollow Golf Course in Lakewood, for example, provides three challenging nine-hole layouts with beautiful views of the foothills. Additionally, Riverdale Golf Courses in Brighton offer two distinct and affordable 18-hole courses: The Dunes, with a links-style design, and The Knolls, featuring a traditional parkland layout.