By Jay McKinney

Redlands Mesa Golf Course – Grand Junction

The premier golf experience in Grand Junction, Redlands Mesa Golf Course is a must visit for golf enthusiasts. An award-winning Jim Engh design, Redlands Mesa can make a case for best golf course in Colorado given its scenic beauty and dramatic holes. The stunning landscape led Golf Digest to say it is “like playing golf along the bottom of the Grand Canyon, with a couple of sojourns to the Garden of the Gods thrown in.” With 11 elevated tees, and the panoramic views of Colorado National Monument, be sure to bring a camera to every tee box.

Hillcrest Golf Club – Durango

Established in 1969, Hillcrest Golf Club has been a popular attraction for golfers in Southwest Colorado for generations of Four Corner residents. The course is located on a mesa within Durango and offers scenic views of the Animas River Valley and towering La Plata Mountains. Hole 13 is a par 4 that may have the most beautiful view on the course, but there are numerous challenges from tee to green. One will have a difficult time reaching the green in two shots if they find themselves in one of the fairway bunkers on the left. Regardless of how many shots it takes to get there, golfers will quickly discover the hidden breaks on the green that make them hate the game they love.

Tiara Rado Golf Course – Grand Junction

Tiara Rado is one of the two public courses located in Grand Junction along with Lincoln Park Golf Course. It’s an extremely affordable gem of a course that offers mesmerizing views of the Colorado National Monument to the west and the Book Cliffs to the north. With water hazards aplenty, the course requires precision and will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Before teeing off, golfers may want to take advantage of the 18-acre practice facility. Because the course is a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, be on the lookout for the variety of amazing birds that make it their home. When the round is finished, consider stopping by the nearby Two Rivers Winery & Chateau for a glass of its renowned chardonnay.

Photo provided by Devil’s Thumb Golf Course

Devil’s Thumb Golf Course – Delta

The barren landscape of the Adobe Badlands surrounding the vibrant links of Devil’s Thumb Golf Course makes it feel otherworldly. It’s been praised for its affordability and challenging design, compliments of course architect Rick Phelps. Golfers are constantly weighing the risk versus reward of shots. Blind shots and holes with interesting twists and turns make it a course where golfers will likely score better their second time out. Regardless of how they play, it’s worth every dollar and they will want to come back. After a round, consider branching out into the various towns of Delta County to taste some of the best wine Colorado has to offer.

The Bridges – Montrose

Located in the heart of Montrose, the Bridges can accommodate that quick morning round or a resort experience with the seven suites available to book. Four of the suites are located on the second floor of the clubhouse, while the other three are next to it. While the suites do not offer typical hotel accommodations such as daily cleaning, they are conveniently located at the course and golfers will receive a discounted tee time rate if staying in the suites. Three of them feature incredible views of the San Juan Mountain Range. The course restaurant, Remington’s, is a great option for dining and if there’s still time, consider grabbing a post-round beer at nearby Horsefly Brewing Company or Pomona Brewing Company.

Divide Ranch & Club – Ridgway

Step up to the tee box of Hole 1 and be greeted by the snow-capped Mount Sneffels, which steals the spotlight at Divide Ranch & Club. Praised for its views of the San Juan Mountains, the award-winning course stretches 7,039 yards and is the main attraction at the semi-private club that also offers public tee times. It’s located on top of a mesa and lined with juniper, piñon and ponderosa pines that are unfriendly to errant shots. Accuracy is paramount. Once golfers get to the back nine, the Cimarron Ridge takes over as the photo backdrop and it’s just as gorgeous and distracting as the front nine.

Jay McKinney grew up in Sedalia and graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.

This article is in the September-October issue of our print magazine. Click here to read the full magazine online.