Golf is Grand in Colorado

- Mention Colorado and several images immediately come to mind: the Rocky Mountains, John Denver strumming a guitar, and the Colorado Rockies baseball team to name a few. Though golfing isn’t readily associated with the Centennial state, there are some awesome golf courses in Colorado, and several grand tracks just outside of Denver.

‘Grand’ is an appropriate term to describe certain golf courses, especially those located in Grand County, one-and-a-half-hours drive northwest of the state capital, Denver. One of the perks of golfing at 8,000 feet above sea level is the distance you achieve on drives. Locals claim that golf balls fly 15 percent farther. One PGA golf pro shared that at higher elevations golfers do get more distance but less spin on the ball because the air is less dense. Whatever the reason, you’ll love golfing in Colorado, and especially Grand County.

You have four golfing options in Grand County; each distinctly different in its own right. All of these mountain golf courses are within 25 miles of each other, offering a variety of terrain and exciting layouts, and spectacular mountain views at every turn.

Grand Lake Golf Course sits at 8,420 feet above sea level and borders Rocky Mountain National Park. The front nine was built in 1964, with the back nine added in 1983. This 18-hole, par 72 measures 6,650 yards, and each hole offers a view of Colorado’s largest natural lake: Grand Lake. In addition to snow-capped peaks of the Continental Divide, golfers can expect regular visits from Mother Nature’s outdoor crew, including deer, elk, fox, and red-tailed hawk, etc. Many fairways are tightly lined with lodgepole pines that demand a strait, clean shot. ParView GPS systems complement the entire fleet of golf carts. Information: www.grandlakegolf.com; 970-627-8008.

Headwaters Golf Course at Grandby Ranch is nestled between the sparkling waters of the Fraser River and the picturesque Rocky Mountains. Located just 15 miles north of Winter Park, this wide open alpine meadow course is set in a secluded ranch setting with a host of natural obstacles and the ever-present Fraser River. Opened in 2001, the course is currently undergoing a major overhaul, with assistance from the Jack Nicklaus Design company. Renovations are currently focused on the front nine with construction of the back nine scheduled for 2008. In the mean time, however, this 7,200 yard, par 72 features a host of memorable challenges, including lakes, wetlands, elevated tees, and large, deep bunkers. Perched at 8,126 feet above sea level, Headwaters Golf Course features a restaurant, GPS carts, and a 2,000 square foot deck with spectacular views. Information: www.grandbyranch.com; 888-283-7458.

Grand Elk Ranch & Club just south of Grandby, is the newest course in the county, opening in 2002. Designed by PGA professional Craig Stadler and course architect Tripp Davis, Grand Elk is Colorado’s first Heathland-style golf course (similar to a links-style). Using the natural landscape, the par 71course plays 7,206 yards from the tips. At an elevation of 7,935, Grand Elk features gently rolling fairways and strategically placed hazards, along the omnipresent Ten Mile Creek and ubiquitous federally-protected wetlands. In offering true Scottish-style golf, three-foot flags were introduced this year, garnering mixed reviews from locals. “A lot of golfers claim they can’t see the flag from the fairways,” said Maggie Helm, who’s been golfing for 26 years. To offset that complaint, GPS systems are available in all carts. Nevertheless, this fine track is still challenging and a worthwhile stop while visiting Grand County. An added bonus: The Untamed Grill features great menu selections. Information: www.grandelk.com; 866-272-9822.

Pole Creek Golf Club is the area’s only 27-hole course featuring the Meadow 9, Ranch 9, and Ridge 9. Sitting at 8,600 feet elevation, Pole Creek opened in 1983. Located 10 miles north of Winter Park, the par 108 course measures 10,709 yards, and offers spectacular views of the Continental Divide. Zagat’s Survey of America’s Top Golf Courses named Pole Creek the best golf course in the Rocky Mountain Region for 2006/07. On the Meadow 9 and Ranch 9, golfers will appreciate the two challenging horseshoe-shaped holes that beg you to attempt a shortcut over the pine trees. The Ridge 9 features several breathtaking holes, and a never-ending amount of scenery. In addition to enjoying the golf, take a moment to admire the stately ranch-style homes tucked back off the fairways. Information: www.polecreekgolf.com; 800-511-5076.

Though Colorado is famous for its winter activities, golfing is another option that’s gaining attention, and Grand County’s colorful courses are an experience waiting to happen.