Colorado Springs Golf Courses

[dereckbc]

Going to Colorado Springs in late July and looking for some courses to play around the area. Don't mind driving up to 1-hour is needed. Looking a lot of the good courses like Eisenhower and Broadmoore are private. From reviews of other courses cannot tell which are worth playing and which are not. Will be there a week and looking to play at least 4 or 5 days. Don't mind going up to south Denver area, and really do not want to pay more than say $90 with cart.

 

So can some of you make recommendations? Would really like at least one mountain course to play at altitude. So let's hear it.

 

THX

 

Dereck

[drn92]

Two courses I would recommend if you cannot play the Broadmoor or the Air Force Academy would be Bear Dance and Red Hawk Ridge. Bear Dance may be a bit more than $90 but is a really fun course. Red Hawk Ridge will be less than $90 and has always been fun to play and in decent condition.

If you are willing to drive to south Denver, there is a nice Hale Irwin course in Highlands Ranch (Highlands Ranch Golf Club I think), and there is a public course in Parker that used to be called Canterbury that is a fun layout (as long as it is in good condition).

drn92

[KLeC]

I believe you can get on the Broadmoor. It is a resort course, and, I believe open to the public. I've played it as a guest and also while staying at other hotels. Also would recommend Cheyenne Mountain. It's very near the Broadmoor.

[dereckbc]

OK thanks that is a good start. What kind of green fees for non resort guest?

Keepem coming. I am even open to muni courses if they are a decent layout in good shape.

[dereckbc]

[quote name='drn92' timestamp='1400973600' post='9361421']
Two courses I would recommend if you cannot play the Broadmoor or the [u][b]Air Force Academy[/b][/u]. [/quote]AFA, is that the Eisenhower Courses? Would love to play them if possible, but under the impression for military only? I do not know. Will take a look at the other two options, THX

[Jamboy72]

Check golfnow as well as Castle Pines north is on there as well - C. Springs is at a decent elevation, so courses around there might be a little different for you...

If Antler Creek is in good shape, that's a fun one (read LONG) - I second Bear Dance as well...

[I_HATE_SNOW]

The AFA, has 2 courses, the Blue is about as good a course as you will find in this state. Check their website, I think you can get on during the week without being military.

[drn92]

The Eisenhower courses (Blue and Silver) at the Air Force Academy are great, but I am biased since I've played both over 100 times. Unfortunately you need to be accompanied by someone with access (military, DoD, govt, etc.).

I highly recommend Bear Dance. If you are willing to go further north into Denver, on the West side of town are two courses, Deer Creek and Fox Hollow which are both great layouts (I am partial to Fox Hollow). On the east side of town is Saddle Rock and Murphy Creek. All four are easy access off the C or E-470 belt loop. I like Fox Hollow as much or more than Bear Dance and it will be about half as much.

The Ridge at Castle Pines was mentioned, but it is third on my list of the three courses in the Castle Rock area.

Hope you have a great time!

drn92

[drn92]

One more I forgot ... since I have not played either ... but both Walking Stick in Pueblo and Four Mile Ranch in Canon City get good reviews. They are about as far south from Colorado Springs as Denver is north.

drn92

[dereckbc]

[quote name='Jamboy72' timestamp='1400977607' post='9361669']C. Springs is at a decent elevation, so courses around there might be a little different for you...[/quote]

Different on a day to day basis but no stranger to high altitudes. Have played a lot in Santa Fe NM and Prescott AZ which I think are higher than C Springs, and I love it.Turns my 140/150 yard 9-iron from TX into a 160/170 yard monster. Only real difficulty is I will usually ride a cart especially if the course has a lot of elevation changes. For some reason this 55 year old lungs cannot do it any more walking.

Thanks for the tip, and if any more come to mind please share.

[dereckbc]

[quote name='drn92' timestamp='1400988699' post='9362537']The Ridge at Castle Pines was mentioned, but it is third on my list of the three courses in the Castle Rock area.[/quote]

Can the public play all the courses in Castle Rock, or just certain ones? Some look to be Private.

[Hateto3Putt]

[quote name='drn92' timestamp='1400988699' post='9362537']
The Eisenhower courses (Blue and Silver) at the Air Force Academy are great, but I am biased since I've played both over 100 times. Unfortunately you need to be accompanied by someone with access (military, DoD, govt, etc.).

[/quote]

If Eisenhower operates anything like Nellis AFB in Vegas, you don't need to be accompanied by a Government employee. You MAY need a Government contact to book the tee time though. An active or retired veteran should work as well.

I've played Nellis many times, my Wife (who works for the DOJ) has always called for the tee times. We've had up to 8 players, none of whom were affiliated with the Government play the course.

You [s]will[/s] may need Government issued ID, and proof of vehicle ownership and insurance to get through the gates. (again, this assumption is just based on my experience at Nellis)

OP. Call the course and find out the requirements, don't rule them out until you know for sure. There may be hoops to jump through, but it sounds like the course may be worth the effort.

Maybe drn92 can assist you in booking the times (just thinking out loud here)

[I_HATE_SNOW]

[quote name='dereckbc' timestamp='1401287348' post='9381543']
[quote name='drn92' timestamp='1400988699' post='9362537']The Ridge at Castle Pines was mentioned, but it is third on my list of the three courses in the Castle Rock area.[/quote]

Can the public play all the courses in Castle Rock, or just certain ones? Some look to be Private.
[/quote] The Ridge at Castle Pines NOrth is public, and pricey. Redhawk ridge is public as is Plum Creek. Sanctuary is fund raising only, Castle Pines golf club and Country club are private.

[I_HATE_SNOW]

Eligibility Policy
In order to play at the Eisenhower Golf Club, customers MUST have a Government I.D. Card. (Active Duty Military, Retired Military, Reserves, DoD Civilians and USAFA Contractors) The I.D. Card must be shown to the staff in the Pro Shop upon paying for your green fees.
If a customer does not have an I.D. Card, then they must be accompanied by a customer that carries one. There are no exceptions to this policy!

[dereckbc]

[quote name='dirtyboy' timestamp='1401301393' post='9383185']
Eligibility Policy
In order to play at the Eisenhower Golf Club, customers MUST have a Government I.D. Card. (Active Duty Military, Retired Military, Reserves, DoD Civilians and USAFA Contractors) The I.D. Card must be shown to the staff in the Pro Shop upon paying for your green fees.
If a customer does not have an I.D. Card, then they must be accompanied by a customer that carries one. There are no exceptions to this policy!
[/quote]Thank you for looking that up for me. CRAP!!

[b]OK anyone out there eligible that would like to play with me? My treat! [/b]I will be in CO Spring July 25th to 30th and can play any day or time. I am a 4 handicap, PGA member A6 Instructor, 55 year old semi-retired male from TX. PM me if interested, you get free lesson if wanted while we play. It's a great deal.

[Fore_Man]

If someone plays at the Air Force Academy, please PM me. I'd love for someone to grab me a towel or something.

Blue course was the last round I played with my best friend before he passed 10yrs ago at the young age of 25. Would love a little reminder.

[mctrees02]

For playing the AFA courses, I have a related question. I'll be in town for a wedding next week & am planning to play golf with 2 other guys.

One of the guys is an engineer at Lockheed Martin. From looking at the website, there is conflicting info. The policies state that he just needs his government issued ID card. However, a box pops up when I click for tee times stating that if we are non-DoD personnel, we will need to be escorted in by our DoD sponsor to get through the gates.

As this guy isn't an avid golfer, I wanted to try and get some insight before reaching out to him to book the tee time.

[Hateto3Putt]

[quote name='mctrees02' timestamp='1401368348' post='9388181']
For playing the AFA courses, I have a related question. I'll be in town for a wedding next week & am planning to play golf with 2 other guys.

One of the guys is an engineer at Lockheed Martin. From looking at the website, there is conflicting info. The policies state that he just needs his government issued ID card. However, a box pops up when I click for tee times stating that if we are non-DoD personnel, we will need to be escorted in by our DoD sponsor to get through the gates.

As this guy isn't an avid golfer, I wanted to try and get some insight before reaching out to him to book the tee time.
[/quote]

Call the pro shop.

[mctrees02]

[quote name='Hateto3Putt' timestamp='1401375145' post='9388897'][quote name='mctrees02' timestamp='1401368348' post='9388181']
For playing the AFA courses, I have a related question. I'll be in town for a wedding next week & am planning to play golf with 2 other guys.

One of the guys is an engineer at Lockheed Martin. From looking at the website, there is conflicting info. The policies state that he just needs his government issued ID card. However, a box pops up when I click for tee times stating that if we are non-DoD personnel, we will need to be escorted in by our DoD sponsor to get through the gates.

As this guy isn't an avid golfer, I wanted to try and get some insight before reaching out to him to book the tee time.
[/quote]

Call the pro shop.[/quote] thanks for that breaking news. They simply quoted off the policy online...but had no clue about getting onto the base ID wise as that's not their job.

That's why I asked here...thanks for adding to the conversation though.

[dereckbc]

I feel hijacked. Get your own thread.

[drn92]

[quote name='mctrees02' timestamp='1401368348' post='9388181']
For playing the AFA courses, I have a related question. I'll be in town for a wedding next week & am planning to play golf with 2 other guys.

One of the guys is an engineer at Lockheed Martin. From looking at the website, there is conflicting info. The policies state that he just needs his government issued ID card. However, a box pops up when I click for tee times stating that if we are non-DoD personnel, we will need to be escorted in by our DoD sponsor to get through the gates.

As this guy isn't an avid golfer, I wanted to try and get some insight before reaching out to him to book the tee time.
[/quote][quote name='mctrees02' timestamp='1401368348' post='9388181']
For playing the AFA courses, I have a related question. I'll be in town for a wedding next week & am planning to play golf with 2 other guys.

One of the guys is an engineer at Lockheed Martin. From looking at the website, there is conflicting info. The policies state that he just needs his government issued ID card. However, a box pops up when I click for tee times stating that if we are non-DoD personnel, we will need to be escorted in by our DoD sponsor to get through the gates.

As this guy isn't an avid golfer, I wanted to try and get some insight before reaching out to him to book the tee time.
[/quote]

I think you can get through the gates at the Academy without a govt sponsor. You will need an ID and they will probably ask to look in your trunk. There are parts of the base that are off limits, but the golf course and football stadium are typically open.

However, to play golf you will need a member of your foursome that is somehow involved with the DoD (active, retired, govt contractor, etc.).

drn92

[dereckbc]

Don't know if this helps or not but one way a civilian can gain access to the base is to plan a visit to the Peterson Air & Space Museum. To gain access one must call 719-556-4915 at least 24 hours in advance to make arrangements. Not usre if this is the same as the AFA as it is called Peterson Air Force Base where the museum is located. I plan on making a visit when I am there as I am an avid military history buff and love planes and ships.

[drn92]

[quote name='dereckbc' timestamp='1401574120' post='9403957']
Don't know if this helps or not but one way a civilian can gain access to the base is to plan a visit to the Peterson Air & Space Museum. To gain access one must call 719-556-4915 at least 24 hours in advance to make arrangements. Not usre if this is the same as the AFA as it is called Peterson Air Force Base where the museum is located. I plan on making a visit when I am there as I am an avid military history buff and love planes and ships.
[/quote]

Peterson is a different base. The course at Pete is not too bad, but there are better choices in the area. The museum should be a lot of fun.

drn92

[dereckbc]

[quote name='drn92' timestamp='1401596327' post='9405605']Peterson is a different base. The course at Pete is not too bad, but there are better choices in the area. The museum should be a lot of fun.[/quote]Thx. I thought after writing that reply it might be at a different place. Not interested in the course at Peterson, just Eisenhower at AFA. However I will go to the museum while in CS. Also hear there is a new Air Museum in or around CS?

[Buclow]

Bear dance is the best course in the state, hands down. It's well worth the drive and the greens fee. It's always in great shape and the scenery is incredible.

Take the drive north to Larkspur, you won't be disappointed.

[dereckbc]

[quote name='Buclow' timestamp='1401635934' post='9406993']
Bear dance is the best course in the state, hands down. It's well worth the drive and the greens fee. It's always in great shape and the scenery is incredible.

Take the drive north to Larkspur, you won't be disappointed.
[/quote]THX it is on my Play List. From looking at the Web Site best rate is 7 days in advance for around $110. Only issue is I am a single. Thinking of just walking on early morning weekday and take my chances. Pretty much works anytime I travel.

[drn92]

[quote name='dereckbc' timestamp='1401648166' post='9407931']
[quote name='Buclow' timestamp='1401635934' post='9406993']
Bear dance is the best course in the state, hands down. It's well worth the drive and the greens fee. It's always in great shape and the scenery is incredible.

Take the drive north to Larkspur, you won't be disappointed.
[/quote]THX it is on my Play List. From looking at the Web Site best rate is 7 days in advance for around $110. Only issue is I am a single. Thinking of just walking on early morning weekday and take my chances. Pretty much works anytime I travel.
[/quote]

You should have no issues getting on Bear Dance if you show up in the morning. I agree that it is a great course (but I am partial to the Blue and Silver at the Academy). Lots of fun, fast greens, good conditions ... definitely worth the money and there may be some specials available if you search.

drn92

[dereckbc]

[quote name='drn92' timestamp='1401670679' post='9410273'] Lots of fun, fast greens, good conditions ... definitely worth the money and there may be some specials available if you search[/quote]

I am looking for specials. What surprised me when I went to the Bear Dance website to check green fees and how far in advance you can book I discovered If you book more than 1 week in advance fess are higher than 1 week or less. Usually its the other way around. So I am gong to take two chances, just show up early in the morning because I am a Single Walk on, and then show them my PGA membership card. Lot of courses will let PGA members either play for free or a significant discount.

[Buclow]

[quote name='dereckbc' timestamp='1401674446' post='9410793'][quote name='drn92' timestamp='1401670679' post='9410273'] Lots of fun, fast greens, good conditions ... definitely worth the money and there may be some specials available if you search[/quote]

I am looking for specials. What surprised me when I went to the Bear Dance website to check green fees and how far in advance you can book I discovered If you book more than 1 week in advance fess are higher than 1 week or less. Usually its the other way around. So I am gong to take two chances, just show up early in the morning because I am a Single Walk on, and then show them my PGA membership card. Lot of courses will let PGA members either play for free or a significant discount.[/quote]

Good idea. Bear Dance is the home of the Colorado PGA so you might get a nice discount.

You should be fine as a single, walk on.

[TheKrushh]

Bear Dance and Ridge at Castle Pines North are both classic Colorado golf courses. I'm a member at Highlands Ranch Golf Club and I would say that it's probably not worth driving up for. I've heard great things about Red Hawk Ridge but haven't played it. I did the local qualifying at the Broadmoor and it is an amazing facility but no way you'll be close to your budget trying to play that one. Good luck and welcome!