Best Public Golf Courses in Colorado: Tee Off in the Rockies

In 2023, a remarkable 2,532 reviews were submitted for 87 Colorado golf courses. This surge underscores Colorado’s rising appeal as a premier golfing locale. The state’s varied landscape, from the towering Rockies to the gentle plains, hosts a broad spectrum of public golf courses. These courses cater to all levels of skill and financial means.

For both local golf enthusiasts and visitors, Colorado offers an unparalleled golfing experience. Green fees span from an affordable $20 to a luxurious $198, ensuring there’s something for every golfer’s budget. The booking process is straightforward, facilitating a seamless planning of your Rocky Mountain golf outing.

Key Takeaways

• Colorado boasts 87 reviewed golf courses with 2,532 golfer reviews in 2023
• Green fees range from $20 to $198, catering to various budgets
• Pole Creek Golf Club in Granby tops the list with a 95.9 review score
• Three Colorado courses feature in GolfDigest’s top 100 public golf courses
• RainDance National is North America’s longest golf course

Exploring Colorado’s Golfing Paradise

Colorado’s golf courses combine challenging layouts with stunning mountain views. With over 300 days of sunshine yearly, golf enthusiasts can enjoy premier experiences for eight to nine months. The state’s courses leverage the breathtaking landscape, offering thrilling games at high altitudes.

Playing golf in Colorado means your shots travel farther due to the high terrain. Many courses sit thousands of feet above sea level, enhancing the game’s excitement. The dramatic elevation changes and native grasses create a unique golfing experience.

Colorado is home to some of the country’s most acclaimed golf courses. Ballyneal Golf Club, established in 2006, is hailed as the state’s best golf resort. Cherry Hills Country Club, founded in 1922, has hosted nine USGA competitions and three PGA Championships, offering a historical golfing experience.

For public courses, Redlands Mesa Golf Club was ranked the best in Colorado by Golfweek in 2017. EagleVail Golf Club, built in 1974, is another top public course in the state.

Colorado’s diverse courses cater to all golfers, from pros to beginners. From the challenging slopes of Saddle Rock Golf Course to the traditional Heather Gardens Golf Course, you’ll find your perfect match among the Rockies’ fairways.

Coal Creek Golf Course: A Local Favorite

Coal Creek Golf Course is a standout among Colorado’s public golf courses. Located in Erie, it boasts an 18-hole layout that caters to all skill levels. With green fees between $43 and $64, it’s a budget-friendly choice for both locals and tourists.

Players consistently praise the course’s exceptional conditions. The fairways and greens are meticulously maintained, offering a blend of challenge and enjoyment. The staff’s friendliness is also a major draw, with many noting the warm welcome and supportive service.

Its popularity is clear from the glowing reviews. A golfer highlighted it as their top choice among six courses in the region. They recounted a flawless day, with superb course conditions and staff that made the experience unforgettable.

The course’s design leverages Colorado’s natural splendor, offering breathtaking views. It features a variety of holes, appealing to golfers at all levels.

West Woods Golf Club: Friendly Staff and Beautiful Scenery

In the heart of Colorado, West Woods Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience. It combines breathtaking views with outstanding service. Green fees range from $50 for 18 holes to $27 for 9 holes, catering to golfers of all levels.

Course Layout and Challenges

The club features three distinct 9-hole options, with the Sleeping Indian – Cottonwood combo being particularly popular. Designed by Dick and Rick Phelps in 1994, it has been a favorite among golfers. Mature trees offer shade, and the layout is both enjoyable and challenging.

Customer Service Highlights

West Woods is renowned for its staff friendliness, earning a 4.6 out of 5 rating. The club’s dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in every interaction. From booking to finishing your round, you’ll experience exceptional service that makes your day better.

Pace of Play Considerations

Generally, the pace of play is good, but it may slow down on busy days. An attentive marshal ensures a smooth flow, keeping the game enjoyable for everyone. Golfing is available all year, allowing you to enjoy the course in any season.

West Woods Golf Club boasts excellent course conditions and amenities like a bar and grill. With a 92% recommendation rate, it’s clear why this club is a favorite. Plan your visit to West Woods and see why it’s rated 4.6 out of 5 by golfers.

Haymaker Golf Course: Linksy Feel in the Rockies

In Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Haymaker Golf Course offers a distinctive golfing experience. Its design, by Keith Foster, blends traditional links elements with the majestic Rockies. This combination makes for a round that’s both memorable and engaging for golfers at any level.

The layout at Haymaker is a delightful mix of fun and challenge. Set in a valley, the course presents stunning mountain vistas across its varied holes. The playing conditions are consistently top-notch, ensuring a superb experience from start to finish.

Green fees at Haymaker span from $92 to $154, reflecting the course’s high quality and breathtaking location. While not the most affordable, many golfers believe the price is well worth it for the exceptional conditions and unique design.

Haymaker is known for its fast greens, adding an extra challenge to the game. Water hazards appear on several holes, demanding strategic play and precise club selection.

With its unique linksy appeal and the grandeur of the Rockies, Haymaker Golf Course offers an unforgettable experience.

Interlocken Golf Club: Accessibility and Excellence

In Broomfield, Colorado, Interlocken Golf Club is a top-tier golf destination. With green fees between $85 and $180, it offers great value. The club’s focus on accessibility makes it welcoming for golfers at all levels.

Practice Facilities

At Interlocken, the practice facilities are ideal for golfers. The driving range, covered with Rye Grass like the course, offers plenty of space to work on your swing. It boasts a high rating of 4.6 for amenities, ensuring you have everything needed to improve your game.

Course Conditions

Reviewers give Interlocken’s course conditions a high 4.7 rating. The 6,957-yard layout, designed by Gary Panks, David Graham, and Gary Stephenson, challenges yet remains fair. It’s a true test of your golfing skills, with a course rating of 72.5 and a slope of 142.

Accommodations for Disabled Golfers

Interlocken Golf Club excels in accommodating disabled golfers. The staff’s dedication ensures everyone can fully enjoy the game. This inclusivity earns the club a 4.7 friendliness rating and a 91.6% recommendation from reviewers.

Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club: Scenic Beauty and Wildlife

Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club, nestled in Colorado’s Rockies, provides a unique golfing experience. The course’s scenery is awe-inspiring, with panoramic mountain views. Wildlife sightings add an extra thrill to your game.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the par-72 course spans 6,920 yards. It has received four-star ratings from Golf Digest and was named “Best Mountain Resort Course” by Colorado AvidGolfer. The course’s difficulty is marked by a 73.1 rating and 141 slope.

The staff at Rollingstone Ranch is known for their friendliness. They greet players warmly and discuss the course layout, enhancing your golfing experience. This personal touch makes you feel at home.

The course boasts excellent conditions, with Bentgrass/Poa Annua greens and Bluegrass/Rye fairways. Golfers highly rate it, giving it an average of 4.6 out of 5 from 33 reviews. The layout, staff friendliness, and pace all score above 4.5.

Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club offers various options for locals and visitors alike. The golf season runs from mid-May to mid-October. Annual passes for singles, families, and corporations are available each spring. For a full Rocky Mountain golf experience, consider the Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas’ package. It includes accommodation and a round of golf for two.

Pole Creek Golf Club: Triple Threat of Mountain Golf

Pole Creek Golf Club is a premier golfing destination in Colorado. It boasts 27 holes, making it the top public course in the state. The course is divided into three unique 9-hole sections: The Ridge, Ranch, and Meadows. Each section offers a distinct challenge, set against stunning mountain views and meadows full of wildflowers.

Green fees at Pole Creek range from $124 to $144, reflecting the high-quality experience awaiting you. The Ridge and Ranch sections provide thrilling mountain golf. The Meadows offers a flatter, more relaxed round. Groundskeepers ensure the course remains in top condition, with lush fairways and immaculate greens.

After your round, the upscale restaurant offerings are a must. The dining experience here goes beyond typical golf course food, making it the perfect way to end your day. With its diverse course layout, breathtaking scenery, and excellent amenities, Pole Creek Golf Club offers a triple threat of mountain golf that’s unmatched.

Green Valley Ranch Golf Club: A Test of Golf Skills

Green Valley Ranch Golf Club is a top-tier golf destination in Colorado. It combines challenge and enjoyment for golfers at all levels. This club is a must-play spot in the Rockies for many reasons.

Variety of Holes

The course features an impressive layout with multiple ways to play almost every hole. This design philosophy emphasizes strategic gameplay, keeping you engaged throughout your round. The front and back nine each offer unique challenges, ensuring a well-rounded golfing experience.

Course Difficulty

As host of the Colorado Open, Green Valley Ranch proves its mettle as a true test of golf skills. The course challenges you to use every club in your bag, with challenges ranging from lightning-quick greens to strategically placed hazards. Green fees range from $43 to $93, offering great value for the quality of play.

Overall Golfing Experience

Green Valley Ranch delivers satisfaction across the board. The high-quality course conditions and welcoming staff create a positive atmosphere. Many golfers have played this course over 100 times, showing its lasting appeal. The pace of play is notably good, often bordering on excellent compared to other area courses.

With its strategic design, challenging play, and excellent facilities, Green Valley Ranch Golf Club offers an unforgettable golf outing. It caters to a wide range of golfer abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, this course promises to test your skills and leave you eager for your next round.

Four Mile Ranch Golf Club

Four Mile Ranch Golf Club in Fremont County, Colorado, offers a unique golfing experience. Architect Jim Engh built this 18-hole course in 2008, set on 1,250 acres of breathtaking landscape. With green fees between $50 and $72, it’s an affordable golf destination.

The course stands out with its distinctive features. Golfers encounter challenging greens with dips and hills, some concealed by mounds. These elements require precise chip shots and strategic play. Despite the hilly terrain, the fairways are surprisingly broad for a mountain course.

Four Mile Ranch has garnered significant praise:

• Golf Digest’s 2008 No. 4 Best New Public Course in the U.S.
• Travel and Leisure Golf’s 2008 Top 10 Best New Courses
• The Gazette’s No. 1 Public Course in Colorado

Golfers highly recommend Four Mile Ranch, giving it a 4.5-star rating from 385 reviews. The course excels in layout, friendliness, and conditions. Its 95.2% to 97.9% recommendation rate underscores its exceptional golfing experience.

New developments are set to enhance the experience further. The new owners plan to construct a clubhouse and may add golf cottages for overnight stays. They’re launching leagues for men, women, and seniors, aiming to elevate Southern Colorado’s golf scene.

Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club

Located in Fort Carson, Colorado, Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club combines military history with stunning scenery. Architect Dick Phelps designed this public course in 1971. It has become a beloved spot for both military personnel and civilians.

The green fees at Cheyenne Shadows are remarkably affordable, ranging from $20 to $35+. This affordability is reflected in the course’s high 4.8 rating for value from golfers. Despite the challenge of gaining military base access, the lush fairways and breathtaking mountain views make it worthwhile for civilians.

Golfers highly praise the course’s conditions, layout, and welcoming atmosphere. It has an average rating of 4.4 from 46 reviews, with a strong 92.9% of players recommending it to others.

Cheyenne Shadows offers golfing all year, with bar, snacks, and grill services available. The course saw a rise in popularity in 2020, with more rounds played and revenue despite the pandemic. This success earned the course manager the Excellence in Management for Golf Award from IMCOM in 2020.

CommonGround Golf Club

CommonGround Golf Club is a standout in Denver’s golf scene. It boasts an 18-hole layout designed to challenge and delight golfers at every level. The course features strategic bunkers and a mix of par 3 holes, including one inspired by Augusta, adding a touch of grandeur to your game.

The greens at CommonGround are renowned for their speed and significant rollout, pushing your putting skills to the limit. While not excessively difficult, the course can be challenging if you venture into the thick long grass. The gold tees stretch to 6,619 yards, with a course rating of 70.6 and a slope rating of 128, ensuring a fair test of your golfing prowess.

CommonGround’s appeal is enhanced by its walkable layout, intriguing greens, and strategic design. Nearly half of the non-par-3 holes feature doglegs, adding complexity to the course. The high-quality design and mountainous backdrop make for a visually stunning golfing experience.

CommonGround Golf Club offers a variety of membership options and discounts. CGA Members benefit from a 16.7% discount on weekday green fees and a 23.1% discount on weekends versus Daily Fee rates. The club also provides annual passes, with an individual pass at $3,300.00 and a Junior Annual Pass at $300.00.

Arrowhead Golf Club

Nestled in Roxborough State Park, just 30 minutes south of Denver, Arrowhead Golf Club is a true gem. It offers a unique blend of challenge and beauty. The course is set against stunning red rock formations that date back 300 million years.

Arrowhead’s iconic scenery has garnered many accolades. In 2016, Colorado Avid Golfer ranked it the state’s top golf club in four categories. These include Best On-Course Views and Best Environmental Stewardship. The club’s excellence goes beyond its course, with top ratings for its après golf experience and wedding venue facilities.

The course’s design incorporates the natural landscape, featuring fast greens and large bunkers. Signature holes like the 13th, a 173-yard par 3, highlight the breathtaking red rock formations. These features make Arrowhead one of Colorado’s most photogenic courses.

With its unique blend of natural beauty and golfing excellence, Arrowhead Golf Club offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re admiring the dramatic red rock formations or challenging yourself on the course, a round at Arrowhead is sure to be a highlight of your Colorado golf outing.

The Ridge at Castle Pines North: Mountain Golf Close to Denver

Seeking a mountain golf experience near Denver? The Ridge at Castle Pines North is your destination. Designed by Tom Weiskopf in 1997, this course merges the challenge of mountain golf with convenience, avoiding the lengthy commute from the city.

The course’s layout is distinctive. With a par of 71 and a length of 7,013 yards, it blends accessible greens, bunkered challenges, and drivable par 4s. The final holes present the quintessence of Rocky Mountain beauty, featuring sandstone formations and awe-inspiring vistas.

Green fees at The Ridge vary from $55 to $155, catering to diverse budgets. While some question the value, many commend the course’s conditions and the overall experience. The Ridge boasts an impressive 87.5% recommendation rate from nearly 500 reviews, underscoring its quality.

What distinguishes The Ridge is its public accessibility in a region dominated by private clubs. It stands as the sole public venue among four clubs in Castle Pines, including the prestigious Sanctuary Golf Club and Castle Pines Golf Club, both ranked in Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest courses.

The Ridge at Castle Pines North presents a genuine mountain golf experience with its challenging layout and breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery. It’s a public gem that offers a slice of Colorado’s golfing heaven, perfect for both Denver locals and visiting golf enthusiasts.

Ironbridge Golf Club: Three Courses in One

In the heart of Colorado, Ironbridge Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience, akin to playing three distinct courses in one. Established in 2003, this semi-private club is celebrated among Golf Digest’s Top Rated Golf Courses in Colorado. With green fees between $79 and $129, it provides outstanding value for its diverse courses and professional staff.

Course Layout Diversity

The 18-hole layout at Ironbridge spans 7,105 yards, challenging players with a par of 72. Its design, crafted by Tom Lehman, Arthur Hills, and Chris Wilczynski, ensures a varied and engaging experience. This collaborative effort has resulted in a course that morphs throughout the game, offering continuous variety and challenge.

Staff and Service Quality

Ironbridge’s dedication to excellence is evident in its staff. Rated 4.7 out of 5 for friendliness, the team ensures your visit is unforgettable. The club’s amenities, scoring a 4.3, include a restaurant, swimming, and tennis facilities, enhancing the overall experience.

Scoring Potential

Ironbridge’s layout, rated 4.4 by players, offers strategic opportunities for both risk and reward. With a pace of play rated at 4.4, you’ll have ample time to strategize on the tougher holes. Remember, precise club selection is crucial, especially in Colorado’s thin mountain air, which can extend your shots.