Golfing trips are great. Nothing but you, your golf partners, and well-earned time off work where you can play as much golf as you want. While you might be inclined to visit your local course, why not push the boat out, pack for a golf trip, and visit Colorado? The Western US state is rich in natural beauty which lends itself to lush grass and exceptional courses to play on. We’ve rounded up our favorite courses within the area so you can get planning your next US golf trip.
Whichever course or courses you decided to head to, be sure that you have the best golf travel bag for all your clubs and equipment for your trip. If your current bag is falling apart at the seams or if you simply want to treat yourself to a new bag, then you can no wrong by getting a new one from our recommendations. After all, you want to ensure that your precious nine-iron makes it to Colorado in one piece!
Here are Our Top Picks of the Best Golf Courses in Colorado:
1. Redlands Mesa Golf Course
Access: Public Access
Site: https://redlandsmesa.com/
Praised by Avid Golfer magazine as one of the best-sloped golf courses, Redlands Mesa Golf Course is a true experience for golfers of all levels. While the jagged landscapes can be challenging the scenic views are more than pleasing to the eye as one of the most captivating views of the Colorado National Monument is offered from the course.
If you want to master the course you can always take some pointers from the PGA-approved professional coaches or if you’d prefer to take it easy, dine in the acclaimed restaurant or simply find peers with a multitude of men’s and women’s clubs’ meeting frequently for casual and competitive games.
2. Breckenridge Golf Club
Access: Public Access
Site: https://www.breckenridgegolfclub.com/
Three distinct courses are on offer at Breckenridge Golf Club in the center of the state. Trying your game across some of the 27 holes available here is simply a must-do for any passionate golf player. The original ‘Bear Course’ opened back in 1985 and still offers contemporary golfers a combination of panoramic views and challenging tees, with holes 7, 8, and 9 infamously very tricky.
After a hard afternoon out on the course, there might not be a better place to relax than the clubhouse at the end of the Beaver course. The expansive deck area offers a truly beautiful view of the natural elements as you can take in the lake, the wooded forest, and the snow-capped mountains all from the comfort of your seat.
3. Red Sky Golf Club
Access: Private Membership Access (with public access by appointment)
Site: https://thesignatureclubs.com/clubs/red-sky-golf-club/
Nestled in the mountains of Wolcott, Colorado the Red Sky Golf Club is an absolute gem for those fall and autumnal golf sessions. Tom Fazio designed the primary course here (aptly named after him) as he utilized the hills and rich forest land, as well as encompassing spectacular views of the highland lake.
While memberships are encouraged and come with a ream of different benefits (including access to members-only events and courses) it is not mandatory to use the courses. This is more than a golf club however with a wellness center, tennis courts, and a very well-stocked bar.
4. The Broadmoor Golf Club
Access: Public Access
Site: https://www.broadmoor.com/activities/golf
The Broadmoor has played host to some prestigious tournaments including the US Women’s Open and several PGA Cup matches. What is better yet, you can challenge the same courses and holes as the distinguished golf stars! The East Course is the most popular and regularly ranked as one of the best 18-hole experiences across the US – most recently ranked as one of the best courses by Golfweek (Yahoo Sports).
While the most popular time to travel and visit is in August, that’s also when the prices fluctuate to their highest here. If you’re able to visit during the opening or closing seasons, you can save up to 50% on your green fees.
For the full Broadmoor experience, why not stay at Broadmoor Hotel and Resort? After all the golf course is on the grounds here! The location within the Cheyenne Mountain foothills of Colorado Springs makes for an idyllic place to unwind and play some golf.
Broadmoor Resort made into our list of the best golf resorts in the US, so you can be sure to get a fantastic staying and golfing experience.
5. Ballyneal Golf Club
Access: Private Membership
Site: https://www.ballyneal.com/
Are you a fan of golfing with rich Celtic traditions and lush fields with landscapes reminiscent of rural unspoilt Scotland and Ireland? If so, the Ballyneal is the ideal destination for you. This private golf club is a traditional golf experience with timeless and effortless charm. The rich natural wonder will make you feel at its ease and make you care less about your technique, moreover, you’ll simply enjoy life here.
Located in Holyoke near the borders of Kansas and Nebraska, this range invites you to enjoy the unspoiled elements as you are transported to a world without skyscrapers, telephone poles, or disruptive infrastructure. Perfect if you want to get away from modern life.
Note that it’s a private membership club by invitation only. Initiation costs $50,000 with dues of $5,000 per year.
If you want to stay a little longer then lodging on-site is available within the Western Meadowlarks which provides all the comforts of countryside living. By the evening you’ll be able to sit by the fire and peruse the extensive Irish whiskey menu. As long as you don’t intend on playing too well the next day…
6. Castle Pines Golf Club
Access: member-only and member-invited guests
Site: https://castlepinesgolfclub.club/
The story of Castle Pines Golf Club is indeed a labor of love. In its simplest form, it took 12 years of hard work and toil for the founder, Jack Vickers to obtain the land and permission to build the course – until it eventually opened in 1981.
The end result however is a paradise for budding players who are looking for a serious and formal challenge. The tone is set in the very first moment in the 18-hole, with a tricky par 5 to start off. However, the exceptionally accommodating hospitality and heart-warming cottages are less than challenging to enjoy.
Be sure to read the code of conduct thoroughly and adhere to rules like the dress code, as visitors are expected to dress in ‘good taste’ throughout the entirety of their stay.
7. Cherry Hills Country Club
Access: Public Access
Site: https://www.chcc.com/
Given the Cherry Hills, Country Club has hosted three PGA Championships and multiple other premier golf competitions, this is a delectable stop on any golf tour of Colorado. The 18-hole course spans over 7,000 yards of exuberantly well-kept grass. The course officially opened in 1938 and has been making golf history ever since with players like Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, and Rory McIlroy all stopping by to play. Should you want to feel like a pro, there might not be a better place to emulate your favorites than right here.
Situated just east of Englewood city, Cherry Hills Country Club is one of the best venues in terms of accessibility if you don’t intend on driving throughout your trip – as public transport is readily available to the club from both metropolitan areas of Englewood and Denver.
There’s a lot more available here too with a tennis court with some rich sporting tradition, as the country club hosted the 1963 Davis Cup final between Venezuela and the USA. Not only did the US win but a future World Number One, Arthur Ashe made his debut for the American national team.
8. Denver Country Club
Access: Member-only
Site: https://www.denvercc.net/default.aspx
Claiming to be the oldest country club in America west of the Mississippi River, the Denver Country club is a photogenic course as its original 18-hole design has largely remained true to the 1887 design. Essential work was conducted and completed in 2007 but only served to preserve the health of the overall club.
While the club celebrates a lofty status for its exceptional golf course (usually ranked within the top 100 in America) the country club also boasts great facilities away from the luscious green course. This includes an Olympic swimming pool and multiple courts to play various racquet sports. This makes it an ideal destination for lavish social sports getaways. As this is one of the most exclusive clubs within the US, be sure to comply with the proper code of conduct and dress rules, as it is enforced with some vigor.
9. Fossil Trace Golf Club
Access: Public access
Site: https://fossiltrace.com/
It wouldn’t be a trip to Colorado without seeing the Rocky Mountains. Fossil Trace Golf Club ensures you can observe the front range of the mountains as well as multiple dinosaur fossils scattered around this historic course.
If you want to master all 18 holes in this range, why not take some lessons from the school here which cater to all ages and abilities which will ensure you are prepared to putt yourself to a good time here.
Another great attribute of this course is its ease of access. The course is located in the city of Golden, which is just a 20-minute drive away, situated west of central downtown Denver. This makes it an ideal first, last, or intra-stop on any golf tour of the state.
