Tee up these Colorado beauties

By Jay McKinney
Everyone has a different idea of how best to explore the state. Grab your clubs and get ready to experience some of the state’s most memorable public holes.

1) Fossil Trace Golf Club, Hole 1

Golden – Designed by the renowned golf course architect Jim Engh, Golden’s premier public course is full of the characteristic undulations and deep bunkers that his designs are known for. Since it first opened in 2003, the 575-yard par 5 has been voted as the best starting hole in Colorado numerous times. One of the most interesting features of any golf course is the chimney incinerator from the 1940s that is placed in the center of the fairway. Regardless of the obstacle, a good tee shot will leave golfers with a choice of laying up or playing more aggressively in an attempt to reach the green in two shots.

2) Dos Rios Golf Club, Hole 13

Gunnison – If your ball has a tendency of finding water hazards, then prepare for a bumpy ride at Dos Rios Golf Club. The course takes its name from the Gunnison River that forks into two separate streams for 1,500 yards as it meanders through the golf course. The par-5 13th hole is especially memorable, with the river and a pond splitting it into two fairways and the green. Accuracy rewards distance as golfers make their way to the picturesque green with a backdrop of Hartman Rocks.

3) Omni Interlocken Golf Club, Hole 4 (Vista Course)

Broomfield – With a renowned resort and three separate nine-hole courses, the Omni Interlocken Golf Club in Broomfield is a short drive from Denver that offers tourists and locals an amazing golf experience. Hole 4 on the Vista Course is an uphill par 5 that slowly climbs to the top of the property. Once on the green, the view of the Front Range is incredible at an elevation of nearly 5,900 feet. Consider a twilight round to make the view even more memorable with a breathtaking sunset.

4) The Broadmoor Golf Club, Hole 10 (East Course)

Colorado Springs – Aside from being one of the nicest resorts in the country, The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is known for its spectacular golfing, with two separate 18-hole courses. Hole 10 on the East Course is a par 4 and a challenge for even the longest hitters, with a distance reaching 504 yards. Ironically, it is 20 yards longer than the seventh hole, which is a par 5. Golfers who wish to get a par or better should do their best to hit a draw off the tee that can play into the downhill slope of the fairway. The shot to the green gives golfers a great view of downtown Colorado Springs and can hinder concentration, so beware.

5) Golf Club at Bear Dance, Hole 16

Larkspur – Located between Denver and Colorado Springs off Interstate 25, Bear Dance has the feel of a course deep within the mountains with its secluded holes in a forest of pine trees. As the end of the round nears, make sure to take a moment and relish the panoramic view from the tee box on hole 16 before bombing a drive down into the fairway. From there, be careful to avoid the small water hazard that lies in front of the green.

6) Pelican Lakes Resort & Golf, Hole 6

Windsor – Despite being a landlocked state, Colorado is home to the golf course that has laid claim to having the most shoreline in the entire country. Pelican Lakes Resort & Golf and Pelican Falls offers 27 holes of challenging golf in Windsor, with its expansive lakes and the Cache La Poudre River winding through the entire property. Hole 6 is one of the more scenic holes that gives golfers a terrific view of Longs Peak from the elevated tee box. A fairway wood or hybrid is recommended off the tee on this par 4 but hitting a straight shot is most important. The entire left side of the hole is bordered by a lake that should not come as a surprise, and the fairway bunkers are equally important to avoid.

7) The Homestead Golf Course, Hole 1

Lakewood – While Homestead is an executive golf course at par 65, there’s no shortage of fun and challenging holes. One of the most exciting holes is 17, a par 3 with an elevated tee box that overlooks the south Denver metro area. The steep ravine that golfers must hit over to the narrow green atop a hill requires full concentration and there’s little room for error. For those who go long, good luck finding the ball on the bushy backside of the hill that drops off quickly.

8) Arrowhead Golf Club, Hole 13

Littleton – If Red Rocks Amphitheatre is the premier venue for concerts in Colorado, then hole 13 at Arrowhead should be awarded the premier par 3 with its strikingly similar view from the tee box. Perched among the towering red rock formations of Roxborough State Park, which is adjacent to the golf course, this hole stands out even at a course with incredible scenery like Arrowhead. “Keep your eye on the ball” may be the most uttered phrase of advice at a golf course, but on this hole, it is especially difficult to not get distracted.

9) Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks, Hole 14

Silverthorne – A downhill tee shot with spectacular views of the Gore Mountain Range makes the par-3 14th hole at Raven Golf Club a memorable one at this renowned mountain course in Silverthorne. A pond that hugs the front left side of the green will have golfers praying for a pin placement on the right. However, if they go too far right the large bunker won’t do them any favors if they plan on walking away with par.

10) Pagosa Springs Golf Club, Hole 3 (Pinon course)

Pagosa Springs – Precision is key on this short par 3 that is surrounded with hazardous terrain. Go short and the ball will find the large ditch directly in front of the green, leaving golfers with a steep uphill shot to get back into play. Go left, right or long, and the trees and native grass can swallow up the ball and leave one with an equally challenging shot. The green on this hole slopes from back to front, so golfers should analyze their putt carefully if they are looking to save par. After the round, head down to the Pagosa Hot Springs and relax those muscles in the steamy pools alongside the San Juan River.

11) Redlands Mesa Golf Course, Hole 17

Grand Junction – The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa occupies 500 acres of land in the Grand Valley and is packed with extraordinary views of the Colorado National Monument and Grand Mesa. Hole 17 is a 218-yard par 3 that is awarded the signature hole with its vertigo-inducing elevation change from the tee box to the green. The panoramic view is second to none as golfers watch their ball sail through the air to the green nestled among the rocks.

12) Devil’s Thumb Golf Course, Hole 3

Delta – Devil’s Thumb Golf Course in Delta is a prairie-style links course located at the base of the Grand Mesa. The barren Adobe Hills contrasted with the green grass creates a unique landscape on many of the holes and has led some golfers to describe it as if you’re playing on the moon. Hole 3 is a par 4 that is reachable for long hitters, with the furthest tees being 342 yards from the green. Regardless of whether golfers try to go for the green in one shot or layup, they should do their best to avoid the bunkers on the right side.

13) The Ridge at Castle Pines North, Hole 18

Castle Pines – The par-4 18th hole at The Ridge has to be one of the most memorable finishing holes. Playing through the pine forest on the westside of the course, the back nine at The Ridge is distinctly different from the front and is full of challenging holes with rewarding views. From the tee box on hole 18, take in the stunning view of Pikes Peak before hitting over the native area and into the fairway. Once on the green, the view of Devils Head and the Front Range framed between the tall pine trees is a reminder of why golf in Colorado is amazing.

14) Evergreen Golf Course, Hole 3

Evergreen – Evergreen Golf Course is an affordable course owned by the City of Denver that offers locals a fun mountain getaway with its tree-lined holes and abundance of wildlife. One of the most interesting holes on the course is number 3, a short par 3 that clocks in at barely 100 yards but entails a true blind shot. Directly in front of the tee box lies a large cluster of boulders with a spray-painted arrow directing golfers to the green on the other side. Those with their wedge distances dialed in will be rewarded on this hole that favors accuracy over distance. After finishing, make sure to ring the bell to let the group behind know the green is clear.

15) Ironbridge Golf Club, Hole 12

Glenwood Springs – Located in the Roaring Fork Valley just outside Glenwood Springs, Ironbridge Golf Club is a must-play for Colorado golf addicts. While the front nine is more modest with its flatter terrain and water hazards aplenty, the back nine is truly special. Starting with hole 10, the course climbs dramatically in elevation and challenges golfers with a series of memorable holes that play through the canyon and along the mountainside. Holes 10 to 13 are all exceptional, but hole 12 really stands out. The 435-yard par 4 drops nearly 100 feet from tee box to green, with an approach shot that needs to carry a deep ravine to reach the green.

16) Lakota Canyon Ranch Golf Club, Hole 18

New Castle – Hole 18 at Lakota Canyon Ranch Golf Club is a par 5 that will leave golfers with decisions to make on this closing hole. This par 5 covers more than 550 yards but it’s the shot to the green that can be a make-or-break moment with the required carry. Deciding whether to play this hole more aggressively and go for the green in two, versus a more conservative approach may hinge on the confidence gained or lost on the previous 17 holes.

17) Antler Creek Golf Course, Hole 15

Falcon – Measuring more than 8,000 yards from the tips, it’s only fitting that Colorado’s longest golf course would have a hole that is almost 700 yards. Hole 15 at Antler Creek is a knee-shaking par 5 with the furthest tees reaching over 690 yards. Even with a long shot off the tee box, golfers will have to grapple with a blind second shot that can carry the bunkers but remain short of the hazard separating the green from the fairway. There’s no doubt that walking away with par will feel like a birdie on this monstrous hole.

18) Red Sky Ranch and Golf Club, Hole 16

Wolcott – Red Sky Ranch and Golf Club is a semi-private golf resort with two courses, one being designed by Tom Fazio and the other designed by legendary golfer Greg Norman. On odd days this year, guests can play the Fazio course. On even days they can enjoy the Norman design. Hole 16 on the Fazio course is a lengthy par 4 reaching just over 500 yards and giving golfers amazing views of nearby Castle Peak and the Flattops. While two solid shots will be needed to reach the green in regulation, this hole has a dramatic change in elevation with the best drives hugging the left side and catching a favorable bounce to land in the center of the fairway. Keep in mind, the altitude will also give the ball a little extra boost.

Jay McKinney is a Colorado native who recently graduated from Metro State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. He loves spending time outdoors, playing golf and hiking.