Colorado WRX 2023

[bobbyclampett!!]

I got nine in today at Ute Creek. Greens were pretty rough, but puttable, which is all I can hope for mid-November. I just feel so grateful to be able to play nine holes on a sixty degree day with no wind this time of year. CO golf is amazing. Greens in WY are all covered by tarps by now. Sounds like Highland Meadows is the place to be. Looks like we’ve got some cold coming next week. 
 

I won’t be too sad when the season is over, even though I feel so calm, relaxed, and confident over the ball right now. I don’t mind a few months break. I’ll probably go mess around on the Trackman at South Broadway CC in Old Town FC about once every week or two over the winter to experience swinging and hitting. Hopefully a quick weekend trip to AZ or some such in late February/early March and then I’ll be ready to go in April when we can usually play again. 

Edited November 18, 2023 by bobbyclampett!!

[Joelness]

On 11/16/2023 at 4:26 PM, jda said:

Normally I would put away my clubs and have to go and search for them in March/April, but going to Spanish/Pebble/Spyglass in May and don't want to hibernate this winter... gonna be some cold rounds.

 

Getting used to this high loft driver has been fun.  I think that I see so much of the face and want to close it down - been a lot of shots left.  Hit it better today by forcing the face open.  A few more rounds and I might be there.  Of course, at the range I can get it perfect after a few swings of just focusing on it.

 

Anybody else seen some good greens lately?

 

So pumped to hear about this trip! I finally decided to do it in 2025 for the 40th. My wife has been bugging me for about six months asking where we were going to go.

 

Fox Hill has been great for late Nov. The firmness can be a little inconsistent but I think that's pretty normal. The north facing greens are one big hop and stop and the rest of them are stopping where they land on a high wedge but bouncing if coming from the rough or low decent.

[Joelness]

On 11/17/2023 at 8:32 AM, thaar said:

It's been really tough for me to get out this fall unfortunately. I think I've only played 9 holes twice since the end of September and one of those was earlier this week which was interesting. It's funny how quickly you can lose touch around the greens when you don't play consistently. All in all though, it was quite a good season. Lots of firsts for me this year - got my first hole-in-one, got my handicap down to the lowest it's been, and carded 5 straight rounds in the 70's.

 

I feel like I learned a lot about game management, taking more time to assess my shot and conditions to understand how they may impact the outcome. My short game and putting was probably the area my game improved most this season though. Most of the season, I felt quite confident standing over putts, particularly from the 4-8ft range. And I started experimenting with using a PW just off of the green which worked out quite well. I also picked up a Cobra LTDx LS driver midseason, and that thing is great. It's amazing how far technology has come to help with mishits.

 

Hopefully the weather stays mild this winter so I can get out every so often and not lose my game before the season kicks back off. I always have good intentions to practice in the off-season, but it never really works out like I wanted. My big issue right now is I can't shake this tendinitis I've been fighting this year, and hitting off mats really aggravates it. 

 

Bummer you haven't gotten out often. First hole-in-one is awesome! I hope it wasn't too steep. Feeling confident with the putter is 1/2 the battle for sure and I LOVE that you're using a PW for bump and runs. Once you get the feel you can mis-hit them and they still go where you want.

 

Duuuuuude, let the tendinitis heal Dec-Feb and then you can get ready after. That s*** is awful

[Joelness]

On 11/17/2023 at 7:15 PM, bobbyclampett!! said:

I got nine in today at Ute Creek. Greens were pretty rough, but puttable, which is all I can hope for mid-November. I just feel so grateful to be able to play nine holes on a sixty degree day with no wind this time of year. CO golf is amazing. Greens in WY are all covered by tarps by now. Sounds like Highland Meadows is the place to be. Looks like we’ve got some cold coming next week. 
 

I won’t be too sad when the season is over, even though I feel so calm, relaxed, and confident over the ball right now. I don’t mind a few months break. I’ll probably go mess around on the Trackman at South Broadway CC in Old Town FC about once every week or two over the winter to experience swinging and hitting. Hopefully a quick weekend trip to AZ or some such in late February/early March and then I’ll be ready to go in April when we can usually play again. 

 

I got to get out to Fox this AM. I was only supposed to play 9 but I ended up in a $50 money game (2-man blind draw) and my group (5-somes now) played a $2 wolf with carryovers that got pretty big. I literally texted my wife while I was on the range and it said "The guys are trying to egg me into the money game and I'm hitting my 6i PURE on the range.... Can we push back our friends coming over until 2pm?!" It was a blast. The fun level doesn't hurt when I shoot 67, five birds and two boges. Unfortunately I drew a partner that had the same birdies and bogeys as me so we lost the big game but I got three $25 skins and I won $40 in wolf so a nice $65 profit. 

 

65 degrees Next Wednesday! I blocked off a 10AM at Fox Hill, who wants to play?!?!? I think they're charging 48 to walk or something around there.

 

So far I have a 54 hole pro-am at Wigwam Jan 4-6th. I'm stoked because there is individual gross payouts for AM's so that should be awesome. After that it's Tucson Mid-January, back to Phoenix on 2/14 and another trip to Tucson in March depending on when my wife heads out for the member-guest at Ventana Canyon. I'm sure we'll visit my father in-law sometime in April in New Smyrna Beach, FL also. He's in his 80's and he won't come to us so we need to go to him at least 2x a year.

Edited November 19, 2023 by Joelness

[Dancin]

Highland Meadows is pure right now. I was not prepared for greens running that fast this late in the season. Also the course was empty this morning too with a lot of no shows. Nice 3.5 hour round.

[jda]

On 11/16/2023 at 9:08 PM, deadsolid...shank said:

I like that price a lot better! Will they be on mats on the par threes now?

 

No mats at Highland Meadows when I was there earlier in the week.

 

Riverdale Dunes today.  Course was fine.  Greens were rough, sandy and hard - ball would spin a bit once they warmed up, but plan on shots needing 20-30 feet to stop.  Mats on all par 3s - horrible mats like the kind that are so thin (think carpet without pad on your garage floor) that you cannot even attack enough to get the sweet spot or else the shaft compresses and sends shivers down your spine.  Green were fine if you putt with pace - dudes who like to drop them over the front had the ball waiver and drift either way near the hole.  Shot 77 and bogey on every single one of the par 3s where I was bested by the stupid mats... and I don't even mind decent mats.  A bit of a frost delay and 4 hour round.  $44 to walk on the weekend, so rating goes from C to B- for me.  Mat quality F-... like to the level of inexcusable.

[deadsolid...shank]

Played Highland Hills Wednesday, last day for posting. Still in ok shape although the greens were a little shaggy. No tee markers no and the pins are on their 3 hole rotation on each green. Can’t use the color now for FMB. 
 

Back nine at Boomerang today. It’s in pretty good shape. Greens roll better than Highland’s. 

[ASak10]

I got out to Bear Dance last week, was my first time playing it this year which is a bummer, I like getting out there a few times a summer.  But for this time of year, it was in solid shape (unfortunately cart path only when we went).  Greens were a little fuzzy and slower than usual for that place but it was a blast to play.  

 

@Joelness I love Wigwam!  Assuming the one in Litchfield? We were just out there for fall break with the kids.  Unfortunately only one of the three courses were open due to overseeding, but I've played them all a bunch of times over the years.  One of our favorite resorts to go to with the kids.  It's a great place.

[jda]

On 11/18/2023 at 10:36 PM, Joelness said:

65 degrees Next Wednesday! I blocked off a 10AM at Fox Hill, who wants to play?!?!? I think they're charging 48 to walk or something around there.

 

I need to take a walk on Wed.  If you are still playing and don't care that I don't care this time of year, I would love to come and get some exercise.  By not caring, I mostly mean that I don't really care about yardage, am trying to figure out a new driver, don't really read putts for more than a second or two, etc - I am not an a** or obnoxious or anything... just mostly out for the exercise and to enjoy the day.

[bobbyclampett!!]

On 11/18/2023 at 10:36 PM, Joelness said:

65 degrees Next Wednesday! I blocked off a 10AM at Fox Hill, who wants to play?!?!? I think they're charging 48 to walk or something around there.

Oooh, that could work for me. Can you pencil me in??

[CDM]

Sounds like everyone was able to get out..! 

 

Though course conditions are not "perfect' there is just something about this time of year I love for golf.  The color differences, crisp air, color of the eaves, etc.   Played 27/9 and glad I did, most enjoyable.   Even the really light rain for a few holes for the 9 holes was nice honestly.  Call me crazy I guess..... 

 

What I am sooooooo happy about is finally hitting it solid again which has been way too long...!  More so not injured / coming off some surgery like has been the last 2 years.  Hoping next season will be "healthy" all year.

 

@Dancin I might even post a score next year...........😁 🤣   Heck I might have to sign up for the member guest lottery this year..........

Edited November 21, 2023 by CDM

[bobbyclampett!!]

8 hours ago, CDM said:

Though course conditions are not "perfect' there is just something about this time of year I love for golf.  The color differences, crisp air, color of the eaves, etc.   Played 27/9 and glad I did, most enjoyable.   Even the really light rain for a few holes for the 9 holes was nice honestly.  Call me crazy I guess..... 

I also love playing this time of year. I was trying to put my finger on why the other day... I told my friend it's kind of like you're golfing in heaven- the spring and summer is the life of the golf season, and now the actual season seems over, dead, and smells and sights of dormancy surround you, yet your'e still playing. Your score and how you do seem to matter less, you're not putting pressure on yourself to get better or lower your handicap or prepare for this or that event, you're just happy to be out there, enjoying the experience of walking around and hitting a golf ball with your friends. It's beautiful.

[bobbyclampett!!]

On 11/18/2023 at 10:36 PM, Joelness said:

65 degrees Next Wednesday! I blocked off a 10AM at Fox Hill, who wants to play?!?!? I think they're charging 48 to walk or something around there.

Hey @Joelness today might work even better for me and also looks pretty nice (no wind!). Any chance you could get out today?

[Joelness]

5 hours ago, bobbyclampett!! said:

Hey @Joelness today might work even better for me and also looks pretty nice (no wind!). Any chance you could get out today?

 

Just saw this, I spent my morning hanging lights. I have a noon tee time but it's full, sorry.

 

EDIT: I wish I would have seen it as the 5th got added just a couple hours ago too.... Arg

Edited November 21, 2023 by Joelness

[bobbyclampett!!]

45 minutes ago, Joelness said:

 

Just saw this, I spent my morning hanging lights. I have a noon tee time but it's full, sorry.

 

EDIT: I wish I would have seen it as the 5th got added just a couple hours ago too.... Arg

No problem, I wouldn't have been able to go that early. Forgot sun is setting at like 4, haha. Got a 1:10 at Highland Meadows. Looking forward to seeing what shape it's in.

 

I'm not sure yet about tomorrow, if you get four or 5, go ahead and sign up the others. I'll let you know closer to the time. Man, it's beautiful out there.

[Joelness]

On 11/20/2023 at 1:27 PM, ASak10 said:

I got out to Bear Dance last week, was my first time playing it this year which is a bummer, I like getting out there a few times a summer.  But for this time of year, it was in solid shape (unfortunately cart path only when we went).  Greens were a little fuzzy and slower than usual for that place but it was a blast to play.  

 

@Joelness I love Wigwam!  Assuming the one in Litchfield? We were just out there for fall break with the kids.  Unfortunately only one of the three courses were open due to overseeding, but I've played them all a bunch of times over the years.  One of our favorite resorts to go to with the kids.  It's a great place.

 

Yeah, that's where we will be going. I've never played it before. Why do you guys love it so much with the kids? Great pool?

 

Any advice on the courses? Are they oriented towards specific shot types (tee game, wedges, 2nd shots?)

[ASak10]

9 hours ago, Joelness said:

 

Yeah, that's where we will be going. I've never played it before. Why do you guys love it so much with the kids? Great pool?

 

Any advice on the courses? Are they oriented towards specific shot types (tee game, wedges, 2nd shots?)

 

Edited: sorry hit post on accident before I was done 🙃

 

Well mostly the kids love that we can walk to three golf courses and play a bunch of golf!  They do love the pool too (there's a family pool and an adult pool too if you want some more quiet, and the spa also has a very nice lap pool).  Spa is nice if you go with the wife and want to relax some.

 

We just love the overall vibe of the resort, feels very rustic and love how the resort is made up of individual buildings instead of a big hotel building.  The kids love to play tennis too and they have a great tennis facility, so we played a bunch of tennis and pickleball too when we were there. 

 

Restaurants are good, Litchfield's is nicer and more expensive but we had some great food there. Kids love the breakfast at the Wigwam Bar, it is very good. Red's is at the course and has what you'd expect at a golf course restaurant but we like it a lot.  Obviously there's lots of places to go eat within walking/short drive from the resort, but we like to stay on campus when there to keep it simple.

 

I haven't played the Gold Course in a while but it's the signature course and pretty long from what I remember.  There's enough trouble to keep things interesting. Par 3s require some accurate shots, I remember there being trouble around the greens. A couple of risk reward holes too.  So I think gold course is a good overall test of skill.  

 

Red Course is shorter and fairways are easy to hit. There is a lot of water in play though and two of the par 3s are long, so maybe it is more demanding off the tee?  I don't remember this course too well unfortunately.   

 

Blue Course is what we played most recently.  Easy off the tee, you can cut a lot of corners too to make some shorter approaches.  However, approaches have to be precise.  Lots of small and elevated greens (Trent Jones) and lots of movement on the greens, so you'll have to be precise with those.  Otherwise you'll be stuck with some tricky lies for chip shots with lots of uphill shots and navigating some sloped greens.  You should definitely have some reachable par 5s and maybe even some of the par 4, although not sure where they'll put your tees and if the risk is worth it.  

Edited November 22, 2023 by ASak10

[ASak10]

Actually yeah just looked at the Red Course scorecard, while it's shorter overall the last 3 holes are no joke: 454 par 4, 254 par 3, and 591 par 5 to close.   

[bobbyclampett!!]

Got nine in yesterday at Highland Meadows. As stated, it was in great shapes, greens still rolling good. It's fun playing there after playing Collindale all season. Most of the fairways seem 60 yards wide, if some aren't 80-100 yards wide. Big greens. There are some cool holes out there. Six is really good.

 

Happy Thanksgiving, CO golfers!

[ASak10]

I got out to CommonGround today. What a perfect day! CG is in great shape too. Was so fun. I went -1 on the back…birdies on 10 and 12, bogey on 15, pars on the rest. This is why we can’t post scores now, it’s too easy 😊 

 

I will say the 10.5 degree driver change continues to be a big success. Will be keeping that setup in the bag for a while I think. 

[Dancin]

The Ridge at Castle Pines is selling 5 play passes for $89 a round today, good anytime and transferable when pass holder is present. With all the other courses raising rates that isn't a bad deal at all for weekend morning times. https://www.playtheridge.com/product/2024-cyber-monday/

[ASak10]

33 minutes ago, Dancin said:

The Ridge at Castle Pines is selling 5 play passes for $89 a round today, good anytime and transferable when pass holder is present. With all the other courses raising rates that isn't a bad deal at all for weekend morning times. https://www.playtheridge.com/product/2024-cyber-monday/

 

Who all is raising rates?  

[Dancin]

Walnut Creek and Legacy Ridge appear to be raising their highest walking/riding rates to $63/$83 (+$4) since they are advertising their $60 stocking stuffer passes as an $83 value (unless they are raising the $20 cart fee)

[Joelness]

How much snow ended up in the city and south? We ended up with around 7" at my house. It isn't likely to melt off until this weekend. 

 

The good news is the extended forecast looks AWESOME! I'm booking times for next Tue, Wed, and Thurs as soon as they are available. More potential snow just showed up on weather underground next Thursday night though.

[ASak10]

Not much here in the city.  Outside of really shady areas, snow is all gone.  Not sure if courses opened today but looks like tomorrow you can book times and play.  

[pseudoswede]

On the south side, we would get an inch or two every night. Any sun-exposed street was clear very quickly. Otherwise, it's cold enough to stick around in the grassy and shady areas. My east-facing patio is an ice rink at the moment.

 

Steamboat two weekends ago was fabulous as always. Haymaker looked very playable, but given the parking lot was empty, it looked like it wasn't open for play. Heading to Gunnison this weekend.

Edited November 28, 2023 by pseudoswede

[jda]

Anybody been to Murphy Creek, Buffalo or the like lately?  Might try out that way in a day or two and see if they are all melted.  If they just aren't trashed or neglected this year, I can just handle a good walk.  Friday times up.

[Dancin]

Murphy Creek shuts down for winter. They cover all their greens and don't reopen till the spring. Buffalo Run fairways are probably pretty beat up. In addition to their ongoing salt issues they were redoing the irrigation system into October and I doubt it grew in all the way before the first freeze in November

[deadsolid...shank]

We’re about the same as Joel up in Greeley. 6ish inches. But it’s still so cold at night we’re not getting much melting. At 5:00 this morning it was 33* at DIA and 5* here in Greeley. I don’t think there’s any chance of us being clear by the weekend. 

[007iron]

Looking for beginner/new golfer instructor suggestions in North Denver for my girlfriends brother. He's been to top golf and the driving range a few times but has no fundamentals, etc.

 

The closest course to his house is Thorncreek which seems to have a few instructors on their website, but if anyone has a person they think would be great with a beginner up north I'd apreciate ideas!