Looking for a premier golfing experience in the Centennial State? Look no further! Colorado boasts some of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the country. From picturesque mountain views to championship-caliber designs, these 11 courses provide unforgettable experiences that will keep you coming back for more. Read on to find out what makes each course unique and why it made our list of the best golf courses in Colorado!
Ballyneal Golf Club
Ballyneal Golf Club, located in a remote destination, has gained remarkable acclaim for its exquisite features and distinctive layout. The course, with its dry, tan fescue turf spanning the fairways and greens, offers absolutely firm and fast conditions, creating an engaging challenge for players. With the unique combination of rolling landforms and topsy-turvy greens, Ballyneal presents a truly captivating golfing experience.
Designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, this private club showcases its allure through its half-par holes and an exceptional yardage of 7147. What sets Ballyneal apart is its commitment to maintaining a sense of authenticity. The course features no dedicated tee boxes, akin to the early courses where players would simply tee the ball near the previous green. This dedication to tradition, combined with the natural sand dunes that dot the landscape, contributes to Ballyneal’s well-deserved reputation as a top-ranking golf course, currently positioned at an impressive No. 36 in the world.
Location: 1 Ballyneal Ln, Holyoke, CO 80734
Cherry Hills Country Club
Cherry Hills Country Club, located near the vibrant city of Denver, Colorado, has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious and sought-after golfing destinations in the state. With its ground-breaking design dating back to the early 1920s, Cherry Hills boasts a course filled with iconic features and historical significance. From the nation’s first par-5 island green to its captivating closing back-to-back par 5s, every hole in this exquisite private course leaves a lasting impression on golf enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of Cherry Hills is its legendary signature hole, the par-5 18th, aptly named after President Eisenhower. A picturesque lake on the left adds an element of challenge and demands focus from golfers teeing off on this stunning hole. Measuring 7314 yards in total, this meticulously maintained 72-par course has seen generations of players compete on its historic greens. It has hosted numerous esteemed events, including the US Open, PGA Championship, US Women’s Open, and the US Senior Open, solidifying its place as a true classic in the landscape of American golf.
Location: 4125 S University Blvd, Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113
Colorado Golf Club
The Colorado Golf Club is a spectacular 18-hole course that offers a truly engaging golfing experience. Spanning over 1,700 acres of a former horse ranch, this private course was meticulously designed by the renowned Bill and Ben duo – Coore and Crenshaw. With its challenging layout and incredibly firm, fast greens, it provides a test for even the most seasoned golfers.
From the moment you step onto the first tee, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking panoramic views of the Colorado Rockies in the distance. The opening two holes set the tone for what lies ahead. The first hole, a lengthy par 4, gently slopes downwards, offering stunning vistas and an inviting start. In contrast, the second hole presents an uphill par 3, with trees lining the fairway and a wickedly sloping green surrounded by strategically placed bunkers. With its beautiful shape and engaging design, the Colorado Golf Club is a true gem for golf enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable round of golf.
Location: 8000 Preservation Trail, Parker, CO 80134
Broadmoor Golf Club (East)
Located in the breathtaking Cheyenne Mountain foothills of Colorado Springs, Broadmoor Golf Club (East) is a renowned and classic track that offers a professional yet engaging golfing experience. The course is beautifully designed, with striking green contours and tree-lined fairways that are famous for their breadth. The large greens provide a challenging and rewarding aspect to the game.
Not only does Broadmoor Golf Club (East) hold a rich history, hosting prestigious tournaments such as the U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open, but it is also the site of significant wins for legendary golfers. This course witnessed Jack Nicklaus’ victory in the U.S. Amateur Championship in 1959, as well as Annika Sorenstam’s triumph in the U.S. Women’s Open in 1995. Highlighting the course’s distinctive features are the expanded, highly demanding 601-yard 3rd hole and the equally impressive 611-yard 17th hole. With a par of 72 and stretching across 7355 yards, this challenging course promises an unforgettable golfing experience.
Location: 1 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Maroon Creek Club
Maroon Creek Club, designed by Tom Fazio, offers a captivating golfing experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of its tumultuous terrain. From the strategically employed design elements tailored to the land to the constant change in elevations, this course requires golfers to accurately judge their distances on every shot. The well-guarded greens add an extra layer of challenge, ensuring that players need to bring their A-game to conquer this course.
Situated between Aspen Village and the local airfield, Maroon Creek Club boasts a remarkable set of wonderful par three holes. Spanning across 7,129 yards with a par of 71, this private club offers an exclusive golfing experience for its members. While the initial opening holes and the final two may present some challenges, from the par-4 4th hole onwards through the 16th hole, Maroon Creek Club provides an exhilarating thrill ride with its diverse terrain and engaging layout. Notably, the back-to-back par-4s at the 15th and 16th holes offer a particularly compelling test for golfers, requiring plenty of movement and constant adjustments to navigate them successfully.
Location: 10 Club Cir, Aspen, CO 81611
Denver Country Club
Denver Country Club, one of the oldest country clubs in the United States, holds a rich history as it relocated from its original home at Overland Park to its current property alongside Cherry Creek. Nestled amidst a tree-lined landscape, this exclusive club offers a range of premier facilities.
The centerpiece of the club is its distinguished 18-hole golf course, where members can engage in the timeless sport. The course, while not exceptionally long due to the fairly tight piece of land, retains the best of classical golf architecture. Golf enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the picturesque par fours at the 356-yard 6th hole and the 358-yard 16th hole.
Beyond golf, Denver Country Club boasts an array of indoor and outdoor activities designed to cater to its esteemed membership. From tennis courts to a refreshing swimming pool, from a state-of-the-art fitness facility to exquisite dining and banquet facilities, the club ensures an all-encompassing experience for its discerning patrons. With its top-notch club facilities and a long-standing tradition of providing exceptional service, Denver Country Club continues to be a destination synonymous with refinement and utmost quality.
Location: 1700 E 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80218
Redlands Mesa Golf Course
Redlands Mesa Golf Course, formerly ranked as one of the 100 Greatest Public Courses, offers a truly captivating experience in Grand Junction. Spanning over 500 acres, this magnificent course showcases the natural beauty of the Grand Valley. With more than one-third of the area dedicated to the 18-hole layout, Redlands Mesa Golf Course provides golfers with a mesmerizing landscape adorned with verdant fairways and unique rocky outcrops. The elevated tee positions allow players to fully embrace the breathtaking vistas of the Grand Mesa and Colorado National Monument, creating a sense of awe and wonder.
One of the standout features of Redlands Mesa Golf Course is the mesmerizing par four that gracefully cascades down the right side of the hole, providing a thrilling challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Additionally, the 164-yard par three 8th hole is truly remarkable, featuring a sizable lake and a shallow green that test the accuracy and precision of players. The strategic positioning of some tees, set high above the fairway and bordered by magnificent boulders, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the game.
Location: 2325 W Ridges Blvd, Grand Junction, CO 81507
Haymaker Golf Course
Haymaker Golf Course, located in Colorado, has consistently gained recognition for its exceptional qualities. In fact, Golfweek Magazine ranked Haymaker as the “#5 Golf Course You Can Play in Colorado, 2022,” while Colorado Avid Golfer Magazine crowned it the “#1 Mountain Golf Course, 2022.” With its sprawling 233-acre layout, Haymaker offers a championship golf experience. Each hole features a minimum of four sets of tees, accommodating players of varying skill levels and ensuring a challenging yet enjoyable game. Stretching from 5,059 to 7,308 yards, golfers can fully appreciate the intricacies of the course.
Haymaker Golf Course boasts a well-designed layout with expansive greens and gentle undulations. As players make their way through each hole, they are treated to breathtaking views of the stunning Yampa Valley and the majestic Mount Werner. The course seamlessly merges with the natural surroundings, providing encounters with local wildlife throughout gameplay. For practice and warm-up, golfers can take advantage of the driving range, sand trap, chipping area, and putting green. Haymaker Golf Course, with its impressive stature and welcoming atmosphere, truly represents an outstanding public golfing experience, showcasing a slope rating of 133.
Location: 34855 US-40, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club
Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club’s Fazio Course is an exceptional golfing experience that showcases stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes and impeccable design. Spanning across 7116 yards with a slope of 134, this 18-hole course masterfully blends skillful elevation changes and diverse terrains.
As golfers embark on the front nine, a captivating bluff adorned with hand-planted sage and juniper bushes awaits, creating a picturesque backdrop for the game. The meticulously constructed bunkers, featuring Fazio’s signature touch, add an element of challenge and awe to every shot. Moving to the back nine, players will be mesmerized by the switchback ascent up a mountain slope, with breathtaking views of Vail’s Back Bowls. Throughout the course, vibrant hills, dense aspen forests, and a highland lake intertwine to form a pure environmental marvel.
Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club’s Fazio Course perfectly balances both incredible vistas and engaging gameplay, making it a true gem among golf enthusiasts. Whether one is seeking a picturesque challenge or simply yearning for a connection with nature, this course delivers an unforgettable experience.
Location: 376 Red Sky Rd, Wolcott, CO 81655
Sanctuary Golf Course
Sanctuary Golf Course, designed by Mike Strantz, features visually stunning and audacious architecture that captivates players from the moment they set foot on the course. The layout boasts a unique blend of parallel lines, sweeping curves, and repetitive patterns, masterfully incorporated into bunker, fairway, and green shapes. With 18 holes spanning 7,052 yards and a challenging slope rating of 142, this private course is widely regarded as one of the best in the state.
Set against a dramatic backcloth, Sanctuary Golf Course occupies a vast 220-acre plot nestled within a breathtaking 12,500-acre open landscape. From the first tee shot, where players are greeted with a thrilling 200-foot drop, to the twisty and tumbling fairways that wind through narrow valleys and over chasms, every hole offers an exhilarating and unique experience. As you navigate the course, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that freely roams the area, including mountain lions and black bears.
Location: 7549 N Daniels Park Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135
The Club at Ravenna
The Club at Ravenna is an exceptional golf course nestled in the arid foothills of the Rocky Mountains southwest of Denver. Boasting an impressive 7,263-yard layout, this 18-hole course offers elevated tee shots that showcase breathtaking 20-mile views up and down the fairways. It is strategically set between Waterton Canyon and the Pike National Forest, creating a serene and picturesque backdrop for avid golfers.
With its second-highest slope rating in Colorado, The Club at Ravenna caters to golfers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, this course provides plenty of challenges and opportunities to hone your skills. The course features numerous elevation changes, adding excitement and variety to each round. Against the backdrop of the sage-covered Dakota Hogback, the warm western sunshine bathes the course, creating an enchanting blend of nature and golfing excellence. With a par 71, The Club at Ravenna offers an unforgettable golfing experience for all enthusiasts.
Location: 11118 Caretaker Rd, Littleton, CO 80125
Conclusion
The top eleven golf courses in Colorado provide a truly exceptional and unique experience for players of all skill levels. From the scenic views at Redlands Mesa Golf Course to the daring design of Sanctuary Golf Club, these remarkable courses are sure to captivate even the most experienced golfer. Whether you’re looking for an intense challenge or simply an enjoyable day out on the fairways, these courses will not disappoint. So grab your clubs and get ready for an unforgettable experience as you explore the best golf courses in Colorado!
