When most people think of Colorado mountain recreation, they think of world-class skiing. But the state offers another great sport to which many ski enthusiasts are oblivious: golf. Buried under feet of snow in ski season, numerous courses feature spectacular views and great golf in the summertime.
In addition to the stunning scenery, the courses, at thousands of feet above sea level, offer players advantages. At only 5,000 feet, a golf ball flies 10 percent further than at sea level. Many of the prime courses in Colorado are at 9,000 feet or higher. And while the temperature on a typical summer day in Denver may be 90 degrees, the high in the mountains may be a very pleasant 75.
Explore some of Colorado’s memorable golf courses:
Breckenridge Golf Club
Golf Digest has listed the Breckenridge Golf Club as one of the best “Upscale Places to Play.” One of the only Jack Nicklaus-designed municipal courses, it offers 27 holes. The course, with an elevation of about 9,300 feet, features Colorado wildlife and magnificent scenery. Players can take on 18 holes for $57 to $104, depending on the time in the season.
Sonnenalp Golf Club
Sonnenalp, located in the Vail Valley, has wide, inviting fairways and a Scottish links design. It, too, has gained Golf Digest recognition; the magazine placed the course on its list of top 75 resort courses in America. Many who have played the course say it’s quite difficult because of multiple hazards around the greens. Fees range from $75 to $175.
Keystone Resort
The Keystone Resort is home to two 18-hole golf courses: Keystone Ranch, and the River Course. Keystone Ranch, a par 72, was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The courses have made Golf Digest’s list of top 75 resort courses more than once, in addition to making the same list in Golf Magazine, and being been honored in several other publications. Greens fees are $120 to $150.
Grandote Peaks Golf Club
Found in the Southern part of the state, near La Veta, Grandote Peaks is an excellent value. Golfers can enjoy playing for about half the price of the greens fees in ski towns without sacrificing the impressive scenery. The course provides one of the best places to view the Spanish Peaks and La Veta lava dikes (vertical flows of lava), named one of Colorado’s seven natural wonders by the Denver Post. The course plays over 7,000 yards from the back tees; players who want less of a challenge can opt for another one of the four sets of tees. Greens fees are $45.
Mt. Massive Golf Course
While Mt. Massive Golf Course may only be a 9-hole, municipal course, it holds the distinction of being the highest elevation golf course in North America at 9,680 feet. It’s also located in the highest incorporated city in North America, Leadville, which sits at 10,152 feet. Surrounded by mountains, the course features eye-catching views of Mt. Elbert, the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains (14,433 feet). The greens fee for 18 holes is $34.
Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club
Located in Steamboat Springs, Rollingstone Ranch was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., and opened in 1974. It was awarded 4.5 stars from Golf Digest’s “Places to Play.” Fish Creek makes for an interesting water hazard on six holes. Fees range from $85 to $115.
The spectacular scenery sets these golf courses in the Colorado mountains miles above the rest. And being able to hit your pitching wedge 150 yards doesn’t hurt, either.
