13 Best Golf Courses in Colorado
When talking golf, there is a “hole” lot to love in Colorado. The sport can be a very relaxing and enjoyable time with friends and family, no matter the course. Colorado, also known as "the Centennial State," has a whopping 268 courses, including 94 public courses, 94 municipal courses, and 80 private country clubs. No matter what course you choose to hit the back nine on, it is sure to be an incredible time, with many parks and clubs having breathtaking mountains in the distance. Here are the 13 best golf courses in Colorado.
Breckenridge Golf Club
The Breckenridge Golf Club is a public 27-hole golf course in Breckenridge in the Upper Blue River Valley. The course was designed by legendary golf hall of famer Jack Nicklaus, who built an exciting yet challenging course for all who want to play their best golf, and is elevated at over 9,300 feet with pine tree forests and the Rocky Mountains all around the course.
During the low season on June 12 and September 22, the 18-hole fee costs around $80, and cart fees are around $20. During the high season from June 13 through September 21, the 18-hole fee costs around $170, and cart fees are the same as the low season. Breckenridge does have some solid amenities, such as a pro shop, practice facilities, and the Tee One Restaurant open to all, whether they are out on the course or just wanting a nice lunch or dinner in town. The best times to go golfing at the Breckenridge Golf Club are during September and October, when the weather is cool and crisp, and there are fewer crowds to deal with. Near the Breckenridge Golf Club is the Beaver Run Resort, which includes a spa and is a five-mile drive away from the course.
The closest airport to the Breckenridge Golf Club is the Eagle County Regional Airport in Gypsum, which is about 67.3 miles west of the course. Meanwhile, the Denver International Airport is 96 miles east of the course. However, United Express offers flights from Denver to Eagle County Regional, which is nice for those not looking to take a long drive from Denver to Breckenridge. Overall, the Breckenridge Golf Club is one of many gorgeous courses found in Colorado, and is a great setting for a friend's weekend or bachelor or bachelorette party.
Castle Pines Golf Club
Castle Pines Golf Club is a private 18-hole golf course located in Castle Rock, which is between the Rocky Mountains and the plains eastward. The course was also designed by golf icon Jack Nicklaus, and is known for its challenging hilly terrain, downhill shots, and water hazards that truly test a golfer's skillset, and incredibly scenic views of the Rocky Mountains.
The Initiation fee on becoming a member at Castle Pines is around $50,000, according to Golf Life Navigation, which is a steep price for many, but the course itself is a very pristine green for a round or two. The cost of an 18-hole fee at Castle Pines is around $140, including a cart, but it is a truly spectacular course to play on. The Clubhouse on the course is a very spectacular place, but it enforces a strict dress code and smoking policy for all to abide by. The Clubhouse itself can host wine tastings, weddings, live music, and much more. There's also a fitness center for those looking to hit the gym and get a solid sweat in, tennis courts, a spa, and wet areas in locker rooms. The best times to start golfing at Castle Pines are in the mornings of the warmer months of May to September.
Castle Pines Golf Club is between Colorado Springs and Denver, and is about 26.6 miles south of Denver, and is about 37.7 miles away from the Denver International Airport. When it comes to Colorado Springs, Castle Pines is about 47.9 miles north of the city, and is about 59.2 miles away from the Colorado Springs Airport. If anyone needs to go from the course to the airport, the Denver International Airport is much more recommended than the Colorado Springs Airport. The Castle Pines Golf Club may be pricier than other courses, but it's truly a spectacular course to play on.
Red Sky Golf Club
The Red Sky Golf Club is a private golf course located in Wolcott, a town situated just west of the Rocky Mountains. The course offers golfers stunning views of the mountains and surrounding landscape, featuring two spectacular 18-hole courses. The course was designed by Tom Fazio, who designed the Fazio course, and golf Hall of Famer Greg Norman, who designed the Norman course. Each course is unique in its own way. The Fazio course is known for its elevation changes, with the front nine situated on a bluff and the back nine climbing a mountain. In contrast, the Norman course is more challenging and rugged, featuring a desert-like landscape, but offers more immaculate views of the surrounding area.
The green fee prices at Red Sky begin around $200 to $299, with a cart included on weekdays and weekends. However, the fee costs $250 from June to September, no matter which course a golfer chooses to play. The amenities at Red Sky include the Summer Thyme restaurant, which overlooks the 18th hole and offers incredible dining for patrons, full-service golf shops with plenty of golf clubs and apparel, and can host private events. The best time to go golfing at Red Sky is during the summer months when the weather is warm and ideal for comfortable playing conditions.
The closest airport with domestic flights from Red Sky is the Eagle County Regional Airport, which is an 18.7-mile drive west from the course. The next closest airport to Red Sky is the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, which is an 80.9-mile drive south. As for the Denver International Airport, it's about a 138-mile drive east of the course and is much tougher to get to. Red Sky may be a private course, but it has two incredible courses for the price of one and is truly a sight to see.
Arrowhead Golf Course
The Arrowhead Golf Course is a public 18-hole golf course in Littleton, which is between the Rocky Mountains, Haney Park, and the stunning red-rock formations around the course. Arrowhead was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr. and features calm ponds and rolling fairways with plenty of spacious greens, making for a solid, yet challenging course for some, having to deal with water hazards on occasion.
The average cost to play a round of golf at Arrowhead for a group of one to four players is around $135.95 to $274.95, depending on what option golfers select, and a group of one to two players is around $142.95 to $224.95. Prices increase on the weekend to around $239.95 to $314.95. The best times to go golfing at Arrowhead are typically the mornings when there are cooler temperatures and small crowds. Arrowhead has some very nice amenities, like the On the Rocks Bar & Grill in the clubhouse, which can also be used for special events, a golf practice facility for those looking to improve their swing, and a truly remarkable clubhouse for all to enjoy after a long day on the green. Arrowhead can also host weddings and other private events that will leave people with everlasting memories.
Because Littleton is in the Denver area, getting to and from downtown Denver is straightforward and is about 35 miles away from the course. The Denver International Airport, on the other hand, is about 47.5 miles away from the course, which is a bit of a longer trek, but worth it, as Arrowhead is a truly spectacular public golf course to play a round of golf at, especially with famous views of the Rocky Mountains,
Fossil Trace Golf Club
Just 25 miles north of Arrowhead is the Fossil Trace Golf Club, a public golf club in Golden known for its natural and historical elements, including dinosaur tracks at holes 11-15, hence the name Fossil Trace. The course itself is nestled between the charming city of Golden and the Rocky Mountains, and was designed by Jim Engh, who also designed the Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course. Fossil Trace features greens with all kinds of twists and turns, making for a fun yet challenging course to play on.
The cost for tee times for 18-hole golf at Fossil Trace starts at $140 on weekdays, Mondays through Thursdays, then lowers to $90 during the twilight hours. On Fridays through Sundays and holidays, the price goes up to $175 during the daytime and costs $120 during the twilight hours. Renting a golf cart will cost golfers $50 per rider for an 18-hole round of golf. The amenities at Fossil Trace include a practice facility for those looking to warm up before hitting the full course, a restaurant called Footprints, a golf school to teach the next generation of golfers, and Fossil Trace also hosts weddings and other private events. The best times to go golfing at Fossil Trace are during the early mornings with cooler weather and fewer crowds, or afternoons with fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace of golf.
Fossil Trail is in the western end of the Denver Metropolitan area, and is about 34.3 miles away from the Denver International Airport. Despite that, Fossil Trail is a special golf course filled with history and wonder in an excellent location in the state.
Flatirons Golf Course
Just 23.4 miles north of Fossil Trace is the Flatirons Golf Course, a public course in Boulder, the home of the University of Colorado. Flatirons is known for its parkland-style design, incredible views of the Flatiron Mountains, and is a very popular course for all ages and all skill levels. The course was designed by Willie Tucker, an English golfer, in 1938 as a means to employ during the time, and has undergone seven name changes over the years. It has been known as Flatirons Golf Course since 1986, operating as a municipal-owned golf course.
Golf fees at Flatirons for a round of 18-hole golf begin at $48 for adults on Mondays through Thursdays, and increase to $53 on Fridays through Sundays and Holidays. Cart rentals for adults playing 18-hole golf begin at $20. Flatirons does have some amenities, like a practice range for all to improve their swing, a pro shop with snakes on site, and the Ironwood Bar and Grille is right in the clubhouse, where people can enjoy a nice meal before or after they hit the green. Ironwood also hosts events and features live music. The best months to go golfing at Flatirons are during the summer months with nice sunny weather and the early fall, with great cool weather. Just near the course is the St. Julien Hotel and Spa, which offers visitors a luxurious retreat, a pool, a workout room, and a spa perfect for those looking to regroup and get refreshed for their next golf outing on the green.
Since Flatirons is located in Boulder, there are numerous activities to keep people occupied in the iconic college town, such as exploring Pearl Street and the local restaurants and bars in the area. However, Flatirons is a bit of a trek from the Denver International Airport, which is 36.2 miles away from the course. A long drive, but golfing in one of the most beloved college towns is well worth a trip for a weekend or for those planning a University of Colorado reunion soon.
Ballyneal Golf Club
The Ballyneal Golf Club is a private minimalist 18-hole golf club located in Holyoke in the very eastern part of the state. Ballyneal is known for its natural, firm, and fast conditions, and is a challenging yet fun course to play on, as well as the dunescape look and firm and fast conditions. The course was designed by Tom Doak, a renowned golf course designer who has designed courses in different parts of the country and the world. Ballyneal also has no tee markers, encouraging players to choose their own teeing ground on the day's conditions.
Because Ballyneal is a private club, the cost to join this prestigious club is around $70,000, according to the Denver Post. If people want to play on the course, they have to email the course, fill out a formal application, spend at least one night in the club, as Ballyneal does provide lodging, and pay a fee of $250 per player. Ballyneal offers golfers excellent amenities such as immaculate dining at the Turtle Bar and Restaurant, with plenty of exciting menu options for members and guests wanting more, a pro shop with the latest styles in golf, a steam room and massage services, and lodging, as mentioned earlier with newly completed cottages and is a perfect getaway from the cities for a weekend. The best times to go golfing at Ballyneal are either during the late spring, summer, or early fall months from May to September, when there's pristine weather.
As far as cities that are near Ballyneal, the closest city with an airport to the course is Holyoke, with the Holyoke Airport, but the airport doesn't offer commercial flights. The Denver International Airport is 177 miles west of Ballyneal and is a massive trek, but it can be worth it because of how immaculate the course is. Another airport option is the North Platte Regional Airport in North Platte, NE, which is 125 to 130 miles northeast of Ballyneal and offers regional flights to Denver. The Ballyneal Golf Club may be in the plains away from larger cities, but it truly is a special course worth exploring with friends and coworkers on the weekends.
Pole Creek Golf Club
Just west of Boulder is the Pole Creek Golf Club, a 27-hole public golf course nestled in the Rocky Mountain town of Tabernash. The club has three different nine-hole courses: The Ridge, the Meadow, and the Ranch, and each of these courses offers different terrains and difficulties depending on the elevation. Each course is surrounded by wildflowers, pine trees, lakes, and ponds, making for a very scenic experience on the green. Pole Creek was designed by Denis Griffiths, who has designed courses in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Thailand.
The rates and fees for 18-hole golf at Pole Creek begin at $159 and cost $85 for nine-hole golf. Cart rentals for nine-hole golf begin at $7 and increase to $10 for 18-hole golf. However, if someone needs to cancel a booked tee time, they have to do it within 24 hours. If they don't, they can be fined $50 per person. Pole Creek does have some wonderful amenities within the course and near the course, like a pro shop, featuring plenty of up-to-date apparel, golf equipment, and more, and Bistro 28 Dining, available to all before or after they hit the links. Bistro 28 also hosts special events, whether they're reunions, birthdays, rehearsal dinners, or much more. Outside of the course, people can stay at the Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa for an incredible weekend experience away from the cities. The best times to go golfing at Pole Creek are during the summer months, from June to August, during the mornings or after 2:00 p.m. during twilight hours.
Pole Creek is about 91 miles away from the Eagle County Regional Airport, where people can book flights to the Denver International Airport. However, the Denver International Airport is about 99 miles from Pole Creek. Both airports are far from Pole Creek, but the course's location makes up for it and is worth visiting during a weekend trip with friends and family.
Vail Golf Club
The Vail Golf Club is a public 18-hole golf course located just off Interstate 70 in Vail and is situated at an elevation of 8,200 feet, thanks to its Rocky Mountain location. The course is very walkable and was designed by Vail's very own Ben Krueger back in 1962. The course can also be a bit challenging for some due to the high intensity, but it's truly a beautiful course to play on, and during the wintertime, when there's fresh snow on the ground, it can be a magnificent sight to see.
During the early seasons, from mid-May to June 19, the cost to play a round of 18-hole golf at Vail Golf Club costs $64 without a cart, but the same round costs $90 with a golf cart. During the peak season from June 20 until September 14, the cost for a round of 18-hole golf without a cart increases to $128, and for those who do use a cart also increases to $154. The amenities at the Vail Golf Club include the Vail Golf and Nordic Clubhouse, which can host weddings, reunions, parties, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, and offers in-house catering, and a banquet room with impressive views of the scenery. A restaurant worth visiting at the Vail Golf Club is the Grill on The Gore, which serves excellent burgers and drinks for all to enjoy. The best times to go golfing at the Vail Golf Club are during the summer months for ideal weather conditions.
The Vail Golf Club is about 37 miles east of the Eagle County Regional Airport, where people can book flights to the Denver International Airport. However, the Vail Golf Club is about 117 miles west of the Denver International Airport, which is a long drive, but well worth it, as people will drive through the magnificent Rocky Mountains and see the beautiful nature all around them during their journey to Vail and vice versa. Overall, the Vail Golf Club is nestled in a wonderful location and gives golfers spectacular views of the landscape all around.
Golf Club at Bear Dance
The Golf Club at Bear Dance is a public 18-hole championship golf course in Lakespur, which is about 30.7 miles south of Arrowhead Golf Club. Bear Dance is known for its dramatic elevation changes, stunning mountain-style layout, and Ponderosa pine trees all around the course, as well as small creeks and ravines. Bear Dance was designed by the brilliant minds of Brian Whitcomb, Stuart Bruening, Corey Aurand, and Dennis Hogan, which opened its doors in 2002, and is the home of the Colorado Section of the PGA.
Golf fees at Bear Dance begin at $89 to $149 for the early seasons, then the price increases to $90 to $215 during the prime season between May through September, and goes back down to $89 to $149 during the late season months. Bear Dance has plenty of amenities to enjoy, like a driving range for those looking to improve their long-distance swings, a restaurant open seven days a week serving wonderful meals for all to enjoy, and a historical center, showcasing and documenting the history of the game and professional golf in the state. The best times to go golfing at Bear Dance are typically after 3:00 p.m. on weekends for a more relaxing golf experience.
Bear Dance is between the cities of Denver and Colorado Springs and has access to two airports: The Denver International Airport and the Colorado Springs Airport. Bear Dance is about 52 to 53 miles away from the Denver International Airport, while it's 49 miles away from the Colorado Springs Airport. Playing at Bear Dance is truly a treat with access to PGA history and natural scenery flourishing all around, no matter which airport someone flies in from.
Aspen Golf Club
The Aspen Golf Club is a public 18-hole golf course in the resort mountain city of Aspen, and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and challenging, yet calm park-style layout in the Roaring Fork Valley. The club was designed by Frank Hummel, who has designed multiple golf courses in the state and Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming. The Aspen Golf Club also accommodates all levels of play, whether someone is a beginner or an expert.
During the spring, the golf fees at the Aspen Golf Club cost around $125 for green fees, carts, and small range balls included, then lower to $75 if people go golfing after 3:00 p.m. The price increases to $250 from June through September, and twilight costs around $125. Then in October, the price lowers back to $125. The amenities at the Aspen Golf Club include the Red Mountain Grill, which is open seven days a week and offers customers a great tasting cheeseburger and wrap, a driving range, a PGA-styled Pro Shop, and practice greens. The best time to go golfing at the Aspen Golf Club is during the summer months, with warm sunny days and relaxing cool evenings.
The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, which has direct flights to Denver, is about two miles north of the Aspen Golf Club, while the Denver International Airport is about 182 to 189 miles away from the course, making for a six-hour drive depending on traffic. The Colorado Springs Airport is about 168 miles east of the course. The Aspen Golf Club is scenic, challenging, well-maintained, and in a very convenient location.
City Park Golf Course
Just across the street from the Denver Zoo is the City Park Golf Course, an 18-hole urban parkland-style golf course in Denver. The public course was designed by Scottish Immigrant, Thomas Bendelow, back in the 1890s. The course was redesigned and reopened in 2021, and it offers golfers spectacular views of downtown and the Rocky Mountains in the distance.
The golf fees at City Park and five other Denver-based public golf courses start around $38 to $60 on weekdays and increase to $56 to $67 on weekends for 18-hole golf. Golf cart rental prices begin at $23 for an 18-hole round per person and cost $11.50 per person for a nine-hole round. The amenities at City Park include the City Park Tavern, which serves great appetizers, salads, burgers, and much more. City Park also has state-of-the-art locker rooms, a clubhouse, and returning nines, a driving range, and, because the course is in Denver, there are plenty of exciting things to do within the city, like visiting the Denver Zoo and Fountain Island Park, which are across from the course. The best times to go golfing at City Park are during the mornings when there are cooler temperatures and fresh greens.
City Park isn't too far from the Denver International Airport, as it's a 19.1 to 19.7 mile drive northeast of the course. Overall, City Park is one of many spectacular golf courses for all to play their next round of golf if they choose to stay local in the Denver area, as opposed to trekking to the other courses mentioned on this list.
Lakota Links Golf Course
Just off Interstate 70 in the western part of the state is the Lakota Links Golf Course, a public 18-hole golf course in New Castle, which offers golfers a scenic yet challenging experience while immersed in the Rocky Mountains and mountainous terrain all around. Lakota Links was designed by Jim Engh, who also designed the Fossil Trace Golf Course.
The price for the green fee for nine-hole golf at Lakota Links is $69 after 1:00 p.m. The price jumps up to $129 for an 18-hole round before 1:00 p.m. Then, the price drops to $99 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., and goes down to $69 during the twilight hours. All rates also include carts. The amenities at Lakota Links include the Lakota Lookout Bar and Grill, open from Wednesdays to Sundays, where patrons can enjoy some cold ones and snacks after a long day on the green. Lakota Links also has a driving range open Monday through Sunday, a golf shop, and allows people to rent the clubhouse for weddings, corporate events, banquets, and much more. The best time to go golfing at Lakota Links is after 3:30 p.m. when the prices decrease and fewer people are hogging the course, and they offer discount rates.
Lakota Links is a whopping 191 miles away from the Denver International Airport, and the Grand Junction Airport is about 76.7 miles west of the course. However, the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is about 50 miles south of the course, and the Eagle County Regional Airport is about 39.6 miles east of the course, making it the closest airport to Lakota Links. Overall, Lakota Links is in a spectacular spot in the state and allows players to access multiple communities within or near the course.
Overall, each of these 13 amazing golf courses showcases the beauty of the state, as well as the charming and welcoming communities that these courses call home. Each course delivers amazing amenities for everyone to enjoy, as well as the added spectacular views of the mountains, rivers, and forests in the area, making for a memorable golfing experience. You are sure to find one that is your “par-fect cup of tee.”
