Going on a Golf Trip in 3 weeks to Denver, CO

Barto78 · June 3, 2013

with 15 other guys. We are going to play:

The Pradera CC (Friend who is lives in Colorado's club) (Playing 27 Holes)

Castle Pines (Playing 36 holes)

Bear Dance (Playing 36 holes)

My main concern is i've never played mountain golf before and these courses are going to be unfamiliar to me. I generally hit my PW about 135, so i have no clue how far my drives, 3 woods, etc are going to travel in the thinner air. When i play golf now, i use my Leupold yardage finder, but i'm thinking it may be more beneficial to borrow a buddies sky caddy, so i know exactly how far i have to bunkers, hazards, etc. It seems like that would be easier than having to constantly shoot distances to trees, end of fairways, hazards and would speed up play.

Thoughts?

Also, any thoughts on the 3 courses we are going to be playing? Are they in good shape?

MileHighClub · June 3, 2013

The Denver courses are in great shape this year due to a very wet winter. Played a tournament at the Ridge at CP two weeks ago and the greens were amazing. I would add 10% coming from LA. 150 yard club will now travel 165, 200 yard club will travel 220. Have fun.

Jamboy72 · June 3, 2013

8-10 percent carry is a good starting point. Enjoy it !! Courses are in wonderful shape!

Barto78 · June 4, 2013

Thanks guys for the input. Great to hear the courses should all be in great shape. I just hope the weather cooperates while we are there.

MileHighClub · June 5, 2013

[quote name='Barto78' timestamp='1370351449' post='7166412']
Thanks guys for the input. Great to hear the courses should all be in great shape. I just hope the weather cooperates while we are there.
[/quote]

Mornings and early to mid afternoons are usually fine. Late afternoon sometimes brings scattered showers, but they don't usually last long. Chances are you will enjoy nice weather. Let us know how it goes.

M910 · June 5, 2013

I'm not so sure about the 8-10% thing. I no long hitter but here in Mass I hit my 6i just about 165yds. There in Denver I hit my 6i about 190yds I even got to push it up to 200 yds. It wasn't unusually warm those days, about 80ish degrees. Enjoy the distance but please take my advice and hydrate!

Barto78 · June 6, 2013

[quote name='M910' timestamp='1370490790' post='7179444']
I'm not so sure about the 8-10% thing. I no long hitter but here in Mass I hit my 6i just about 165yds. There in Denver I hit my 6i about 190yds I even got to push it up to 200 yds. It wasn't unusually warm those days, about 80ish degrees. Enjoy the distance but please take my advice and hydrate!
[/quote]

I'm 35 and will be the youngest guy on the trip. Most of the guys are aged 45-60, so we are not playing the tips on any of the courses, which is fine by me. The one thing i am concerned about is we also aren't playing the next set of tees, we are playing 2 up. The courses range from 6600-6800 yards long, but the slopes are all over 130+.

I don't mind hitting driver wedge a lot, but i've already mapped out the courses and it looks like i'll be hitting a lot of 3 woods.

M910 · June 6, 2013

Hit the range once or twice...you'll adjust the distance easily and I'm sure you'll have plenty of chances to bring out the driver for show. Enjoy it though, golf out makes you feel like you're on steroids.

I buddy was a bit upset when he came to New England and was hitting them MUCH shorter. LOL

MileHighClub · June 6, 2013

[quote name='Barto78' timestamp='1370531965' post='7181692']
[quote name='M910' timestamp='1370490790' post='7179444']
I'm not so sure about the 8-10% thing. I no long hitter but here in Mass I hit my 6i just about 165yds. There in Denver I hit my 6i about 190yds I even got to push it up to 200 yds. It wasn't unusually warm those days, about 80ish degrees. Enjoy the distance but please take my advice and hydrate!
[/quote]

I'm 35 and will be the youngest guy on the trip. Most of the guys are aged 45-60, so we are not playing the tips on any of the courses, which is fine by me. The one thing i am concerned about is we also aren't playing the next set of tees, we are playing 2 up. The courses range from 6600-6800 yards long, but the slopes are all over 130+.

I don't mind hitting driver wedge a lot, but i've already mapped out the courses and it looks like i'll be hitting a lot of 3 woods.
[/quote]

You will have quite a few holes to hit driver on at The Ridge at Castle Pines (favor the left side on #10 or will
ikely find yourself OB). Bear Dance will probably require a few more FW woods off the tee due to a bit tighter fairways and doglegs. I have not played Pradera as it is a private club and I don't know any members. I want to warn you right now that the greens at The Ridge are very fast. They roll true but are sooooo quick. You are playing three great courses. Have fun.