Highlights: Awe-inspiring views you won't see anywhere else
There's little wonder why Colorado AvidGolfer's readers have consistently rated Arrowhead in Littleton as Colorado's "Most Scenic Course" and the "Best Course to Bring Out-of-Staters." Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s 6,636-yard 1974 masterwork weaves through towering sandstone monoliths and canyons, setting up some of the most awe-inspiring views you've ever witnessed on a golf course — or anywhere. With upgraded maintenance, course conditions now rival the majesty of the surroundings.
Highlights: Super long drives due to high altitude, wildlife
For some even higher altitude fun where golf balls fly extra far, check out this mountain jewel only 25 minutes from Denver. This 18-hole executive course in Evergreen sits at 7,220 feet along Bear Creek on rolling hills with fairways lined with pine trees. Don't be surprised to see wildlife like elk, deer and red-tailed hawks. Dine on the deck at Keys on the Green Restaurant. Evergreen is a great escape from the summer heat in the valley.
Highlights: Challenging, well-manicured grounds
Get ready to use every club in your bag. Homestead, in Lakewood, is a short championship, links-style course with challenging features. The manicured grounds offer practice facilities, target and putting greens, sand areas and an enchanting clubhouse with captivating views.
Highlights: Wide-open spaces for walking
Looking for a hole-in-one? Here's your chance, but it won't be easy. Springhill in Aurora has an executive 18-hole course with 10 par-3 holes. The wide-open spaces are great for those who like to walk the fairways.
Highlights: Good mix of trees and natural areas
This is yet another fun course in Aurora with a long layout combined with a mixture of mature trees, water features and native areas. It was Aurora's first public golf course.
Highlights: For those with limited time, night golf
Short on time? Check out this 9-hole, par-3 course in south Denver. You can knock it out in about an hour. The course has small, bunkered greens, scenic water hazards and stately trees. They also have night golf events as well.
Highlights: Great for the whole family
Take your pick: 27 holes of regulation golf or 9 holes of par-3 golf. Kennedy, across from Cherry Creek Reservoir in south Denver, also has a putt-putt course, driving range, snack bar and restaurant. It's a great venue for the whole family.
Highlights: Very challenging, views
This high plains, links-style course has tested the best players in the state as a former home to the Colorado Open. Located in Aurora, it's also known for its panoramic views. Look for native areas, creek features and strategically placed trees for a challenging day out.
Highlights: Good for all levels, cool features, views
All levels of golfers will appreciate this prairie-links course in Aurora with spectacular Rocky Mountains views, plus more than 60 bunkers, innovative water features and wide rolling fairways.
Highlights: Great value, lakes
One of the best values in the Denver metro area, Meadow Hills in Aurora has large lakes and lush grounds, giving it the look and feel of an old country club.
Green Valley Ranch Golf Club
Highlights: One of the toughest homestretches in the state, family-friendly
Home to all three Colorado Open Championships and located 20 minutes from downtown Denver, Green Valley Ranch is in a perfect location for golfers looking for a convenient and challenging round. Make par or better on each of the last three holes and you'll earn a free drink. That's because the course's homestretch is one of the toughest in the state, especially the 639-yard, double-dogleg eighteenth. There's also an outstanding par-3 course and the renowned McGetrick Golf Academy, making Green Valley Ranch one of the most family-friendly courses in Colorado.
Fossil Trace Golf Club
Highlights: Unique hazards like rusted mining equipment
Aside from Jim Engh's ubiquitous multi-tiered greens and deep grass-faced bunkers, you'll have to navigate around the ruins of a chimney in the middle of the first fairway as well as rusted mining equipment and a series of rock outcroppings and cliffs on two of the back nine's par-5s. Some might consider such hazards gimmicky, but almost all agree that Fossil Trace is downright fun. Book your tee time early, as this Golden experience tends to fill up fast.
The Ridge at Castle Pines North
Highlights: Towering pine forests, Pikes Peak views, awesome clubhouse
Former PGA Tour great Tom Weiskopf seems to have a knack for designing mountain courses and The Ridge at Castle Pines is a prime example. Located just minutes outside of Denver in Castle Rock, The Ridge is nestled into towering pine forests and offers two distinctly different nines. The front nine on this 6,939-yard layout is closed in by homes, but features some thrilling holes, like the downhill par-4 ninth that sets up unobstructed views of Pikes Peak. The more secluded back nine runs through dense pines and outcroppings. Consistently rated the "Best Course to Hold an Event" by Colorado AvidGolfer magazine, The Ridge also offers top-notch dining, service and one of the best clubhouses in the state.
The Golf Club at Bear Dance
Highlights: Super tough greens, secluded feel, PGA museum
Located in Larkspur, 30 minutes south of Denver, The Golf Club at Bear Dance was rated the "Best Public or Resort Course" in the Denver region for 2008 by Colorado AvidGolfer's expert panel. Stretching to more than 7,200 yards, Bear Dance features a variety of challenges and wickedly tough greens. Very few homes border the course, giving it an isolated feel. Bear Dance is also home to the Colorado PGA museum.
Golf Courses Worth a Day Trip From Denver
