Best Golf Courses in Denver, Colorado
Denver golf is defined by two things: mountain views and mile-high distance. At 5,280 feet elevation, the ball flies 10-15% farther than at sea level, adding an exhilarating dimension to every round. Cherry Hills — site of Arnold Palmer's legendary 1960 U.S. Open charge — anchors a golf scene that includes dramatic red rock formations, rolling prairie, and panoramic Rocky Mountain backdrops.
Denver, Colorado · William Flynn (1922) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,160 yards
One of the most historic courses in America, Cherry Hills hosted Arnold Palmer's legendary 1960 U.S. Open charge, the 1985 PGA Championship, and multiple other majors. The William Flynn design south of Denver features dramatic mountain views and the unique physics of mile-high golf.
Denver, Colorado · Jack Nicklaus (1981) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,559 yards
A Jack Nicklaus design at 6,300 feet elevation in the foothills south of Denver, Castle Pines hosted The International on the PGA Tour for over 20 years. The dramatic mountain-and-pine setting, combined with thin mile-high air that adds 10-15% distance, creates a unique championship experience.
Denver, Colorado · Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (2007) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,600 yards
A Coore & Crenshaw design in Parker that hosted the 2013 Solheim Cup and 2019 U.S. Mid-Amateur, Colorado Golf Club occupies wide-open prairie terrain with expansive Front Range views. The minimalist design allows the natural terrain and mountain panoramas to dominate.
Denver, Colorado · Robert Trent Jones Jr. (1972) · 18 holes · Par 70 · 6,682 yards
Set among the same dramatic 300-million-year-old red rock formations as nearby Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Arrowhead is one of the most visually stunning public courses in the world. RTJ Jr.'s layout winds through towering sandstone spires with panoramic mountain views.
Denver, Colorado · Tom Doak (2009) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,336 yards
A Tom Doak municipal design in Aurora, CommonGround proves that world-class golf architecture and public accessibility are not mutually exclusive. The links-influenced layout features firm, fast conditions, creative green complexes, and Front Range mountain views — all at municipal pricing.
Denver, Colorado · Keith Foster (2003) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,750 yards
At 7,750 yards from the tips (playing shorter at altitude), Bear Dance in Larkspur is one of the longest courses in Colorado. Keith Foster's design uses dramatic elevation changes through scrub oak and ponderosa pine with panoramic Front Range views on nearly every hole.
Denver, Colorado · Jim Engh (2003) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,831 yards
Built on a former clay mine in Golden, Fossil Trace features exposed 65-million-year-old fossils, dinosaur tracks, and leaf imprints throughout the layout. Jim Engh's creative design incorporates the geological features while delivering a quality golf experience with Table Mountain views.
Denver, Colorado · Jim Engh (2004) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,437 yards
A Jim Engh design in Parker south of Denver, Pradera is one of Colorado's most acclaimed newer private clubs. The layout occupies dramatic bluff terrain overlooking expansive prairie with Pikes Peak visible on clear days. Engh's bold, creative routing maximizes the natural drama.
Larkspur, Colorado · Keith Foster (2003) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,516 yards
A Keith Foster design south of Denver in Larkspur, Bear Dance is consistently ranked the top public course in Colorado. The dramatic 7,516-yard layout through scrub oak foothills features significant elevation changes, spectacular Front Range views, and a rugged mountain character that evokes Colorado golf at its finest.
Golden, Colorado · Jim Engh (2003) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,831 yards
A Jim Engh design in Golden where real dinosaur footprints and leaf fossils are embedded in exposed rock formations on several holes, Fossil Trace is one of the most unique golf courses in America. The creative layout against the Front Range foothills blends geological wonder with challenging golf and stunning mountain views.
Parker, Colorado · Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (2007) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,683 yards
A Coore & Crenshaw design south of Denver that hosted the 2019 U.S. Mid-Amateur and the Solheim Cup, Colorado Golf Club features a treeless, links-style layout through rolling prairie at 6,200 feet elevation. The wide fairways, deep bunkers, and firm playing conditions create a strategic experience with panoramic Rocky Mountain views.
Public Courses in Denver
Looking for courses you can play without a membership? See our complete guide to public courses in Denver .
Overview
The Front Range corridor from Castle Rock to Boulder contains a diverse collection of quality courses against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The region's altitude, sunny climate (300+ days of sunshine), and dramatic terrain create a uniquely Colorado golf experience. From Tom Doak's exceptional municipal design at CommonGround to the fossil-laden fairways of Fossil Trace, Denver rewards exploration.
Best Time to Play
May through October is the primary season. June and September typically offer the best conditions. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer but usually pass quickly. The altitude means strong UV — sunscreen is essential.
Travel Tips & Getting There
Denver International Airport (DEN) is 25 miles northeast of downtown. Most courses are south and west of the city along the Front Range. Arrowhead and Fossil Trace are in the foothills; Cherry Hills and Castle Pines are south along I-25.
Nearest Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN)
Frequently Asked Questions
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