The Centennial State of Colorado is the highest state and has more mountains reaching 14,000 feet than any other state. "Grand Mesa", the world's largest flat-top plateau is also found in Colorado.
The mountain scenery is some of the most beautiful and dramatic in the United States and Colorado is a center for outdoor activity lovers taking advantage of the pleasant summer climate and the ample supplies of powdered snow in the winter.
Amateur Golf has been administered in the state since 1915 when the Colorado Golf Association was established. Ever since, Colorado has become a golfing mecca for those seeking both dramatic backdrops and competitive rounds of golf.
Here are our top picks for golf courses in Colorado!
Read Next: Best Golf Courses in the USA. Also check out our picks for Arizona.
Please note: The list of courses in this article are based on 3rd party rankings from sites like Golf Digest, Top 100 Golf Courses, Planet Golf and Golf Advisor; as well as from consumer reviews from platforms like Google and Trip Advisor.
Best Golf Courses in Colorado
1. Ballyneal Golf Club
Image credit: Ballyneal.com
- Location: Ballyneal Lane, Holyoke
- Date Established: 2005
- Course Architect: Tom Doak
- Highlight / Interesting Fact: Ranked 1st in Colorado on Golf Course Gurus' Best in State list.
Located in the northeastern corner of Colorado, this sand dune infused course defines golfers ground game with hard and fast conditions. It is simply man versus the elements on this remote golf course with natural looking bunkers, sand dunes and green contours along with unobstructed winds to battle through from the 1st tee to the 18th green.
Ballyneal provides golfers with a links course feel, demanding golfers to play the ball low and accurate while navigating their way around the massive fescue greens. The variety of holes and alternative ways of playing each hole is tremendous, giving golfers a unique mix of imagination and consistency. A truly fun challenge for golfers of all levels. This is a place to play matches, play games, play alternate shots, and play emergency loops while the Colorado sunsets. If its fun you’re after, Ballyneal most certainly delivers.
2. Colorado Golf Club
Image credit: Colorado.com
- Location: Preservation Trail, Parker
- Date Established: 2007
- Course Architect: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw
- Highlight / Interesting Fact: Set in more than 1,700 acres of a former Horse Ranch.
This is a special place for golf, combining beautiful aesthetics and the ambience of the property with the routing and hole variety at Colorado Golf Club. The course underwent minimal dirt removal, giving a natural minimalist feel with a traditional layout that takes advantage of the prevailing winds and elevation changes.
The natural terrain creates blind shots on both drives and approaches to the greens on most of the straight holes along with an excellent variety of hole designs with multiple options around the greens too. Colorado Golf Course is considered a test for low handicappers in terms of shot selection while still allowing the average player a fair shot at getting a good score without heavily penalizing them for mistakes. There are so many options and strategies on this golf course- its truly up to the golfer’s imagination on how to manage it.
3. Cherry Hills Country Club
Image credit: Cherry Hills Country Club.com
- Location: Cherry Hills Village
- Date Established: 1922
- Course Architect: William Flynn
- Highlight / Interesting Fact: Arnold Parmer drove the 355 yard Par 4 1st on his way to victory in the 1960 US Open at Cherry Hills
Cherry Hills is located close to the ‘Mile High’ city of Denver and presents a sense of rich history and aura that is unmatched. Its one of the most special places in golf. The Giant mural of Arnold Palmer’s famous hat flip after winning the 1960 US Open introduces the club spectacularly.
Majority of the course is flat; however, golfers will have to navigate through some hills with rises and falls. The breathtaking views of The Rocky Mountains add some spice to the dynamic of the course and can be seen with great admiration on the tenth tee box. The magnificent backdrop creates a strong sense of nature and how golf integrates itself smoothly into the elements. This course is extremely fair to your typical average golfer and birdie opportunities are there to be taken. A playable course with variety and precision.
4. Castle Pines Golf Club
Image credit: Castlepines.com
- Location: Castle Rock
- Date Established: 1981
- Course Architect: Jack Nicklaus
- Highlight / Interesting Fact:The Great Jack Nicklaus carved this course out of a scrub oak and pine forest in the heart of Colorado.
Castle Pines is set some 6,500 feet above sea level so golfers can expect some incredible distances. Due to the high altitudes, golfers are provided with gorgeous views on many of the holes where Jack Nicklaus routed this course brilliantly, maneuvering through trees and valleys.
The views and meticulous landscaping make for a fun round of golf. The scenery is undeniably beautiful and provides a wonderful mix of slopes and tall trees. Those with a great short game can boost their confidence on this course while still having to keep their wits about them. An undoubtedly stunning golf experience where those looking for fun as well as a challenge will find themselves in golf heaven.
5. Denver Country Club
Image credit: Denverpost.com
- Location: Denver
- Date Established: 1887
- Course Architect: James Foulis
- Highlight / Interesting Fact: Oldest Country Club west of the Mississippi River
The Denver Country Club possesses the oldest golf course in Colorado. Although this course features relatively flat fairways lined by trees, it also adopts a hilly landscape that causes tricky, uneven lies. The par-3, 12th hole is the signature hole of the course. There are also five sets of tee boxes for every level golfer to work on their respective handicaps.
An engaging golf course, bringing to life a body of water and delightful bunkers on the front side and large hill bunker frames on the back side. A great risk-reward strategy for those looking to improve certain dynamics of their game. All in all, an unforgettable experience for golfers of all abilities.
6. Sanctuary
Image Credit: Golfadvisor.com
- Location: Sedalia
- Date Established: 1996
- Course Architect: Jim Engh
- Highlight / Interesting Fact: Set amidst 12,500 acres of stunning open landscape
Sanctuary glamourizes your imagination with a beautiful ecosystem hugging shoulders with a luscious 18-hole private golf course. A peaceful golf course made for golfers who thrive in native wildlife conditions. Nestled in the hills of the Rocky Mountains, Sanctuary allows golfers the chance to catch Bears and Deers in the act.
The Golf course features several elevated tee boxes that play down to tree lined fairways and large undulated greens. The extreme terrain features dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views. The first hole sets the mood for the rest of the round as you drive through a tunnel cave before embarking on the opening tee that features a mere 250-foot drop to the narrow fairway below.
The course also features three waterfalls on the 9th, 14th and 18th greens respectively. The exclusivity of the course not only offers stunning views but a challenging and fun game of golf.
7. Broadmoor (East)
Image Credit: Golfadvisor.com
- Location: Colorado Springs
- Date Established: 1918
- Course Architect: Donald Ross
- Highlight / Interesting Fact: Host to the US Amateur (1959 & 1964) and the US Women’s Open (1995 & 2011)
Broadmoor is one of Colorado golf’s most coveted crown jewels. The championship course is no stranger to the highest levels of the game, hosting 6 USGA Championships in its history (a total of 8 championships have been played on Broadmoor courses), and a number of NCAA Championships — and one now-famous black bear.
The ample number of tall trees, amazing views and contours of the terrain influence the special character of this course. The gorgeous country club setting disguises the challenges of this track very well, making it an excellent choice to host the highest levels of the game. And after enjoying a century of iconic status, the East Course is moving into the mainstream limelight once again to showcase elite Colorado golf. A fun but challenging Golf Course for golfers of all dynamics with lovely views and top-notch facilities. A must for those cruising through the area.
8. Ravenna
Image credit: Golfcoursegurus.com
- Location: Littleton
- Date Established: 2007
- Course Architect: Jay Morrish
- Highlight / Interesting Fact: Award winning Golf Course despite having the second highest slope rating in Colorado
Set between Waterton Canyon and Pike National Forest, Ravenna is an award winner which is tailored to suit golfers of all levels. Holding one of the highest slope ratings in in Colorado, it is one of the most fantastic and challenging tests for golfers while allowing for all kinds of imagination on the course.
The course is well conditioned throughout with lush greens and tee boxes complementing the emerald fairways. The slopes of the greens and drastic elevation changes will test your green reading skills and if your drive direction off the box is not controlled, it’s a good idea to bring extra balls. With a multiple variety of tees, this course will certainly test your capabilities in finding fairways and make for a tricky approach shot to the undulating greens. A magnificent golf course with incredible views and opportunities to make a good score if shot precision is the name of your game.
9. Maroon Creek
Image credit: Golfadvisor.com
- Location: Aspen
- Date Established: 1996
- Course Architect: Tom Fazio
- Highlight / Interesting Fact: Surrounded by the beautiful Aspen Mountain tops.
Located in the paradise known as Aspen, the Maroon Creek Club offers golfers an extraordinary experience on each and every visit. An ever changing landscape immersed in the unsurpassed beauty of the neighboring mountain tops of Aspen. At the forefront, the spectacular Tom Fazio designed golf course offers players a unique and challenging experience that makes this course truly one of a kind.
Measuring more than 7,100 yards, the par 71 course is an incredibly scenic layout that feature a set of amazing par threes. The Bunkers have been remodeled and the sand traps re-shaped with new fully installed drainage systems. Whether it’s golf, tennis, swimming, fitness or dining, the Maroon Creek Club offers an atmosphere that spells the best of everything. This course offers an unrivalled layout and as momentum picks up, your approach to the game of golf may change forever. A true paradise nestled in the mountains of Aspen.
10. Red Sky Ranch (Norman)
Image credit: Golfcoursegurus.com
- Location: Wolcott
- Date Established: 2003
- Course Architect: Greg Norman
- Highlight / Interesting Fact: Course elevation of 7,500 Feet
The Norman Course at Red Sky Ranch features rugged high desert foliage, rock outcroppings, and steeper elevation changes – and the views are even more spectacular. Norman employs some big, bold, impressive bunkering to establish the look and challenge. The putting surfaces are sizeable with lots of movement.
The turf conditioning is if top quality where fairways are trimmed short for extra run off the fast playing surface. The natural terrain provides true variation for golfers where shot distortion is kept at a minimum. The course is challenging and brings to life a real Norman type feel to the round. A wondering eye for natural beauty is easy to come by and this course is not to be missed if you find yourself in the Wolcott area.
11. Redlands Mesa Golf Club
Image credit: Redlandsmesa.com
- Location: Grand Junction
- Date Established: 2001
- Course Architect: Jim Engh
- Highlight / Interesting Fact: Positioned beneath the slopes of jagged buttes south of Grand Junction
Redlands Mesa is a spectacular course that occasionally overwhelms the senses in its grandeur. The unique hole shaping presents golfers of all skill levels a challenge on this championship-grade course. This course is known for its dramatic vistas, 11 elevated tees, 41 bunkers, unique hole shaping and true championship layout.
Nestled between towering rock formations and beautiful, lush mountain ranges, Grand Junction truly is an oasis in the desert showcasing a one of a kind Golf course. The incredible landscape and pleasurable four seasons climate typify scenic views and solitude throughout this challenging course. The attractive layout will test golfers short game and driving accuracy on majority of the holes where precision and imagination combine to form a fun filled round of golf.
12. CommonGround Golf Course
Image credit: Golfadvisor.com
- Location: Aurora
- Date Established: 1972
- Course Architect: Tom Doak
- Highlight / Interesting Fact: Mainly designed for children to learn the game of Golf.
This Tom Doak designed golf course delivers an outstanding experience to all levels of golfers. CommonGround Golf Course has been designed to maximize the enjoyment of the game for everyone. While located in the heart of the city, the urban sprawl surrounding the course is unnoticeable, and the breathtaking views of the majestic front range of Colorado are a site to behold.
With a commitment to tradition and excellence, a masterpiece has been created for the ages that is easy to walk, worthy of the highest level of competition, and most importantly fun to play. On a clear day you can see Mt. Evans, Long's Peak and the Denver skyline in the distance. The course is fairly open and allows for some breathtaking landscapes and interesting approach shots. A must see golf course in the eyes of an avid golfer.
13. Red Sky Ranch (Fazio)
Image Credit: Twoguyswhogolf.com
- Location: Wolcott
- Date Established: 2002
- Course Architect: Tom Fazio
- Highlight / Interesting Fact: The fairways weave across a mountainous landscape
Fazio’s deftly holes climb the terrain without the golfer realizing it. All the uphill holes are shorter, so they don't feel overly steep for the typical golfer. And none of these holes feature awkward fairway slants and bad lies that so many other mountain courses offer.
The scenery is quite spectacular with steep hillside cliffs surrounding the lush green fairways of the course. The course is testament to a fun but tricky round where golfers will have to think twice before hitting driver off the tee. The layout is far from dull and makes way for strategic calculations and nifty craftmanship around the course. All the clubs will be tested on this course as a mixture of long and shirt holes prevail.
14. Pradera
Image credit: praderacolorado.com
- Location: Parker
- Date Established: 2004
- Course Architect: Jim Engh
- Highlight / Interesting Fact: There are seven tee positions on each and every hole
Pradera's exquisite Jim Engh-designed Irish links-style golf course along with luxurious amenities and superlative guest service have earned it acclaim as one of the finest private golf clubs in Colorado. Nestled in the untapped foothills of Parker, Colorado- Pradera offers an unrivalled setting where a meticulous variety of design was clearly the goal.
This course features an equal balance between a raised plateau and ground level greens. There are virtually no level holes with most of them travelling uphill and downhill. Engh's infamous 'muscle' bunkers are found in several locations on the course as do his Irish pot bunkers which make way for tricky sand shots. The course bounces back and forth between old school design and modern flare which creates an undeniably unique dynamic to the round. Pradera has universal appeal due to the variation in holes and its up to the golfer as to how they manage the course.
15. Lakota Canyon
Image credit: golfadvisor.com
- Location: New Castle
- Date Established: 2004
- Course Architect: Jim Engh
- Highlight / Interesting Fact: Sits at an altitude of over 5,000 feet above sea level
The terrain offers stunning elevation changes that gives you the opportunity to hit towering tee shots from high tee boxes as well as delivering the challenge of ever ascending canyons. Lakota Canyon has a fantastic setting and is Colorado golfers' favorite public access course in the state.
The mountain backdrop integrates itself smoothly around the course and provides golfers with not only spectacular views but a deceptively difficult round of golf. Golfers need to keep the ball straight and long as the narrow fairways allow for little mistake. Undoubtedly brilliant in its own unique way, Lakota canyon brings golfers a renewed sense of natural beauty and unwavering strong mindset towards the greatest game ever played.
