Top Colorado Public Golf Courses

🏌️‍♂️ Top Colorado Public Golf Courses (Based on Wikipedia, Course Profiles & Golf Rankings)

Colorado’s natural elevation and mountainous terrain offer some of the most scenic and dramatic golf in the United States. With courses carved into mountain valleys, set along alpine lakes, or surrounded by red rock canyons, the Centennial State is a paradise for golfers who want both challenge and beauty. Here’s a roundup of the top public-access courses in Colorado.

1. Redlands Mesa – Jim Engh
   📍 Grand Junction
   ⛰️ Carved into rocky mesas with panoramic views
   🎯 Ranked the #1 public course in Colorado by Golf Digest
   🏌️‍♂️ Dramatic elevation changes, desert flair, and sculpted fairways
   🗒️ Wikipedia | Course site

2. The Broadmoor – East Course – Donald Ross/Robert Trent Jones Sr.
   📍 Colorado Springs
   🌲 Historic and luxurious layout set against Cheyenne Mountain
   🏆 Hosted multiple U.S. Senior Opens and national championships
   🏌️‍♂️ Walkable with classic architecture and challenging greens
   🗒️ Wikipedia | Course site

3. CommonGround Golf Course – Tom Doak
   📍 Aurora (Denver area)
   📚 Home of the Colorado Golf Association
   ⛳ Accessible and well-maintained with minimalist design
   🌿 Great for players of all levels, with affordable rates
   🗒️ Course site

4. Pole Creek Golf Club – Denis Griffiths
   📍 Tabernash (near Winter Park)
   🌄 27-hole mountain course with alpine views and wildlife
   🌲 Cool summer temperatures and varied terrain
   ⛳ Meadow, Ranch, and Ridge nines offer distinct challenges
   🗒️ Course site

5. Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks – Tom Lehman/Hurdzan-Fry
   📍 Silverthorne
   🏔️ Lush fairways and bunkers set in the Rockies
   🌿 Forest-lined layout with rushing creeks and snowcapped peaks
   🏌️‍♂️ High-altitude ball flight makes for fun drives
   🗒️ Course site

6. Lakota Links – James Engh
   📍 New Castle (near Glenwood Springs)
   🌵 High desert layout with mountain views
   ⛳ Engh’s signature bold shaping and creative bunkering
   🌬️ Wind and elevation changes create unique challenges
   🗒️ Course site

7. Keystone Ranch – Robert Trent Jones Jr.
   📍 Keystone
   🏞️ Classic mountain course through pine forests and open meadows
   🔥 Signature holes with elevation drops and water carries
   🏌️‍♂️ Great mix of tight shots and open drives
   🗒️ Course site

8. Haymaker Golf Course – Keith Foster
   📍 Steamboat Springs
   ⛳ Links-style layout in the Yampa Valley
   🐎 Rolling fairways with wildlife and rustic feel
   🌄 Surrounded by mountains but very walkable
   🗒️ Course site

9. Eagle Ranch Golf Club – Arnold Palmer
   📍 Eagle (near Vail)
   🏌️‍♂️ Mountain links layout with elevation and wetlands
   🎯 Scenic and fair for all skill levels
   🌿 Affordable public course with Palmer pedigree
   🗒️ Course site

10. River Valley Ranch Golf Club – Jay Morrish
    📍 Carbondale
    ⛰️ Located in the Crystal River Valley with Mt. Sopris views
    🌬️ Variety of holes, from tree-lined to wide-open valley shots
    ⛳ Challenging but fun, especially with mountain backdrops
    🗒️ Course site

⛳ Why Golf in Colorado?

• 🏔️ High-altitude golf: balls fly farther, views stretch forever

• 🌄 Diverse settings: from desert mesas to alpine valleys

• 🌤️ Cool summers and dry air ideal for outdoor play

• 🛫 Great golf trip destination with Denver and resort towns as hubs