By Jordan Fuller

Since establishing the Colorado Golf Association in 1915, the Centennial State has seen its fair share of five-star courses on its challenging terrain. While some of these courses are among the most exclusive in the state, requiring memberships or at a minimum, very generous friends with memberships, they are still iconic to Colorado Golf.

Ballyneal, Holyoke, Private

The Ballyneal Golf Course in Holyoke is an Irish dream. Situated over rolling hills and a stunning dunescape, Ballyneal consistently scores a five out of five for a good reason. It is similar to the links courses you’ll typically find in Ireland, rich with natural undulations and native landscapes.

Its fescue fairways provide many ground-game options, while banks and punchbowl features allow for lots of creativity. In addition, Ballyneal’s location is relatively remote and with little to no cellular service, making it ideal for course goers who need time off the grid.

Colorado Golf Club, Parker, Private

Colorado Golf Club is a relatively new addition to the state’s impressive roster of courses, having opened its doors in 2007. Still, its seemingly ordinary topography is unexpectedly impressive, set on more than 1,700 acres of what was formerly a horse ranch.

It’s minimalist while providing many opportunities to strategize and get creative. It is home to some interesting bunkers — not to mention, you’ll get some spectacular views from every tee box.

Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Private

First joining America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses in 1987, Castle Pines is among the most exclusive courses in Colorado. While it once hosted the International Tournament that drew in thousands of spectators, the course is now for the sole use of providing its members with extraordinary golf.

Because it is set 6,500 feet above sea level, you can expect your ball to fly far. However, the course adheres mostly to its natural terrain, winding its ways through pockets of trees. You’ll also get to catch a stunning glimpse of Pikes Peak with every elevation change.

Cherry Hills, Cherry Hills Village, Private

Cherry Hills made its debut in the 1920s and was the first American golf course to host a par-5 island green and back-to-back par 5s. Since then, it has undergone some welcome upgrades that make its first holes even more enjoyable.

Thanks to its unique architectural elements and challenging holes, Cherry Hills is often the location for the U.S. Amateur, Palmer Cup and FedEx Cup.

Sanctuary, Sedalia, Private

Set on a 220-acre plot, the Sanctuary in Sedalia is just a drop in the ocean of 12,500 more acres of beautiful open landscape. It is renowned for its challenging topography, wherein golfers can catch an occasional glimpse of Colorado wildlife—from mountain lions to black bears and bobcats.

Amateurs may find Sanctuary a step above what they can handle, considering its initial 200-foot tee shot drop, twisting fairways, and narrow valleys. Still, it is a special treat for visitors lucky enough to play it with its awe-inspiring scenery and Rocky Mountain views.

Maroon Creek Club, Aspen, Private

Maroon Creek sits between Aspen Village and the local airfield, featuring a stunning set of three-par holes. It is a private course, though it occasionally welcomes local players for an affordable fee.

As the rounds progress, holes and terrain get more challenging, requiring plenty of movement and adjusting. Since its 2006 renovation, Maroon Creek Club now has some of Colorado’s most demanding sand traps.

The Broadmoor Golf Club (East Course), Colorado Springs, Public

This timeless mountain course is the second of two 18-hole courses in one of America’s most renowned five-star resorts. It was once a single course in 1918, split only in 1954.

It hosts many downhill putts, open greens, and tree-lined fairways. However, don’t underestimate its putting difficulty—the area is incredibly mountainous.

The course has also been the frequent location of the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Women’s Open.

Denver Country Club, Denver, Private

In the heart of Colorado is the Denver Country Club, famous for being the oldest country club west of the Mississippi River. Over the years, it has undergone course facelifts from some of the country’s most renowned architects: William Flynn, Donald Ross, and Ed Seay.

Famed for its tree-lined layout, the Denver Country Club now only hosts three of its original four holes. Other redesigns include the re-routing of specific holes and a significant expansion. Bunkers have also undergone reworks to suit a more modern style of play.

Redlands Mesa, Grand Junction, Public

Resting on a beautiful Grand Valley location, the Redlands Mesa extends across 500 acres of land. Aesthetically, the golf course on the mesa deeply contrasts against the surrounding desert and rocky scrubs.

Challengers can take on its high winds and elevated tee positions, so long as you can eventually get the hang of your club swing. Players sing praise for its ultra-difficult Cliff Hole, which falls away sharply to the right. Its other memorable hole is the eighth, whose rear dons giant boulders and a shocking dip.

Red Sky Ranch, Wolcott, Semi-Private

Often on Colorado’s list of top-ranking courses, the Red Sky Ranch Norman Course hit the ground only in 2003. It is among the most environmentally friendly courses in the country, created with input from land planners and sustainable developers.

Over 400 acres of land, players can enjoy variety in its slopes, pars, shot shapes, and direction. An elevation above 7,500 feet will also take your swing a long way.

Roaring Fork, Basalt, Private

Culminating our list is the Roaring Fork Club, which dates back to the 1990s. Its 18-hole course is a Jack Nicklaus signature—fairways zip through various landscapes like ranch land and wooded terrain.

The modest 282-acre course hosts lush Cottonwood trees and wetland areas where anglers yearn for prize-winning trout. But, perhaps the Roaring Fork is most known for its stroke index 1 par (the 7th) over a massive double green. Don’t forget to celebrate with one of the state’s fourteen winning wines when you overcome this challenge.

Jordan Fuller is an experienced golfer and owner of Golf Influence. He hopes to provide budding golfers with the best insights on courses, equipment, and gameplay through his website.