Best Golf Courses in Colorado
Colorado’s unique and magnificent environment in the heart of the Rocky Mountains makes it the perfect setting for world-class golf courses. Endless fresh air, sunshine, and mountain views make this a golfer’s paradise. Let’s explore some of the best golf courses in Colorado.
Golfers can enjoy an incredible variety of golf courses around the state.
Enjoy desert-style golf on the western Colorado Plateau, beautiful tree-lined parkland courses on the Front Range, and high-altitude alpine golf courses with dramatic mountain views as a backdrop.
Best Golf Courses in Colorado, Public and Private
Although most people think of visiting Colorado in the winter to experience the snowsports scene, the Centennial State offers plenty of opportunities for year-round recreation. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine each year, golfers can enjoy Colorado’s premier golf courses for at least eight or nine months out of the year. Keep reading to discover the best golf courses in Colorado mountain locations.
Ballyneal Golf Club
Ballyneal Golf Club is an award-winning private golf club located in the high plains of Eastern Colorado, just south of Holyoke. This links-style golf course is reminiscent of the game’s birthplace in Ireland and Scotland, designed to celebrate golf’s rich heritage. Renowned golf course architect Tom Doaks designed the course.
Since opening in 2006, Ballyneal has become the best golf resort in Colorado. Members can enjoy four lodges, a pro shop staffed by seasoned experts, and a fine-dining restaurant.
Cherry Hills Country Club
Founded 100 years ago in 1922, Cherry Hills Country Club is one of Denver’s long-standing golf icons. This private Colorado golf club features a championship 18-hole golf course, a 9-hole par three course, eight tennis courts, and a lap pool.
Cherry Hills was the first western golf club to host the US Open in 1938 and has hosted nine USGA competitions and three PGA Championships over the years.
Numerous golf legends have graced the greens, including:
- Arnold Palmer
- Jack Nicklaus
- Phil Mickelson
Castle Pines Golf Club
Castle Pines Golf Club is one of Colorado’s most exclusive country clubs and consistently ranks among the best golf courses in the US. Founder Jack Vickers worked with distinguished golf icon Jack Nicklaus to design this world-class Denver golf course, which opened in 1981.
From the exquisite course design to the breathtaking views of Denver’s skyline and the nearby Rocky Mountains, Castle Pines will leave golfers wanting for nothing. The club is located a few minutes south of Denver in The Village at Castle Pines community.
Redlands Mesa Golf Club
If you’re looking for the most scenic golf courses in Colorado, Redlands Mesa Golf Club deserves a place at the top of your list. The vibrant green of the course’s rolling fairways stands in stunning contrast to the red mesas and desert landscapes of Eastern Colorado. Expert architect Jim Engh designed this award-winning golf course in 2001.
While plenty of perks come with joining the Redlands Mesa Golf Course Community membership program, the course is also open to the public. Golfweek ranked Redlands Mesa first on the list of the best public golf courses in Colorado in 2017.
Maroon Creek Club
Nestled in the high Rockies, Maroon Creek is one of Aspen’s premier private golf clubs. Glorious mountain views of the Maroon Bells and other iconic Aspen peaks make this one of the most scenic golf courses in Colorado. Although the club is private, local Aspen residents can play at a reduced guest fee several times each year.
Tom Fazio designed Maroon Creek’s 18-hole mountain golf course in 1985. The course got a major renovation in 2006 under the leadership of golf course architect Denis Wise, a former associate of Fazio.
The Broadmoor Golf Club
The Broadmoor Golf Club is a luxury destination resort located in the beautiful Cheyenne Mountain foothills of Colorado Springs. When it first opened in 1918, the Broadmoor East Course was the highest-elevation golf course in the country at 6,400 feet. Over a century later, The Broadmoor has earned the title of the longest-running Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond resort.
Members and guests can experience the powerful allure of the Rocky Mountains while enjoying first-class hospitality and luxury resort amenities. Alongside the historic hotel, The Broadmoor features two outstanding 18-hole golf courses, a world-famous spa, 19 noteworthy retail outlets, and numerous restaurants, cafes, and lounges.
EagleVail Golf Club
The EagleVail Golf Club is a quintessential mountain golf course situated in the heart of the Vail Valley. Built in 1974 by the Devlin/Von Hagge golf course design team, the EagleVail Golf Course provides an exciting mountain golf experience from start to finish.
From dazzling mountain views to forests, gardens, streams, ponds, and wetlands interlacing the 18-hole course and the par three course, it will be a golf game you’ll never forget. It’s easy to see why EagleVail Golf Club ranks among the best public golf courses in Colorado.
Red Sky Golf Club
One of Vail Valley’s top-tier golf destinations, Red Sky Golf Club is a private membership club with an independent golf operation. Club members and guest players have separate clubhouses, and daily play for each group alternates between one of two 18-hole golf courses.
The Tom Fazio Course overlooks Vail’s Back Bowls and flows seamlessly with the natural landscape. The Greg Norman Course features exquisite sunset views of Castle Peak while providing an exceptional wilderness golf experience.
Haymaker Golf Club
Steamboat’s Haymaker Golf Course consistently ranks among the best golf courses in Colorado. This public golf resort features a 233-acre championship course with expansive views of Colorado’s Flat Top Mountain Range and the Yampa River Valley. It’s not uncommon to spot wildlife like elk, herons, and eagles on or near the course. Haymaker Golf Club also has a family-friendly golf practice facility with chipping and putting greens, a sand trap, and a driving range.
Play the Most Scenic Golf Courses in Colorado
Golf enthusiasts worldwide recognize Colorado as one of the finest golf destinations in the country. From unique golf course designs to gorgeous weather and fantastic mountain scenery, Colorado golf courses have something to offer every type of golfer. The best golf courses in Colorado will have you coming back for more year after year.
Activities after the Colorado Golf Club
After a round of high-altitude golf, you’re sure to want pay a visit to the “19th hole.” Check out these guides to help you with that:
