It’s tough to find a place that’s much more fun to play golf in than Denver, Colorado. It’s not because the gorgeous mountain backdrops, rolling terrain and natural streams that wind through most of it’s courses. Well, it is those things, but it’s mostly because the ball goes FOREVER when you are playing at over a mile of elevation. It makes modest golfers look like PGA TOUR players, and it’s a heck of a lot of fun. In all seriousness, Denver is a great golf town with a rich golf history.
The most storied facility in the greater Denver Area is undoubtedly Cherry Hills Country Club. Located in the beautiful suburb of Cherry Hills Village just outside of Denver, Cherry Hills Country Club has one of the most impressive tournament resumes of any course you will find West of the Mississippi. The club has hosted two U.S Amateurs, three U.S Opens, two PGA Championships, a U.S Senior Open, a U.S Women’s Open and a FedEx Cup event, the BMW Championship. Most notable was the 1960 U.S Open, where Arnold Palmer famously dueled, and beat, a hotshot 20-year old amateur named Jack Nicklaus. That was the day a rivalry was born, and the rest is history. The clubhouse recently underwent a $12 million renovation, and the rest of it’s facilities are top-notch as well. It is no surprise that it is the most exclusive club in the area, so be prepared to pony up over one hundred thousand dollars if you would like to join!
Luckily for the golfing masses, Denver has something to offer every golfer. Denver’s Parks and Recreation’s Golf Division operates 8 facilities all over the city. The terrain varies drastically, making each course distinctly different from the others. A local favorite is the Evergreen Golf Course, and executive style mountain course that is tremendous fun for golfers of every level. At the other end of the spectrum you will find the City Park Golf Course, an urban oasis known as much for its beautiful views of the Denver Skyline as it is for its mountain views. A family-friendly favorite is Aqua Golf. It is another city-run facility with a driving range where you hit directly into water. Kids and adults alike have a blast there, and if that wasn’t enough, there is also a 36 hole mini golf course on-site!
Colorado Ski and Golf
What’s cooler than a golf store? An amazing golf store that’s also a ski shop! Colorado Ski and Golf is the leading golf equipment retailer in Colorado. Offering 5 locations from Colorado Springs up to Arvada, their stores offer the best equipment at the best prices. In fact, they GUARANTEE the best prices in the nation… can’t beat that!
Lenny’s Golf
Lenny’s golf is a local golf shop is a full service golf retailer offering everything even the most discerning golfer could want! They stock all the biggest brands, even the highly exclusive PXG, and offer comprehensive free fittings for anyone purchasing new clubs. They are recognized as one of the top 100 golf club fitting locations in the country! The website states, “We have been around since the early 1980's and during its history, the shop has become a staple for excellent customer service, quality products, and an extremely knowledgeable friendly staff."
Colorado Golf Association
The Colorado Golf Association is “dedicated to preserving, improving and sharing the game of golf in Colorado.” They provide handicaps, course ratings, and tournaments all over the Denver area and the state.
Denver Broncos Annual Alumni Golf Tournament
The Denver Broncos Alumni Association hosts a charity golf outing each June that is a highlight of the Denver golf season. Former and current players team up with amateurs for a day of fun and golf that you won’t soon forget. Lunch, golf and dinner are included and all proceeds go to the Broncos charities! Don’t miss out, spots fill up fast!
Omni Interlocken Hotel
Situated just outside of Denver in Broomfield, CO, the Omni Interlocken Resort offers Championship Golf and amenities in the Rockies. The golf resort is made up of three unique 9 hole championship courses called Eldorado, Vista and Sunshine. All three nines are par-36 and being at over a mile of elevation, the ball flies forever, making anyone feel like a PGA TOUR player!
Hilton Denver Inverness
The Hilton Denver Inverness offers a reasonably priced luxurious golf retreat. The course is semi-private and open to all resort guests. The hotel is plush and the service excellent. The course is as challenging as it is fair. Watch out, as water comes into play on eleven of the eighteen holes, so there is little relief!
Ken M. is PlayYourCourse’s featured coach providing golf lessons in Denver, Colorado. Ken is a certified Master Teaching Professional whose passion for the game is contagious. He teaches at the beautiful CommonGround Golf Course in the suburb of Aurora. Ken’s teaching philosophy is centered around simplifying the game. Golf is only complicated if you make it so, and he works with each one of his students to find their perfect swing by simplifying their existing swing. This technique provides immediate results and his students love him for it!