Golf Recommendation for Denver

[texagjosh]

Just found out I'll be traveling to DEN in July.

Looks like Fossil Trace and Bear Dance are two must-plays. I may be able to squeeze in a third round. What's the recommendation in 2013? I'm staying directly in downtown and don't mind driving 45 mins.

[pseudoswede]

Honestly, I wouldn't put Fossil Trace on a must-play list. And Bear Dance is more like 60-70 minutes from downtown Denver--without traffic.

I would put The Ridge at Castle Pines North, Murphy Creek, and Saddle Rock (amongst others) above Fossil Trace. I've yet to play Commonground, but that is supposed to be pretty nice, too.

With that said, Fossil Trace is selling a "Premium Pass", which gets you one round each at Fossil Trace, Bear Dance, and Riverdale Dunes (a fine course, but pretty far from downtown, too) for $190. ([url=http://www.playfossiltrace.com/golf/ecom_v2/ecom.php?cat=0&item_id=43447]Link[/url]) Pretty steep restrictions, though.

[thaar]

I think Fossil Trace and Bear Dance are two great tracks for sure. It's not that much further than Castle Pines North, which I would definitely recommend as well.

Swede - I'm surprised you'd rank Saddle Rock above Fossil Trace. I haven't played there in a while despite living close to there, but last time I played, it wasn't in very good shape. How's it looking this year?

[pseudoswede]

I simply find Fossil Trace too "gimmicky", especially the back nine. Saddle Rock, regardless of condition, is simply a solid course (and less expensive).

[MileHighClub]

I am surprised nobody mentioned Arrowhead. I know it is a bit pricey, but you can ocassionally find good deals on GolfNow. I usually take out of town guests there just for the amazing scenery. Haven't played there this year so I can't say what kind of shape it is in. I would also recommend any of these Summit County courses (Breckenridge, Raven, Keystone River and Ranch). Keystone River is my favorite. Best value in town is Riverdale Dunes.

[texagjosh]

I've booked Bear Dance (8AM) and Castle Pines North (3PM) for Friday.

Looking at Murphy Creek and Commonground for Saturday. Anything else I should be aware of?

[JasonFL]

[quote name='texagjosh' timestamp='1374504029' post='7513052']
I've booked Bear Dance (8AM) and Castle Pines North (3PM) for Friday.

Looking at Murphy Creek and Commonground for Saturday. Anything else I should be aware of?
[/quote]
Just played fossil in a charity tourney a few weeks ago. Very cool course. It is gimicky but it uses the landscape well. The greens are surprisingly easy to read.... unlike every course I've played here.

Arrow head from what I hear is phenomenal. Might see a deer or elk on the course. Or fresh mountain lion kill. But it just adds to the experience!

[JasonFL]

And so far Foothills is my most frequented course. Very very well kept greens. Nice and quick. Theyre the courses defense. The layout is open but not swing wreckless kind of open.

Not as scenic as a lot of courses but there are a few cool holes. Like #4. Maybe 75 elevated tee box to a dogleg right. The back tees are right at 400.

[pseudoswede]

[quote name='JasonFL' timestamp='1374558432' post='7519834']
Like #4. Maybe 75 elevated tee box to a dogleg right. The back tees are right at 400.
[/quote]

I've driven that green from the back tees. Into the slowest foursome I've ever played behind (and was extremely pissed off), who promptly reported me to the ranger. Absolutely the best drive I've ever hit.

I think Meadows GC a few miles down the road is a much better layout and value. You also can't discount Fox Hollow or Homestead not too far away.

[texagjosh]

Back from my trip.

Bear Dance - probably the best golf experience I've ever had. Course was in immaculate condition (prepping for Solheim Cup in 2 weeks), and the layout was a real joy to play. Pace was great for a weekend round, price ($95) was very fair, and the staff all very professional and courteous. Pace was tightly managed, but we had no issues with the marshalls. The middle tees were difficult enough with the elevation changes and demanding greens. Can't wait to experience it again.

Ridge @ Castle Pines North - The front nine is pretty dull, suburban golf. The back nine was embedded in the pines with some amazing views of the front range, and much more fun to play. They're proud of it ($145 primetime), which is a shame, because there are much better values all around. Probably the least favorite Troon-managed course that I've played.

Fossil Trace - Really fun layout, particularly the back nine as you get into the rock formations. Some dopey decision-making with tiered greens and running bunkers, but I get it, it's a novelty course. Some good go-fer holes here, particularly 18. Marshalls managed the pace well.

[JasonFL]

[quote name='pseudoswede' timestamp='1374697340' post='7531662']
[quote name='JasonFL' timestamp='1374558432' post='7519834']
Like #4. Maybe 75 elevated tee box to a dogleg right. The back tees are right at 400.
[/quote]

I've driven that green from the back tees. Into the slowest foursome I've ever played behind (and was extremely pissed off), who promptly reported me to the ranger. Absolutely the best drive I've ever hit.

I think Meadows GC a few miles down the road is a much better layout and value. You also can't discount Fox Hollow or Homestead not too far away.
[/quote]
I could see that happening. I've came up 10 yards short but I'm hoping the 913 will get me there!

Haven't played more than 9 holes there latley due to the pace of play.

Moving to the tech center thos week. Gotta find a new home course!

[JasonFL]

[quote name='texagjosh' timestamp='1375121757' post='7562134']
Back from my trip.

Bear Dance - probably the best golf experience I've ever had. Course was in immaculate condition (prepping for Solheim Cup in 2 weeks), and the layout was a real joy to play. Pace was great for a weekend round, price ($95) was very fair, and the staff all very professional and courteous. Pace was tightly managed, but we had no issues with the marshalls. The middle tees were difficult enough with the elevation changes and demanding greens. Can't wait to experience it again.

Ridge @ Castle Pines North - The front nine is pretty dull, suburban golf. The back nine was embedded in the pines with some amazing views of the front range, and much more fun to play. They're proud of it ($145 primetime), which is a shame, because there are much better values all around. Probably the least favorite Troon-managed course that I've played.

Fossil Trace - Really fun layout, particularly the back nine as you get into the rock formations. Some dopey decision-making with tiered greens and running bunkers, but I get it, it's a novelty course. Some good go-fer holes here, particularly 18. Marshalls managed the pace well.
[/quote]
Sounds like a great trip! Cool that you played fossil. Its like gooney golf for adults. Fun course.

[I_HATE_SNOW]

Why is Bear Dance prepping for the Solheim Cup? It is at the Colorado Golf Club in Parker.

[pseudoswede]

[quote name='JasonFL' timestamp='1375123092' post='7562286']
Moving to the tech center thos week. Gotta find a new home course!
[/quote]

Sadly, not too many near the DTC worth mentioning. For a quick 9 after work, if you can get on Family Sports for under $10, it's nice. Otherwise, the Links at Highlands Ranch is pretty underrated and a decent value if you walk. South Suburban GC has some of the toughest greens in the area.

Lone Tree GC is pretty expensive, but it does have a nice range if you can scurry over there during the lunch hour. Family Sports' grass tees are also nice, but always crowded--and their short-game area is fantastic.

If you're going to live in the DTC-area, and you want a great practice facility, then seriously look into Meridian Golf Club's range membership. It's $525 (valid May 1 - April 30 each year), and it has the best range in south Denver.

Also don't forget to visit the other Rockies forum on GolfWRX.

[NorthTexasGlfr]

Just got back from the Solheim Cup. We played CommonGround, Arrowhead, and the Omni Interlocken Resort while we were there. All three were in good shape and very enjoyable to play.

I would put Arrowhead in the "must play" category for the views and scenery alone. But besides the scenery, we all thought it was a very good course and thoroughly enjoyed playing it.

CommonGround was probably in the best shape of the three and was a very fun course to play. It was neat to play a course that was used as the companion course for the 2013 US Am at Cherry Hills. Surprisingly we ran into locals who had never heard of it which we thought was kind of weird. I would highly recommend CommonGround but would not put it in the "must play" category like Arrowhead.

Interlocken was also fun with lots of elevation changes which made it very interesting but it was definitely third out of the three we played.

Johnny T.

[pseudoswede]

[quote name='North Texas' timestamp='1377038221' post='7715200']
Surprisingly we ran into locals who had never heard of it which we thought was kind of weird.
[/quote]

If they were true locals, they knew it as Mira Vista--which was a dump. I think it took me over a year to realize that the course was redesigned and renamed. Of course, it was during a five-year stretch when I only played golf 2-3 times a year. By my own admission, I still haven't played it yet.

[JasonFL]

[quote name='pseudoswede' timestamp='1375276809' post='7575040']
[quote name='JasonFL' timestamp='1375123092' post='7562286']
Moving to the tech center thos week. Gotta find a new home course!
[/quote]

Sadly, not too many near the DTC worth mentioning. For a quick 9 after work, if you can get on Family Sports for under $10, it's nice. Otherwise, the Links at Highlands Ranch is pretty underrated and a decent value if you walk. South Suburban GC has some of the toughest greens in the area.

Lone Tree GC is pretty expensive, but it does have a nice range if you can scurry over there during the lunch hour. Family Sports' grass tees are also nice, but always crowded--and their short-game area is fantastic.

If you're going to live in the DTC-area, and you want a great practice facility, then seriously look into Meridian Golf Club's range membership. It's $525 (valid May 1 - April 30 each year), and it has the best range in south Denver.

Also don't forget to visit the other Rockies forum on GolfWRX.
[/quote]
Thanks for the Meridian info. $525 is a great deal from what I've read about the place.

Plus I was referred to their pro for lessons. Havent called him yet though.

Been doing the fun center range. Its not bad but definitely crowded as you said.

Edit: what other rockies forum?

[JasonFL]

Never mind. I found it.

[andy.o123]

+1 on bear dance, played there a few years ago and it was awesome.