Colorado's Top Public Golf Courses: A Mountainous Paradise
Golfing is the perfect way to enjoy Colorado’s incredible weather and mountain scenery. No matter if you’re a beginner or a professional, the golf courses in Colorado can cater to all. From world-renowned courses to high-elevation golfing, the Centennial State has plenty to offer public golfers. Expect rolling greens, challenging yet accessible courses, topnotch clubhouses, and restaurants at all the best golf courses. Here are our favorites.
Red Sky Ranch and Golf Club, Wolcott, CO
There are actually two amazing golf courses at Red Sky Ranch. Both are considered to be one of the best golf courses in the nation. Now these courses are available to the public for guests that stay at a Red Sky partner property. And public access may be limited to one course or the other depending on the day. However, both courses are highly ranked and offer incredible mountain views. The courses, Norman and Fazio, are named after the courses’ designers. Since there was great effort in the design process to preserve the beautiful natural landscape of this area, a ridge runs between the two courses that act as a wildlife corridor.
Redlands Mesa Golf Course, Grand Junction, CO
Play an incredible game of golf with mountainous desert vistas in the background at the Golf Club at Redlands Mesa. The course has 11 elevated tees on hundreds of acres of green. Redlands Mesa offers both a women’s and men’s club as well as practice facilities and private lessons.
The Ridge at Castle Pines North, Castle Pines, CO
Accessible for those visiting Denver, the Ridge at Castle Pines offers incredible, rolling greens on open terrain. Expect four sets of tees at this golf course. The tee lengths vary from 5,000 to 7,000 yards. This Front Range golf course boasts views, on a clear day, of Pikes Peak to the south and even downtown Denver to the north.
Fossil Trace Golf Club, Golden, CO
Created by golf course architect Jim Engh, Fossil Trace is located in the foothills of the Rockies and is only 20 minutes from downtown Denver. This course is more than just a place to play golf—it is also a history lesson. View Triceratops footprints and prehistoric dinosaur fossils near the 12th hole. The course’s clubhouse has a whole exhibit on the history of the area where dinosaurs once roamed and clay mining was big.
Pole Creek Golf Club, Tabernash, CO
Pole Creek Golf Club has three courses, the Ranch, the Meadow and the Ridge, encompassing 27 holes and over 7,000 yards of play area. In the summertime, this course is the perfect spot to view wildflowers and green, lush fields. Watch out for the water challenges because the courses have a total of five lakes and two ponds. The best part about Pole Creek Golf Club however is the alpine views.
Grand Elk Golf Club, Granby, CO
Enjoy panoramic mountain views of the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain National Park from the Grand Elk Golf Club’s Craig Stadler Signature Golf Course. Expect rolling greens and challenging terrain but also tee lengths that are perfect for beginners. This golf course is open daily during the summer for the public.
Arrowhead Golf Club, Littleton, CO
Arrowhead Golf Club’s course is a great option for a family outing or a golf tournament. Open seven days a week, enjoy Colorado nature, elevation changes and views of incredible red rock formations. This Colorado golf course is known to be one of the most photographed golf courses in the world. For a picturesque golf game, head to Arrowhead.
The Club at Cordillera, Edwards, CO
There are four golf courses at the Club at Cordillera, the Valley, Mountain, Summit and Short courses. Located in Edwards, these courses are definitely considered mountain golfing with the Valley course set at 7,300 feet and the Summit course at 9,000 feet elevation. The Valley course is highly recommended. It was designed by renowned golf course architect, Tom Fazio. Golfers of all skill levels will have a good time at The Club at Cordillera.
Breckenridge Golf Club, Breckenridge, CO
Breckenridge Golf Club has been pleasing golfers since the construction of its first nine holes in 1985. Now, there are 27 holes to enjoy at this mountain golfing location. The Elk nine, the most recent addition to Breckenridge Golf Club, is a popular course. However panoramic views of snowcapped mountains can be seen from every hole, including the other nines known as Beaver and Bear.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Golfing in Colorado offers incredible weather and mountain scenery.
- Colorado's golf courses cater to all skill levels.
- Courses offer rolling greens, challenging yet accessible layouts, top-notch clubhouses, and restaurants.
- Red Sky Ranch has two highly-ranked courses available to the public.
- Redlands Mesa offers mountainous desert vistas and practice facilities.
- The Ridge at Castle Pines offers incredible views of Pikes Peak and downtown Denver.
- Fossil Trace Golf Club offers a history lesson with dinosaur fossils and clay mining exhibits.
- Pole Creek Golf Club has three courses with alpine views and water challenges.
- Grand Elk Golf Club offers panoramic mountain views and beginner-friendly tee lengths.
- Arrowhead Golf Club is known for its red rock formations and picturesque setting.
- The Club at Cordillera has four mountain golf courses designed for all skill levels.
- Breckenridge Golf Club offers 27 holes with panoramic views of snowcapped mountains.
