Colorado Golf Club

[vpd]

I recently joined the Colorado Golf Club located in Parker. I have been associated with high end private golf courses for the past 30 years and can say hands down that this is one of the best clubs I have encountered. The golf course has a tremendous layout designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. It is in immaculate condition and can be played by very low handicappers as well as mid to high(10-25) handicap golfers. The facilities are all first class and the quality of service is second to none. The 2013 Solheim Cup will be held at Colorado Golf Club. In 2010, the Senior PGA Championship won by Tom Lehman was held here as well. Overall it is arguably the best private club in the state of Colorado. I know that Castle Pines and Cherry Hills are highly regarded but Colorado Golf Club is right there with them in terms of overall golfing experience.

[MileHighClub]

Lucky b@st@rd. Hear nothing but great things about it. It looked great on TV during the Senior PGA (except for the wind that week!). Enjoy.

[station2station]

I play there from time to time. Great track.

[vpd]

Golf Magazine's 2013 rankings of the best residential golf courses in the U.S. just came out. Colorado Golf Club ranked sixth on the list of 100. That is an incredible accomplishment when you see some of the high quality prestigious courses on the list. Colorado Golf Club is one of the very best membership opportunities in terms of quality and value available anywhere.

[mlesser]

Good to hear that the club is making a comeback after all the trouble that it went through over the last few years. It is a great course as I got to play it one time in a tournament, but was a best ball so really have got to really play it if you know what I mean. However, I have to tell you how disappointed I was in the treatment I got when I reached out to get membership information as I asked if there was any type of Junior membership, etc for someone that is in his 30’s and the person straight laughed at me and said that if I am asking this question then this isn’t the club for me, which I took issue too. Well, even though I don’t belong to a club at this time, it is something that isn’t by choice as I could afford it but really there is no desire when I could just purchase an annual pass from the Ridge and be just fine. As well, I live in Castle Pines Village and get to play the country club and golf club (not as much) with my neighbors. Honestly, that type of behavior is why it had some of the issues it had.

[station2station]

[quote name='vpd' timestamp='1351958320' post='5886357']
Golf Magazine's 2013 rankings of the best residential golf courses in the U.S. just came out. Colorado Golf Club ranked sixth on the list of 100.
[/quote]

That's a stretch. It's a enjoyable track but it's not all that. I wouldn't put it in the top 50. It's a bit "holier than though" with the "no phone" rule as well as "No Hats" and "required caddies". I think the powers that be went out and looked at Augusta's rules to get ideas.

And I'm unsure what they mean about "residential" because there aren't many houses out there until you get off the property. A couple on the entrance drive but you cannot see many homes from the golf course.

[vpd]

[quote name='mlesser' timestamp='1355771598' post='6081627']
Good to hear that the club is making a comeback after all the trouble that it went through over the last few years. It is a great course as I got to play it one time in a tournament, but was a best ball so really have got to really play it if you know what I mean. However, I have to tell you how disappointed I was in the treatment I got when I reached out to get membership information as I asked if there was any type of Junior membership, etc for someone that is in his 30’s and the person straight laughed at me and said that if I am asking this question then this isn’t the club for me, which I took issue too. Well, even though I don’t belong to a club at this time, it is something that isn’t by choice as I could afford it but really there is no desire when I could just purchase an annual pass from the Ridge and be just fine. As well, I live in Castle Pines Village and get to play the country club and golf club (not as much) with my neighbors. Honestly, that type of behavior is why it had some of the issues it had.
[/quote] I am sorry to hear that you were treated that rudely. That should never happen! I can attest to the fact that since I have been a member I have not encountered any rudeness or arrogance on the part of the members or staff that I have come into contact with. That being said, every club has a few arrogant asses who carry a very high opinion of themselves. The Ridge is a great course--I have played it many times. Troon does a good job of managing the club.

[vpd]

[quote name='station2station' timestamp='1355775174' post='6081925']
[quote name='vpd' timestamp='1351958320' post='5886357']
Golf Magazine's 2013 rankings of the best residential golf courses in the U.S. just came out. Colorado Golf Club ranked sixth on the list of 100.
[/quote]

That's a stretch. It's a enjoyable track but it's not all that. I wouldn't put it in the top 50. It's a bit "holier than though" with the "no phone" rule as well as "No Hats" and "required caddies". I think the powers that be went out and looked at Augusta's rules to get ideas.

And I'm unsure what they mean about "residential" because there aren't many houses out there until you get off the property. A couple on the entrance drive but you cannot see many homes from the golf course.
[/quote] Technically it cannot be categorized as a non-residential club because it does have several home in the vicinity and is part of a master plan that incorporates residential development. In today's world, I fully support the no phone rule as do many exclusive clubs(i.e. Cherry Hills, The Estancia Club in Scottsdale etc.) Personally it drives me crazy to be in a clubhouse or on the course with people who cannot stay disconnected for a few hours unless of course it is a doctor who is on call.

[vpd]

[quote name='vpd' timestamp='1355783653' post='6082553']
[quote name='station2station' timestamp='1355775174' post='6081925']
[quote name='vpd' timestamp='1351958320' post='5886357']
Golf Magazine's 2013 rankings of the best residential golf courses in the U.S. just came out. Colorado Golf Club ranked sixth on the list of 100.
[/quote]

That's a stretch. It's a enjoyable track but it's not all that. I wouldn't put it in the top 50. It's a bit "holier than though" with the "no phone" rule as well as "No Hats" and "required caddies". I think the powers that be went out and looked at Augusta's rules to get ideas.

And I'm unsure what they mean about "residential" because there aren't many houses out there until you get off the property. A couple on the entrance drive but you cannot see many homes from the golf course.
[/quote] Technically it cannot be categorized as a non-residential club because it does have several home in the vicinity and is part of a master plan that incorporates residential development. In today's world, I fully support the no phone rule as do many exclusive clubs(i.e. Cherry Hills, The Estancia Club in Scottsdale etc.) Personally it drives me crazy to be in a clubhouse or on the course with people who cannot stay disconnected for a few hours unless of course it is a doctor who is on call.
[/quote] Caddies are not mandatory at CGC. Members are encouraged to take a caddy if they have 2 or more guests--that's to help speed of play. CGC is not an easy course particularly for guests who have never played it before.

[station2station]

[quote name='vpd' timestamp='1355784122' post='6082591']
[quote name='vpd' timestamp='1355783653' post='6082553']
[quote name='station2station' timestamp='1355775174' post='6081925']
[quote name='vpd' timestamp='1351958320' post='5886357']
Golf Magazine's 2013 rankings of the best residential golf courses in the U.S. just came out. Colorado Golf Club ranked sixth on the list of 100.
[/quote]

That's a stretch. It's a enjoyable track but it's not all that. I wouldn't put it in the top 50. It's a bit "holier than though" with the "no phone" rule as well as "No Hats" and "required caddies". I think the powers that be went out and looked at Augusta's rules to get ideas.

And I'm unsure what they mean about "residential" because there aren't many houses out there until you get off the property. A couple on the entrance drive but you cannot see many homes from the golf course.
[/quote] Technically it cannot be categorized as a non-residential club because it does have several home in the vicinity and is part of a master plan that incorporates residential development. In today's world, I fully support the no phone rule as do many exclusive clubs(i.e. Cherry Hills, The Estancia Club in Scottsdale etc.) Personally it drives me crazy to be in a clubhouse or on the course with people who cannot stay disconnected for a few hours unless of course it is a doctor who is on call.
[/quote] Caddies are not mandatory at CGC. Members are encouraged to take a caddy if they have 2 or more guests--that's to help speed of play. CGC is not an easy course particularly for guests who have never played it before.
[/quote]

It has the same caddie policy as CHCC as I understand. 2 guests = mandatory. The guy who hosts us as guests all the time (my buddy) says he dislikes the rule...

As far as the phone issue - I don't find it a problematic issue at my club - which doesn't have a policy.

[deadsolid...shank]

What exactly is the phone policy, are they not allowed on the grounds at all?

[station2station]

Good question - I only know for sure no phones in the clubhouse including locker rooms. Unsure about course. Might be hard to enforce.

[vpd]

[quote name='station2station' timestamp='1355801861' post='6083977']
Good question - I only know for sure no phones in the clubhouse including locker rooms. Unsure about course. Might be hard to enforce.
[/quote] Phones are not allowed on the golf course. Members enforce it themselves--therefore it depends upon the members you play with in terms of enforcement. Most don't want phones beeping and players talking on phones while they are playing and, I don't blame them one bit. it's discourteous.

[Jamboy72]

I've been by the course a couple times and watched some of the Senior PGA there...would love to give that track a go! Looks amazing!! Best course in my area (Fort Collins, CO) is probably Ptarmigan or FC Country Club....

[mlesser]

[quote name='vpd' timestamp='1355783247' post='6082525']
[quote name='mlesser' timestamp='1355771598' post='6081627']
Good to hear that the club is making a comeback after all the trouble that it went through over the last few years. It is a great course as I got to play it one time in a tournament, but was a best ball so really have got to really play it if you know what I mean. However, I have to tell you how disappointed I was in the treatment I got when I reached out to get membership information as I asked if there was any type of Junior membership, etc for someone that is in his 30’s and the person straight laughed at me and said that if I am asking this question then this isn’t the club for me, which I took issue too. Well, even though I don’t belong to a club at this time, it is something that isn’t by choice as I could afford it but really there is no desire when I could just purchase an annual pass from the Ridge and be just fine. As well, I live in Castle Pines Village and get to play the country club and golf club (not as much) with my neighbors. Honestly, that type of behavior is why it had some of the issues it had.
[/quote] I am sorry to hear that you were treated that rudely. That should never happen! I can attest to the fact that since I have been a member I have not encountered any rudeness or arrogance on the part of the members or staff that I have come into contact with. That being said, every club has a few arrogant asses who carry a very high opinion of themselves. The Ridge is a great course--I have played it many times. Troon does a good job of managing the club.
[/quote]

Its all good, it happens. If you ever need a guest you let me know. The Ridge is not a bad course at all, at times the leadership now that they have running the place is below average at best. The cart path rules there are a bit out of control, and honestly the superintendent really runs the place.

[mlesser]

[quote name='topekareal' timestamp='1355862657' post='6087267']
I've been by the course a couple times and watched some of the Senior PGA there...would love to give that track a go! Looks amazing!! Best course in my area (Fort Collins, CO) is probably Ptarmigan or FC Country Club....
[/quote]

Have you played the harmony club? I hear that is pretty nice.

[MileHighClub]

[quote name='mlesser' timestamp='1356373935' post='6112263']
[quote name='vpd' timestamp='1355783247' post='6082525']
[quote name='mlesser' timestamp='1355771598' post='6081627']
Good to hear that the club is making a comeback after all the trouble that it went through over the last few years. It is a great course as I got to play it one time in a tournament, but was a best ball so really have got to really play it if you know what I mean. However, I have to tell you how disappointed I was in the treatment I got when I reached out to get membership information as I asked if there was any type of Junior membership, etc for someone that is in his 30’s and the person straight laughed at me and said that if I am asking this question then this isn’t the club for me, which I took issue too. Well, even though I don’t belong to a club at this time, it is something that isn’t by choice as I could afford it but really there is no desire when I could just purchase an annual pass from the Ridge and be just fine. As well, I live in Castle Pines Village and get to play the country club and golf club (not as much) with my neighbors. Honestly, that type of behavior is why it had some of the issues it had.
[/quote] I am sorry to hear that you were treated that rudely. That should never happen! I can attest to the fact that since I have been a member I have not encountered any rudeness or arrogance on the part of the members or staff that I have come into contact with. That being said, every club has a few arrogant asses who carry a very high opinion of themselves. The Ridge is a great course--I have played it many times. Troon does a good job of managing the club.
[/quote]

Its all good, it happens. If you ever need a guest you let me know. The Ridge is not a bad course at all, at times the leadership now that they have running the place is below average at best. The cart path rules there are a bit out of control, and honestly the superintendent really runs the place.
[/quote]

Sorry to threadjack, but I am considering purchasing a pass for the Ridge, but have had people tell me that they are closed for tournament play on most summer weekends. I would hate to spend $4000 and not be able to play. Do you know anything about that?

[Jamboy72]

[quote name='mlesser' timestamp='1356373988' post='6112269']
[quote name='topekareal' timestamp='1355862657' post='6087267']
I've been by the course a couple times and watched some of the Senior PGA there...would love to give that track a go! Looks amazing!! Best course in my area (Fort Collins, CO) is probably Ptarmigan or FC Country Club....
[/quote]

Have you played the harmony club? I hear that is pretty nice.
[/quote]

Yeah, I've actually played it quite a bit.....I know the gentleman who funded the entire project and he is a really a generous guy...he hosts one of our league matches (I'm a HS golf coach) out there and let's the coaches play for free...also played some tournaments out there...pretty fun track!

[mlesser]

[quote name='MileHighClub' timestamp='1356535429' post='6118117']
[quote name='mlesser' timestamp='1356373935' post='6112263']
[quote name='vpd' timestamp='1355783247' post='6082525']
[quote name='mlesser' timestamp='1355771598' post='6081627']
Good to hear that the club is making a comeback after all the trouble that it went through over the last few years. It is a great course as I got to play it one time in a tournament, but was a best ball so really have got to really play it if you know what I mean. However, I have to tell you how disappointed I was in the treatment I got when I reached out to get membership information as I asked if there was any type of Junior membership, etc for someone that is in his 30’s and the person straight laughed at me and said that if I am asking this question then this isn’t the club for me, which I took issue too. Well, even though I don’t belong to a club at this time, it is something that isn’t by choice as I could afford it but really there is no desire when I could just purchase an annual pass from the Ridge and be just fine. As well, I live in Castle Pines Village and get to play the country club and golf club (not as much) with my neighbors. Honestly, that type of behavior is why it had some of the issues it had.
[/quote] I am sorry to hear that you were treated that rudely. That should never happen! I can attest to the fact that since I have been a member I have not encountered any rudeness or arrogance on the part of the members or staff that I have come into contact with. That being said, every club has a few arrogant asses who carry a very high opinion of themselves. The Ridge is a great course--I have played it many times. Troon does a good job of managing the club.
[/quote]

Its all good, it happens. If you ever need a guest you let me know. The Ridge is not a bad course at all, at times the leadership now that they have running the place is below average at best. The cart path rules there are a bit out of control, and honestly the superintendent really runs the place.
[/quote]

Sorry to threadjack, but I am considering purchasing a pass for the Ridge, but have had people tell me that they are closed for tournament play on most summer weekends. I would hate to spend $4000 and not be able to play. Do you know anything about that?
[/quote]

[size="3"][color="#000000"]Whoever told you that is wrong, I can think of them having a few tournaments on the weekend last year, but they were usually in the mornings or afternoon so you could always get a tee time. Now, not to say they didn’t have them, but it is pretty rare. I can think of one day over a weekend where I couldn’t get a tee time on a Saturday and I played almost every weekend (Saturday/Sunday). Most if not all public courses are going to take tournaments on the weekend due to the premiums they can get and at the Ridge if you can get 145 dollars per pop they are going to take it, they are a for profit business. Here are the pro’s and con’s to the Ridge.[/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"]Pros –[/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"]The course is the best public golf course in the Denver Metro. I do not care what any of the ratings say, they will have the best course conditions hands down. I played Bear Dance for example a few times last year and no way is it in better shape than the Ridge. I played Riverdale Dunes once as well and in no way does that place compete with The Ridge or Bear Dance or even say Fossil Trace.[/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"]The practice area is one of the best you will find for a public course.[/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"]For the cost to play there you are going to play with people that enjoy the game and you will not find a bunch of hacks or a bunch of people that shouldn’t be there. I know that sounds bad, but for someone that works 60-70 hours during the week the last thing I want to do is not enjoy my weekend rounds with 25 handicaps trying to play the tips and have no respect for anyone other than themselves.[/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"]Finally getting new carts next year.[/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"]Cons –[/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size]
[color="#000000"][size="3"]Plan on cart path only until late May/early June and from Oct 1[/size][sup][size="2"]st[/size][/sup][size="3"] though close. That is sometimes the downfall to the course being in good shape.[/size][/color]
[size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"]Food and Beverage is a bit high compared to other Denver Metro courses.[/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"]Pass holder tournaments still need a bit of work, but last year was their first year.[/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"]You are going to have course buyouts on the week days, it happens at any public course that has tournaments. But, they have a calendar that you have access to so you can plan accordingly.[/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"]The GM sometimes is a bit shady, this is a Troon issue. The GM is horrible and could care less about pass holders and cares about tournaments, but the rest of the staff is top notch.[/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"]Pace of play in the afternoons is horrible, the key is to get off early on the weekends. You get 8 days advance booking, it is very easy to get one of the first tee times on Saturday and Sunday mornings.[/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"]One or two of the greens got hit a few years ago with winter kill, it has gotten better but one or two of the greens have a different speed then the rest, but again it has gotten better and hopefully this upcoming summer you won’t be able to tell.[/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"]Conclusion -[/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"] [/color][/size]
[size="3"][color="#000000"]It truly depends on how comfortable you are spending 4,000 on an annual pass. I would rather pay $4,000 then pay $3,000 and know for 1,000 more I could have done better. For me it is worth all the Con’s as I know that I am going to play one of the best public courses in the state every weekend and the course is going to be in great condition. I do not think there is a better deal in South Denver. [/color][/size]

[MileHighClub]

Thanks for the feedback. I have played the Ridge maybe a half dozen times and it is one of my favorite Denver courses. I am also considering Meridian and Inverness. Do you have any experience with either of them?

[mlesser]

[quote name='MileHighClub' timestamp='1356631544' post='6124301']
Thanks for the feedback. I have played the Ridge maybe a half dozen times and it is one of my favorite Denver courses. I am also considering Meridian and Inverness. Do you have any experience with either of them?
[/quote]

I cant speak for Meridan as I havent played there. But, I have played Inverness and it is nowhere the course the Ridge is and it is more pricey. As well, Inverness has probably just as many tournments as the Ridge because of the location in the DTC.

[MileHighGuye]

I would love to get on Colorado Golf Club. Anyone willing to help a lefty out?