TPC Colorado, Berthoud
Designer: Arthur Schaupeter
Completed: 2018
Distinguishing characteristics: Situated along the Little Thompson River, this 18-hole championship course offers breathtaking lake and snowcapped mountain views. TPC Colorado is one of the nation’s longest golf courses, stretching out to nearly 8,000 yards, with the par-5, 13th hole extending 773 yards and featuring strategically placed bunkers throughout. Despite the length from the farthest set of tees, TPC Colorado has seven different sets of tees to accommodate every level of golfer.
Why now: It’s the state’s first golf course in 10 years. In July 2019, TPC Colorado played host to a Korn Ferry Tour (the PGA’s developmental tour) event, the first of a five-year deal. The development has plans for 1,188 residential units, as well as a 60,000-square-foot clubhouse opening soon. tpc.co
Where to stay: The Elizabeth Hotel. Part of the Autograph Collection, this hotel in downtown Fort Collins has a boutique edge and is just 30 minutes from the course.
theelizabethcolorado.com
Broadmoor East, Colorado Springs
Designer: Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Completed: 1918
Distinguishing characteristics: The east course is continuously recognized among the best in the world, and for good reason. The traditional tree-lined course offers wide, rolling fairways with undulated greens, all with mountain views, and many holes that require shot-shaping skills. The course is fair but challenging, even for the best of golfers.
Why now: Broadmoor East has played host to several major golf tournaments, most recently the 2018 Senior US Open. Broadmoor golf club has recently been renovated with a new lobby area with a Golf Heritage Hallway displaying the club’s legendary history on its walls. Guests can enjoy a series of displays, photos, and exhibits that highlight the rich traditions, tournaments, and champions who helped write the pages of the Broadmoor Golf’s historic legacy.
Where to stay: The Broadmoor. Since opening its doors more than a century ago, the property has been offering fly-fishing, horseback riding, waterfall treks, and more—all under the umbrella of a five-star resort.
broadmoor.com
Broadmoor West, Colorado Springs
Designer: Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Completed: 1964
Distinguishing characteristics: Set at an altitude at 6,600 feet, the west course features dramatic elevation changes. Though not as long as the east course, it still offers a challenge, with several doglegs and multitiered, fast greens that are severely sloped. The panoramic views of both the mountains and Colorado Springs will have you reaching for your camera instead of your golf club on many holes.
Why now: With so much attention on the east course due to the recent Senior US Open, now is the perfect time to play the equally good west course for the same impeccable conditions without the crowds.
Where to stay: The Broadmoor
broadmoor.com
Fossil Trace Golf Club, Golden
Designer: Jim Engh
Completed: 2003
Distinguishing characteristics: The course opened approximately 64 million years after the first dinosaurs walked where holes 11–15 now sit. Fossil Trace Golf Club winds through foothills adjacent to the Rocky Mountain Front Range, creating majestic scenery. Triceratops footprints, as well as other prehistoric creatures’ fossils, can be viewed adjacent to the course’s 12th green.
Why now: Fossil Trace is recognized across the country as Colorado’s best public golf course. Summertime draws large crowds of individual as well as group play. With summer behind us, you’ll find it easier to get a tee time, and reservations can be made 60 days in advance. fossiltrace.com
Where to stay: When it comes to proximity and charm, it’s hard to beat Origin Red Rocks (originhotel.com). Just nine minutes from the course, the property is the official hotel of the Red Rocks Amphitheater and carries a quirky hipster vibe. For a traditional luxury hotel experience, the Four Seasons Denver is about 25 minutes away. fourseasons.com
Colorado National, Erie
Designer: Jay Morrish
Completed: 2003
Distinguishing characteristics: The traditional links-style layout stretches out to a mammoth 7,676 yards. The par-72 course has many strategically placed bunkers and water hazards, has hosted two NCAA Regional Championships, and is home to the University of Colorado golf team.
Why now: With the greens needle tined in September, the course is in pristine condition and ready for the rest of the year. coloradonationalgolfclub.com
Where to stay: The St. Julien Hotel and Spa in nearby Boulder offers 201 rooms, most with stunning mountain views from their balconies, as well as a 12,000-square-foot spa to help you recover after multiple rounds of golf.
stjulien.com
