2012
t n a a sy F e Th golf club p.8
READY Golfing at altitude
p.38
SET Do you have the right equipment?
p.49
GOLF Where to play
high country Golf | 2012
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2012 | high country Golf
contents
23
Features
13 | Rebuilding a course
The Eagle-Vail Golf Club redesigns itself to increase pace of play.
| the fantasy 18 golf club
Putting together a fantasy 18 of High Country golf. By Chris Freud & Ryan Wondercheck
20 | The Bear in Breck
The Breckenridge Golf Club features 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus-designed play.
Departments
07 | Editor’s Letter 10 | homes on the green
Real Estate Listing
By Geoff Mintz
17 | instruction
56 | Road trip
40 | fitness
Where to find early- and late-season golf for the High Country player.
49 | WHERE TO PLAY
By Chris Freud
By Chris Freud
Tips from the pros Get yourself ready High Country Course Listings On the Cover Courtesy of Keystone Resort.
high country Golf | 2012
The Raven #16
No. 7 at the River Course at Keystone.
2012 | high country Golf
June — September | 2012 volume 7
Publisher Matt Sandberg msandberg@cmnm.org
We have a friendly, knowledgeable staff, with the valleys most comprehensive selection of whiskey and cigars.
Managing Editors Chris Freud cfreud@vaildaily.com Ryan Wondercheck rwondercheck@summitdaily.com marketing director Maggie Butler mbutler@summitdaily.com Sales Manager Cathy Ethington cethington@vaildaily.com Graphic Designer Malisa Samsel Contributing Writers Aaron Burnett Geoff Mintz Austin Richardson Jolene Dille Contributing Photographers Jack Affleck Kristin Anderson Mark Fox Dominique Taylor general manager Jim Morgan jmorgan@cmnm.org Printing & prepress Publication Printers Denver, Colorado
Summit Daily News Vail Daily
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high country Golf | 2012
Colorado Mountain News Media 200 Lindbergh Drive P.O. Box 1500 Gypsum, Colorado 81637 p. 970.328.6333 | f. 970.328.6409 Copyright Š2012 Colorado Mountain News Media All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.
Editor’s letter
Our publics run in the shadows of ski lifts. Tee shots off cliffs are a regular affair. Snow-capped mountain views pretty much come standard. There’s always a hole design that keeps you wanting to come back for more.
‘You come for the winters, and stay for the summers,’ is about the oldest cliché associated with ski towns. But there’s a reason it’s a cliché. It’s so true. When the snow melts away, incredible golf emerges. When the phrase “golf destination” comes up, you’re usually talking about places like Scottsdale, the Carolinas and Florida when speaking domestically. I’ve done a lot of these golf trips and it’s always good to return home. First, I miss my altitude. Those of us who play regularly here sort of take it for granted, and there’s nothing like a trip to sea level to remind you how nice the thin air up here is. We’ll take that extra 10-15 percent any day. And then there’s the cornucopia of golf available in our small neck of the woods. Between just Eagle and Summit County, there are more than 20 worldclass golf courses from which to chose. And this is where it gets fun. A public course in the High Country is not exactly like a public anywhere else in the country.
And the top-tier golf in the region is just that. The Raven and the Keystone River and Ranch courses, as well as places like Sonnenalp, Cordillera, Beaver Creek and Red Sky can more than hold their own against their national peers. Want star power? It’s here, too. Breckenridge is a Jack Nicklaus design. Arnold Palmer’s at Eagle Ranch. Pete Dye’s at Gypsum Creek. There are Fazio courses at both Cordillera and Red Sky, where the Shark, Greg Norman, also lurks. It sort of makes you wonder why we ever leave. The answer is really we don’t. I started playing up here 15 years ago — though my scores don’t show it — and this is a great golf mecca to call home. If you’re a regular High Country golfer, we invite you to explore the courses outside of your regular rotation. If you’re from out of town, put on some sunblock and enjoy. And be sure to hit them straight. Chris Freud managing editor high country golf
2012 | high country Golf
Longer
straighter
High Country golf brings more than just great views By Aaron Burnett
high country Golf | 2012
T
here is something special about playing golf in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. From sweeping views to the breath-taking drives, High Country golf is truly at a different altitude. As anyone who has come from sea level or even the Front Range can attest, the ball flies farther up here. The reason for this is simple physics. “The first thing is the pressure change,” said John Bally, a professor of astrophysics at the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Breckenridge resident. “The decrease of air pressure and density with increasing altitude implies less resistance experienced by a flying object. Thus, a ball launched with a given velocity will tend to travel farther at higher altitude than at a lower altitude.”
So what does this mean for the average golfer? If you’re coming from sea level, the air is approximately 30 percent less dense in Summit County, translating to an estimated 15-20 percent gain in distance of ball flight in the High Country, Bally said. “It’s as much as a two-club difference from sea level,” said Mark Nickel, head golf professional at The Raven at Three Peaks in Silverthorne. “Now from Denver we can be over a club, just from that 4,000 feet (increase in elevation).” Nickel added that extreme elevation changes found on many mountain courses also adds to the equation. “Any drop in elevation, obviously you’re going to gain some distance,” Nickel said. “Our first hole is a good example, when you lay-up on the fairway, then you have a
thecoloradoangler.com
There’s something
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drop in shelf. That is when you first notice how much club advantage you gain. From 150 yards many people will hit a pitching wedge that normally would hit an eight iron from that distance because of the little drop in elevation on the hole itself and the elevation change on the mountain course.” The club pro said the biggest difference most golfers notice when playing at elevations is seen in the lower irons. He attributed this to the higher consistency most players have in their shorter clubs compared to long irons and woods. “With a driver you may only see 20 yards difference. …” Nickel said. “The short irons, mid-irons is where you really see the difference.” So how do you figure which club to pull
when looking to make that all-important approach shot? “The standard rule of thumb for us is one-and-a-half clubs,” Nickel added. Another difference when playing at higher elevations is the effect wind plays on a shot. Because of the lower density of air, the higher one goes in elevation, the lower friction exerted on the ball, lessening the effect of a crosswind, Bally said. “Winds will tend to have less effect on the ball’s trajectory,” Bally said. He added that the effect will be similar to the 15-20 percent effect lower air density has on the distance a ball flies. Whether you are a scratch golfer or a 20 handicap, playing at higher elevations can pose a unique set of challenges as well as surprising benefits.
All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
Silverthorne, CO | 970.513.8055 2012 | high country Golf
Homes on the green
Summit to Eagle County High Country Golf Magazine lists the houses that will keep you on course.
SILVERTHORNE - Raven Golf Course Located on the 16th Signature Hole of the prestigious Raven Golf Course in Three Peaks, this stunning home offers picture perfect views, impeccable custom finishes, and state of the art technology. With 5 bedrooms, 7 baths it is perfect for entertaining and includes a projection screen theatre, integrated media and audio, gym, wine cellar, and an outdoor hot tub and much more. This home is truly one of a kind.
$2,995,000 | Renee Imamura (970) 393-2308 RE/MAX Properties of the Summit reneei@remax.net | www.BuyinSummitCounty.com
SILVERTHORNE - 205 Topaz Road, Ruby Ranch A truly unique, luxurious Mountain Retreat! The exclusive, gated community of Ruby Ranch is only minutes away to several world-class ski resorts, miles and miles of stunning hiking and biking trails, pristine golf courses. $2,499,000 | Brenda Culhane (970) 486-0167 www.brendasdreamhomes.com Omni Real Estate 10
high country Golf | 2012
SINGLETREE - 271 Rawhide This lovely 4 Bedroom home has a Sonnenalp Par 3 in the backyard and the Singletree park in the front! Offering huge views of Arrowhead, a butler’s pantry, formal dining room, media room and TONS of storage. This gem offers lots of extras to make this home extra special! Mountain Management Group, LLC | (970) 390-5942 www.mountainmanagement.com
CORDILLERA - 392 Legacy Trail Situated at the end of a private cul-de-sac, on top of a rolling green fairway is this sparkling home with expansive views of the Sawatch Mountains. Cordillera Valley Club’s charm. Wood-burning fire pit looking at the marvelous views. Perfect family floorplan. Great views, on golf course - a true must-see.
Liz Leeds | (970) 331-1806 Slifer, Smith & Frampton/Lionshead
BRECKENRIDGE - 191 Braddock Dr. Walk to the Breckenridge Golf Course! Enjoy luxury living without excessive deed restrictions. This dramatic home has 5,000+ square feet and the finest finishes, gourmet kitchen, income apartment, and best of all: a “man cave” garage with room for your RV or 5 cars plus a first class workshop.
$1,299,000 | Sandy Levine (970) 485-2814 sandylevine.com RE/MAX Properties of the Summit
Eagle Ranch - Golf Course Deal! Exceptional Large Victorian Home on the Course! 5 Bedroom, Finished basement, Located on private cul-de-sac. Water Feature, great patio, & fenced dog run. Walking distance to schools, club house, pool and ice rink.
$699,000 | Rick Beveridge (970) 390-7594 www.bevrealestate.com Beveridge Real Estate
BRECKENRIDGE - 173 Glen Eagle Loop Truly one of a kind lot on valley floor. Must walk to building envelope to see Ten Mile Range and 360 degree views. Surrounded on three sides by the golf course and no neighbors. All day sun. Owner will carry to qualified buyer with 25% down. Almost no architectural approval.
$499,000 | Karyn Contino (970) 390-9111 KarynKContino@gmail.com
2012 | high country Golf
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high country Golf | 2012
Eagle-Vail
gets a facelift How to redesign a course By Chris Freud cfreud@vaildaily.com
2012 | high country Golf
13
I
f you’re Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Tom Fazio, Pete and Alice Dye and the like, you get to do this all the time. The land is selected, you get the call and you go to work. You design a golf course, laying down 18 holes over the terrain, making memorable challenges. Dye brought us Sawgrass’ 17th island hole or Whistling Straits in Michigan. Nicklaus (Cordillera Summit), Palmer (Eagle Ranch), and Norman and Fazio (Red Sky Ranch, and the latter with Cordillera Valley) have all left their prints here.
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high country Golf | 2012
Problems and solutions At old Eagle-Vail, the course had four holes north of Highway 6, and they basically played as one par-4 and three par-3s – the old sixth hole was a par-4 at just 276 yards and everyone went for the green. Play could grind to a halt. The solution? No. 3 is gone, and there is not much mourning as the 165-yard par-3 was nigh unto impossible to stick. The old par-4 fourth (358 yards) is No. 3. The par-3 fifth across the Eagle River is now No. 4 and the old sixth is now the new fifth. Aside from the numbering issue which will likely vex annual passholders for years, Welsh and company built a new
par-4 here. Gone is the 276-yard par-4 and the new hole is 385 yards. The hole still packs some teeth with a forced carry from the blue and white tees over the Eagle and the river left still remains a hazard. Our early-season research indicates that aiming right on your approach to the green is good play. (And as a service to our readers, do note pin position on this two-tiered green.) “I’ve gotten back nothing but good feedback,” Welsh said. “And people are looking at that piece of the property differently. The best part is that people can appreciate the beauty of the hole with the scenery and not be playing an unfair hole.”
Special to the Daily | The Eagle-Vail Golf Club opens 10 holes April 14, including the new
But what if an existing course needs a tweak? That has been the challenge for the Eagle-Vail Golf Club and its head pro Ben Welsh. “In some ways, designing a new golf course on a tract of land is different from what we did,” Welsh said. “We wanted to stay within the character of the course, and keep it fair for golfers of all abilities.” Opened in 1975, Eagle-Vail is done with a two-year redesign, which included leveling just about every tee box on the course, re-arranging a lot of the course’s bunkers and creating three new holes. It’s all about increasing pace of play (the most common complaint at any course) and eliminating the old joke that Eagle-Vail is German for “5-hour round.”
par-3 eighth. We advise avoiding the bunkers.
The ardent golfer would play Mount Everest if somebody
Insert new hole
New bunkers The new No. 5 has just one bunker to the left of the green. In truth, that sand may save some from the Eagle River. It’s also what the course has been trying to do on its 17 other holes. Eagle-Vail is a public course, and there simply aren’t many recreational players who can hit a 160-yard
Since Eagle-Vail got rid of a par-3, it needed a new one. The par-5 old eighth hole with its two greens is no more. Instead, the new seventh (remember, it is No. 7 because No. 3 is no more) is a straight-forward, but lengthy (407 yards from the whites) par-4. And as a service to readers, be a little left on your approach here. Trust us, there are good bounces to be had, resulting with your ball on the green. The course has turned the rest of the par-5 into a new par-3, aka new No. 8. The first nice aspect is that the tee shot is framed by surrounding hills and trees, allowing the course to keep its mountain theme. Even better is the fact that this hole does not subscribe to the “longer is better” theory of golf design. This hole is all of 105 yards and fulfills the two main requirements of a par-3. It’s a true test
Firecracker Tournament. Fun was had by all!
Special to the Daily | Ted Martin tees off on No. 18 at Eagle Vail Golf Club for this year’s
put a flagstick on top. shot to a small green, guarded by three bunkers, as was the case with the old No. 3. Eagle-Vail has eliminated a lot of bunker complexes around greens that were as tight as Fort Knox. The new design allows for a path to the green. Take the new third. There’s a front bunker way on the right, but you probably hit a bad slice to get there on your approach. Don’t go long because the back bunker’s a beast. (We know from experience) But the left bunker is gone allowing for players to bounce their shot onto the green. “A really bad shot should be penalized,” Welsh said. “A mediocre one shouldn’t.” As an added bonus, the new bunkers all over the course drain more easily, creating fluffy sand, conducive to “splash” shots needed for sand play.
Harder? Easier? “One could hear the rumble that maybe Eagle-Vail was downgrading its difficulty, before this started.” Yet for all its design changes, the course is about 50 yards shorter from the regular white tees and playing to par-71 for men and par-72 for the ladies. Then again, Eagle-Vail is never been about the power game. It’s about keeping the ball in the short stuff with water in play on 12 of 18 holes and making sure you have the right club with elevation changes. The 127-yard par 3, previously known as No. 5, now No. 4, remains an intimidating shot. No. 9, a 425-yard par-4 through the woods is still No. 1 on the
~Pete Dye
of the short game and can be a birdie opportunity or a big number. This is a wedge for just about everyone off the tee, even though it plays uphill. The key to No. 1 is not going left. Those two bunkers left generally spell bogey or worse. Long isn’t too good of an idea either. It’s a speedy chip back toward the flag. And if Eagle-Vail’s looking for a Sunday pin position, just stick the flag up front. For visual purposes from the tee boxes, the green has a false front, which can come into play in putting. “We didn’t have an uphill tee shot and there are lots of challenges,” Welsh said. “It’s a sand wedge or a pitching wedge, but the left bunkers are deep and the green has a lot of undulation. Even at 100 yards, it’s not a gimme par.”
card with good reason. The par-3 10th, which falls off the side of the earth, still leaves people talking. And how a golfer finishes his or her round will still likely be determined by Nos. 15 and 16, which require forced carries over Stone Creek to their respective greens. Our bet is the course will remain a favorite of local and visiting golfers.
2012 | high country Golf
15
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instruction
The right Address How your stance affects your swing by Tom Stickney, iii
E
veryone has heard the old line about how if you have a poor or reverse weight shift it can adversely affect your game and shot consistency; but did you know that most reverse weight shifts are caused by factors established during your set-up? Much has been written on the topic of controlling your weight shift and hitting better shots. Unfortunately many people fail in their basic understanding of how proper body positioning during the set-up can make shifting your weight almost automatic. There are four common problems I see everyday that severely affect one’s weight shift and the ability to get into the proper position on the way to the top. (There are several others, but these are the most common). If you look for these faults in your set-up and try to correct them, then you will hit better and more solid shots time after time.
2012 | high country Golf
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1›
Is your spine tilted to
the right of center during address?
If you think about it, this one swing flaw should never happen, but it affects every golfer at one time or another. Your right hand is lower on the grip than your left hand; thus, your right shoulder should also be lower than your left shoulder too. With this being true it causes your spine to tilt to the right of center as well. This tilting of your spine allows you to put your center of gravity and your head behind the ball, so you can shift your weight into your right foot without moving laterally too much. If you have your shoulders too level (which, in reality, would be you leaning your spine and head too much to the left) at address then your center of gravity would be located over the top of the ball, so in order to shift your weight into your right foot you would have to move laterally to the right enough to get your center of gravity behind the ball. (By the way your “CG” is located just below your belly button.) This leaning of the spine to the left affects everyone and when you try to fix it you will feel like you are leaning well to the right of center, but use a mirror to judge your position—it will show you visually that what you feel will not always be what you look like. The only other thing you must be aware of is when you tilt your spine to the right of center correctly, make sure your weight is still balanced about fifty-fifty on your feet. If your weight starts lag on your right side during address it will make it very easy to “hang back and hit shots everywhere.” The Tour range of tilting to the right at address is only six to ten degrees, which is about three or four inches to the right of center, so you can see it is not much. But, this three or four inches to the right of center is vitally important in shifting your weight into your right foot correctly!
18
high country Golf | 2012
2›
Is your stance too narrow?
If I counted, I bet I see nine out of ten people with stances that are too narrow versus too wide. What does this do to your swing? If you do not have a firm base upon which to support weight shifting into your right foot, then it is very easy for your hips to over-rotate, your right knee to lose its flex and position, and finally it makes it almost impossible to keep your weight shifting into your instep rather than the outside of your right foot. Just examine the professionals on Tour; you will see 90 percent of them with stances that are around shoulder width. Remember this is measured from the outside of the shoulders to the inside of the feet. Give yourself a firm base in order to accept your weight shifting into your right foot, and you will feel “loaded” up at the top of your backswing. This will produce power and better consistency. Just watch the pros! 3›
‹1
Is the ball too far back in
your stance?
Watching players of all levels, I believe that improper ball position is the root of many evils in the golf swing! As far as the weight shift goes, if you have the ball too far back in your stance for any shot and for any length of time, it will hinder your ability to get “behind the ball” at the top. When this happens you will never get as
‹2
The reason the pro tells you to keep your head down is so you can’t see him laughing. ~Phyllis Diller
instruction
‹3
much weight into your right foot as is necessary to hit the shots with the power you are capable of. I use the sternum as a guide (you know, the bone in the middle of your chest that your dad use to poke you on when he was mad) to alert my students as to when their ball is bordering on getting too far back. If you look at the swing photos of any professional, you will see that if they placed the ball on their sternum then it would make it very hard for them to get their weight behind the ball without some lateral move to the right. The test I show people is to take any pro at the top and draw a straight line from the ground up through their sternum, and you will see that a good portion of their left side never gets behind the ball. This, over time, will cause you to either move laterally, or never shift your weight into your right side due to everyone’s fear of swaying! Thus, due to this faulty weight shift, you battle hanging back through impact and hitting fat shots most of the time. So get the ball in the proper position at address. This is generally somewhere between your left shoulder and the center of your sternum, depending on the lie, the shot you are trying to hit, and the club you are using. See your teaching professional concerning this matter and we will show you the proper position in no time. 4›
Do you have too much
weight on your left foot at address?
‹4
One of the biggest things that I see in a cause-and-effect relationship is placing too much weight on your left foot during the set-up. If your left foot gets overloaded with weight 70 percent or more due to imbalance during the set-up or an exaggerated forward press, then it will cause your arms to lift off plane from the 9 o’clock position. The most frustrating thing is to get your club and weight moving into your right side by 9 o’clock on the backswing, and then suddenly
pick your arms straight up or lifting them to the top, causing your weight to leave your right foot and move into your left foot again. When you lift your arms it also causes your body to tilt to the left of center (towards the target) at the top of your backswing; thus, your head and center of gravity also get over and/or in front of the golf ball, so this explains why you become tilted. When you tilt to the left of center, your weight will be mostly on your left foot at the top, and this process will usually reverse itself on the way down equaling an impact position where 90 percent of your weight is on your right foot, with a great loss of power and impact consistency. Not a desirable feeling! Just remember to let the club work “gently” around your body to the top from 9 o’clock, but remember this is not a baseball bat. Once again, if you see your teaching professional then he/she can show you the best top position for your swing and build! Learning how your set-up affects your weight shift is very important to your progress as a complete golfer. Watch the pros on TV: How many of them are set-up incorrectly and how many of them have a weight shift that leaves them at the finish with all their weight on their right foot? None. Because they understand what the proper set-up and weight shift will do for their swing and they have molded themselves into the proper positions naturally. Use your mirror and the professionals on Tour to see what I mean.
2012 | high country Golf
19
featured course
Elk, Beaver and Bear:
Nicklaus’
Breckenridge Golf Club remains the only Jack Nicklaus-designed, 27-hole, municipal course in the world By Geoff Mintz
20
high country Golf | 2012
T
he nice thing about playing 27 holes: Take your best two nines, throw the high nine out and mail a postcard home from Breckenridge boasting a low 18-hole score. Breckenridge Golf Club remains the only Jake Nicklaus-designed, 27-hole, municipally owned golf course in the world. The 27 holes give players a variety of options, Breck’s head golf professional Erroll Miller said. “For the avid golfer, they may want to tackle all 27 in one day. Thirty-six can be somewhat tough, particularly for people at altitude, but 27 is very doable,” Miller said. The 27-hole format also provides golfers with an opportunity to play three days — each with a different 18-hole combination. The three nine-hole courses — the Elk, Beaver and Bear — are interchangeable. Players may combine any two for a complete round. “By the time you (play all three combi-
nations), it’s really like playing three different courses, even though there has been a little overlap,” Miller said. “It makes it convenient for the person who is typically looking for an 18-hole round; they can come out, play the same facility and really get three different experiences.” Each course has a similar level of challenge and difficulty, but in three different ways: The Bear Nine features more generous fairways, but the greens are well-protected; it’s very difficult to run a ball up onto the green on a direct angle. Meanwhile, the Beaver Nine consists of more narrow fairways and tighter tee shots, but players can typically run the ball onto the green quite easily. Finally, the Elk Nine is characterized by undulation and geographic variables in which players can expect sidehill- and downhill-type lies. Nicklaus himself was onsite during the construction of the original courses, the Bear (opened in 1985) and the Beaver
Go on...
RIP IT! But First You Have to
GRIP IT!
Hole #1 of the Beaver Course offers great views of the TenMile Range and surrounding vistas from the Breckenridge Golf Club. | mark fox
(1987). The Elk Nine was added in 2011 to accommodate consumer demand and provide the aforementioned variety. Nicklaus-designed courses, whether 18 or 27 holes, are generally not as accessible as Breckenridge. His courses are often very high-end private clubs or very high-end resorts in which expensive hotel stays are a requirement for booking a tee time. At a peak-season rate of $130 per 18-hole round, Breckenridge is by no means inexpensive, but compared to some of the other Nicklaus alternatives, a tee time at Breck is within reach for a wide scope of golfers. “Nicklaus, in the golf industry, is definitely associated with a quality experience, in terms of design and the acreage that it sits on. He usually works on the best pieces of property,� Miller said. “Nicklaus’ architecture fee is one of the highest, so for the owner to recover that type of fee, they need to have something special — and Nicklaus only wants to do special.�
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2012 | high country Golf
21
WIN
a golf weekend for four!
Includes foursome at
Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks & Vail Golf Club
dinner at the
Fitz Lounge/Lord Gore Restaurant in Manor Vail Lodge Accommodations for one evening
Contest runs May 4 – August 1, 2012 ENTER NOW AT
summitdaily.com/wingolfweekend
ntasy a F e Th
golf club
These holes are must-play golf By Chris Freud and Ryan Wondercheck
S
ome parts of our jobs at the Summit Daily News and Vail Daily are not exactly fun. The news editor of the SDN is not exactly enamored with of getting off work when everyone else is going to bed. Covering a middle school junior varsity underwater jai alai game falls under that category and is not the highlight of the Vail Daily’s sports editor’s year. Then there’s putting together a fantasy 18 of High Country golf. This required us to play all of these golf courses, which was really tough duty. Red Sky’s slick greens and equally beautiful vistas. Quoth The Raven, “Good luck and never more.” Cordillera’s smooth fairways and absolutely penal bunkers. (I still have sand in my shoes.) The Keystone courses? Can you find a more beautiful 36? (We’re trying.) Then there are the publics, which are not exactly your average muni loops — Vail, Eagle-Vail, Eagle Ranch and Gypsum Creek on the west side of the pass and Breckenridge, 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus, as well as Copper Mountain in Summit County. Reminding ourselves that there is no “we” in team, we set out to play and to compile The Fantasy Eagle County Golf Club. (We actually “worked” on our days off.) Of course, doing this amounts to opening Pandora’s box. How do you compare Sonnenalp’s 15th to EagleVail’s counterpart? They’re completely
24
high country Golf | 2012
different holes, but both equally memorable, beautiful and challenging. You can’t smash all the wonderful golf to be played here during the summer into 18 holes. It rehashes the privatepublic debate. The private loops won a majority of the spots on this “course,” but we remain avid supporters of publically-available golf in the High Country. The inevitable result is that we had to leave out some great holes, and it was painful. But this is the stuff of good debating at the 19th hole of your choice. So load up your bag with extra golf balls — you are going to need them — and tee it high and let it fly on this par-72, 7,314-yard course.
10% off ½ day trips and lessons (970) 668-2583 / (888) 453-9171 info@blueriveranglers.com www.blueriveranglers.com
WIN!
photo Courtesy of Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks
#1
The Raven, No. 16, par-5, 601 yards Welcome to mountain golf, people. A dramatic tee shot on a downhill 601-yard par-5, the Raven’s postcard hole has amazing views and a long sweeping fairway down to a large green. A good tee shot will reward you with another downhill shot to the green for your second, leaving you with a great opportunity for eagle or birdie.
ent are differ Honeymoons et! fe FREE! at 9000 wh en they’re
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#3
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Just to remind you that you’re golfing at altitude, we bring you up to the woods. This par-4 requires a blind tee shot. The hole bends right and is downhill all the way, including a green which slopes away from you. Long hitters should put away the big stick and fade a long iron here. On your approach, club down and try to use the sidehill on the left. It takes you right into the green.
Keystone Ranch, No. 5, par-3, 190 yards If one hole can accurately describe this great course, this is it. The most challenging par-3 comes in at 190 yards and is as intimidating to the eye as it is to play. This hole requires a solid tee shot that will land softly on the elevated green. Good luck there.
photo Courtesy of keystone
#2
Eagle-Vail, No. 9, par-4, 462 yards
photo Courtesy of Breckenridge Golf Club
#4
Breckenridge, Elk, No. 7, par-4, 435 yards This 435-yard par-4 has the most elevation change of any of the holes on the course. It’s roughly a 75-foot difference from the tee box down to the green. With the dogleg right, after you’ve hit your drive down there, the green is on the other side of a big ravine with Buffalo Mountain as the backdrop.
#5
Gypsum Creek, No. 5 par-4, 411 yards Part of Gypsum Creek’s signature mesa where Pete Dye’s links design turns into a mountain course, With a big pond guarding the fairway, this one has teeth. If you survive the water, you still have to carry a ravine to a small green.
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#6
Eagle Ranch, No. 9, par-4, 498 yards
#7
Cordillera Valley , No. 3, par-5, 593 yards
Another signature of the local links is obscenely long par-4s. With its twin, No. 18, to the right, Arnold Palmer did not disappoint when it came to this department. Water is all-too inviting on the left side, but O.B. looms to the right. Did we say this was long? On opening day of the course, the King himself needed a driver and a 4-iron to reach the green of this behemoth.
We’ve got good news. This hole is downhill. We’ve also got some bad news. Tom Fazio, who must of not have liked sand as a child because he’s taking it out on us now, put all the bunkers in the right places. There also is a pond to the left of the green. Though the Cordillera Valley course does not have many water hazards, this one more than makes up for the lack of other splash-downs.
the raven #8
or Eagle-Vail No. 10, par-3, 210 yards or The Raven, No. 8, 184 yards After those two long holes, we need a break. So, it’s par-3 time. The dropping par-3 is prominent in local loops, but nowhere is it more jaw-dropping than at these three holes. On our fantasy 18, we’ll rotate these three on a daily basis — just like Red Sky does with its Norman and Fazio courses. For the love of anything holy — and golfers would find religion quickly on this course — club down.
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photo Courtesy of Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks
#8
Cotton Ranch , No. 8, par-3, 164 yards,
photo Courtesy of thinkstockphotos.com
#9
Red Sky Norman, No. 9, par-4, 559 yards
#10
Eagle Ranch , No. 12, par-5, 569 yards
#11
Vail Golf Course, No. 6, par-4, 452 yards
#12
Sonnenalp, No. 17, par-3, 199 yards
Yes, this is a par-4. We weren’t joking about the ridiculously long nature of par-4s in this county. Teeing off in Glenwood Springs, or it just seems like that, it is downhill all the way. The fairway — eventually — is split by water and the green is well-protected. Sunday pin position for this hole is front and left and that just adds to the challenge of this par-7, or, par-4.
We could have been sadistic and put Cotton Ranch’s sixth here. We could have chosen Vail’s 12th, but we have a particular animus toward a tree on that hole. So let’s play some long ball down in Eagle. Please note that this par-5 is only 10 yards longer than the previous par-4. The tee shot is elevated here which is nice. On the other hand, it’s uphill the rest of the way. The elevated green, which has spectacular views, is guarded by finger-like, deep bunkers.
We give you the Vail Golf Club’s hardest hole on the card. The oldest loop in the county makes its turn toward the gorgeous Gore Range with a whopper of a par-4. A 250-yard drive still leaves you with a midiron into a bunker-guarded green. Have fun. And don’t hook the ball left on Saturdays because the Vail Rugby Football Club plays on the field next door. Conking them with a Titleist isn’t a good lifestyle choice.
This par-3 likely has more sand than Malibu. There are bunkers in front. There are bunkers in back. What’s really amusing is that in these bunkers there are a few patches of grass just to give you the slimmest bit of hope. Bring a shovel.
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A lengthy and challenging par-4 with a beautiful panorama of the Tenmile Range. It’s coming back toward the clubhouse, but the view is just exquisite. It’s the longest par-4 on the course, but it has some inherent beauty for the local duffer or the tourist.
photo Courtesy of Breckenridge Golf Club
#13
Breckenridge, Bear No. 9, par-4, 473 yards
You might have noticed that pretty much all of these holes are ridiculously long — even the par-3s. So, here’s a short par-4. It is a risk-reward hole that allows golfers to take aim at the green. Knock it on and you’ll have a great chance at eagle or birdie or lay up to the fairway to set up a short approach shot to the green.
#15
Sonnenalp , No. 15, par-4, 385 yards Let the big dog eat on this downhiller. You want to land on the right side of this fairway, which doglegs left to get a look at the green. You’re not done yet though. Precision is a must with the beach on the right of the green and two well-positioned ponds on the left.
Photo Courtesy of keystone
#14
Keystone Ranch, No. 9, par-4, 368 yards
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A little break before we head home, except this par-3 is called “The Snake,� for good reason. Pay close attention to the prevailing wind on this challenging 195-yard par-3. Tee shots should be played to the middle of the green to avoid hazards located in front, left, right and behind the green.
Photo Courtesy of keystone
#16
Keystone River. Hole 7. par-3, 195 yards
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Photo Courtesy of keystone
#17
Keystone River, No. 16, par-4, 509 yards Golfers should be at the peak of their games on this 509-yard par-4 that features a dramatic elevation drop of nearly 200 feet. Golfers should stay right and enjoy the challenge as well as the views of the Keystone Ranch Golf Course, Bald Mountain and Mount Guyot.
#18
Red Sky Norman, No. 18, par-5, 590 yards A long finish to a long course. We’re on a first-name basis with the left-fairway bunker. You do have gravity on your side on this closing hole. You should have a life-preserver for your shot onto the green. There is plenty of potential for a Tin Cup moment here.
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Executive course
Eagle Vail has a par-3 course in Willow Creek. Cordillera has the Short Course. Why not a fantasy executive course? This is our fantasy, so you have to go with it.
Vail, No. 15, par-3, 115 yards
Copper Creek Golf Course, No. 17, 167 yards
We think this is the shortest hole in Eagle County on a championship 18, but with Gore Creek guarding a tiny green from an elevated tee, this requires precision. We swear the pin is always up front. Get your ball retriever.
One of two signature holes at Copper, North America’s highest championship 18-hole course, this par-3 is lined with towering pines and offers golfers a beautiful yet challenging experience. The green features a two-tier design that demands the ball in proper position to have any chance at an elusive birdie. Do you have the skill or luck to tame one of Copper Creek’s finest holes?
Eagle-Vail, No. 5, par-3, 146 yards It’s simple, right? Cross the Eagle River with a short iron. We have a severe love-hate relationship with this hole because of the number of kayakers we’ve nearly killed with shots that have fallen short. New for 2012 is a bunker in front of the green, which may or may not be a good thing.
Raven, No. 9, par-4, 514 yards Yes, it’s pretty long for a “short” course, but the tee sits almost 300 feet above the green. If you’re fortunate enough to find the fairway off the tee, your work is not over with an approach to a well-protected green that slopes away to the water hazard with mounds in front sure to stop the timid approach.
Eagle Ranch, No. 15, par-3, 197 yards One of two drop-shots on Arnold Palmer’s loop, this one’s a dandy. We take 15 over five just because there’s no pond. Many trout were killed in the making of this story.
copper creek #17 | Photo by Emily Schmutz
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beaver #8
Breckenridge Golf Club, Beaver No. 8, par-5, 580-yards This is why this nine is called the Beaver. Playing along beaver ponds is not an opportunity that people usually get. It’s a challenging hole; it’s a pretty hole, but the ponds are what really make it unique. But beware: Hazards are everywhere.
Sonnenalp, No. 14, par-3, 195 yards
Photo Courtesy of Breckenridge Golf Club
Don’t go left. There’s a bunker there with a staircase. Don’t go right, there’s a bunker there, too. All things being equal, I go with my hook. I like stairs.
Red Sky Norman , No. 16, par-3, 283 yards Going down? Yet another beautiful isolated hole at Red Sky. The good news on this very long drop shot is that you probably can get away with hitting a mulligan.
Eagle-Vail, No. 17, par-3, 141 yards Enjoy the ride past Stone Creek to Eagle Vail’s most isolated hole. It’s a wonderful summer cool-off. The tips aren’t that long here. The blues usually play about 135 yards. It’s a nice wedge or short iron in the middle of an aspen grove.
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the gear
for your game Good equipment helps, but so does a good swing By Chris Freud
The golf industry has invented just about everything needed except a self-swinging club and a golf ball with its own homing device when it goes into the weeds. (Whoever figures out these two will make the late Steve Jobs look like a pauper.) ¶ Short of these miraculous inventions, here’s a checklist and some advice from the local pros on what should be in your bag.
“You can’t buy a good golf game,” is the adage, but we certainly haven’t stopped trying.
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The essentials Before we even get to a club or a golf ball, a reminder that you are playing at altitude. That means sunscreen and layers. While being at 6-9,000 feet helps your shots go further, you are closer to the sun. A minimum of SPF 30 is required up here and reapplying it at the turn isn’t a bad idea. You can turn into a lobster very quickly on our local courses. And while the weather is generally pleasant during the summer — the high 80s without humidity is a serious heat wave — things change quickly in the mountains. Keep a rainsuit and a fleece in your bag. Showers roll through the Rockies pretty quickly, but keeping yourself from being drenched to the bone during that quick rain is a good idea. An extra layer after said shower drops the temperature about 15 degrees allows you to finish your round in comfort.
Golf bags By and large, you’re in cart country in Eagle and Summit County. Even if you have a stand-up bag it’s likely getting strapped to the back because cart fees are generally included with your greens fee. The one major exception is the Vail Golf Club. Though the views of the Gore Range are spectacular, it’s a flat course, and very walkable. Again, a reminder to tourists that even walking 18 holes at 8,000 feet is a bit different than at sea level. Bottom line: Feel free to bring your Rodney Dangerfield “Caddyshack” cart bag.
Golf balls What you hit actually does matter, regardless of your ability, but not in the way you think. We know that you love your Titleist Pro V1, your Nike Black, your Calloway Hex and Bridgestone Tours, but 90 percent of you don’t swing your club fast enough to benefit from these pricey models. Choosing a golf ball is all about how fast you swing the club. You can get your speed measured at just about any local golf course, but we’ll bet most of you fall into the “medium” range. You can still play your brand of choice, but just play a softer compression version of the ball. For Titleist, that means going from a Pro V1 to an NXT. For Calloway, that’s the Hex to the Diablo. If you’re a high handicap, do yourself a favor and go to an even softer ball, like the Titleist SoLo, the Nike Power Soft or the author’s favorite, the Precept Laddie. The bonus here is that not only will you hit the ball further, but you’re also spending less money per dozen by using the right ball. Win-win, people.
Putters The most-maligned club in the bag rarely has a correlation to actual performance. Your putter’s awesome after you sink a 40-foot bomb and you want to snap
it in two after consecutive three-putts. It’s all about personal comfort with the flat blade going from the lucky one you picked up at a rummage sale to the Scotty Cameron, and hitting the practice green early and often.
Irons We are now getting into the territory where it might not be the equipment, but your swing. Gasp, it just might be you. This is where we put in our standard notice that getting a lesson from your PGA pro at the golf course of your choosing is really a good idea. These people teach for a living, and they can probably figure out that slice, hook, etc. That said, the pace of technology is moving quickly. Once every five years is not a bad idea to get a new set. The author finally discarded his trusty Ping Eye 2 Blacks for some nice cavity-backed irons on his most recent golf safari last summer. It does make a difference. If you do have a standard set of irons, consider adding a 60-degree wedge, not to mention a gap wedge, if you don’t already have one. With the ball traveling further here, not to mention those dicey short shots over a greenside bunker which seem to happen often, the 60 is a good add to the bag.
Hybrids If you can hit your 3-iron like a rope, Godspeed, and skip this section. For most of us, the 3-iron is a decorative club used only for punch shots out of familiar trees. Hybrids have come a long way in the last 10 years, and are great substitute for those mid-irons. They swing like a short iron and can shorten a hole significantly. Demo days at local courses are a good place to try these bad boys out.
Driver One can go bankrupt here. One uses this club maybe 14 times per round, but the golfer spends endlessly for the 300-yard drive. We return to the section on irons here. It’s probably your swing that keeping you from tour distance, so maybe it’s time for a lesson. On the other hand, if you have a TaylorMade R5, as in 2005, you deserve an upgrade.
Fitness
fitness and flexibility The real keys to improving your game By keith mccarroll, p.t. of ascent physical therapy
M
ost golfers will do almost anything to improve their game. They hire professional instructors, spend hours on the range and buy the latest high tech gadgets. But most neglect their physical fitness. Golfers need to be fit for two basic reasons: to play well and prevent injury. Some golfers work on a general conditioning program, but fail to target golf specific movements. Like everything else in life, to play good golf you must be flexible. Many people do a general stretching program working the hamstrings, quadriceps, calf muscles, lower back and shoulders — great for general fitness, but not for the golf swing. To swing consistently and with the least stress on the body, you need to turn properly. That requires good rotation in the hips and thoracic or mid-back portion of the spine. The pectoral or chest muscles are also frequently tight, which pulls people into poor posture and lim-
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its rotation. When you turn badly, you compensate to get the club into proper position, which takes power, accuracy, and consistency from your game. Poor hip and thoracic rotation also increases low back pain and could end your days as a golfer. Proper stretching and exercise can improve flexibility in all of these problem areas. With stretching, you need to remember a few things to stay safe. The best time to stretch is when the body is warm. Do your stretching after a warm-up such as walking, cycling, or running. The best way to improve flexibility is with slow, sustained stretches of moderate intensity. No pain should be felt with stretches and they should be held for at least 30 seconds. Never bounce at the end of a stretch. This can cause tearing. If you have had specific physical problems with a body region, you should consult a medical professional to determine if your stretching program is safe for you.
Chest Stretch: Place hands on either side of door frame. Place one foot forward. Lean into doorway to feel stretch in chest. This improves chest flexibility to allow improved set up posture. Piriformis Stretch: Lie on back. Bring one leg across body. Use opposite hand to pull until you feel stretch in your hip. This stretch improves hip mobility to improve your turn. Figure 4 Stretch: Lie on back. Place one foot on opposite knee so your legs looks like the numeral 4. Push knee away and pull foot toward you until you feel stretch in buttock. This stretch also improves hip mobility to improve your turn.
Hip Flexor Stretch: Start in a lunge position with one knee on floor. Tighten your lower abdominal muscles to maintain posture. Slowly push your hips forward until you feel stretch in the front of your hip. This stretch improves hip flexor length, which is important to maintain proper lumbar posture and improve your turn and core strength. Thoracic rotation stretch: Sit on a therapy ball or chair with feet flat on floor and upright posture. Rotate spine to one side keeping hips level. Stretch should be felt in the mid back and side area. This stretch helps with spinal rotation, which will help improve your turn.
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Fitness
Bring your game around
Arch and curl your way to a lower score and a healthier back By jolene dille
Bring your game around With Gyrotonic training: • Play more consistently • Hit the ball farther and straighter • Increase and strengthen your hip and shoulder turn • Improve the rotation of your arms • Strengthen your wrists and forearms • Improve your cardiovascular fitness • Increase flexibility and strength to help maintain your balance
S
o, what is Gyrotonic? Well, it’s not a sandwich you will find at the snack shop on the turn, or a cocktail at the 19th hole. Gyrotonic Expansion System is a method of movement derived from yoga, dance, swimming and gymnastics created by Juliu Horvath, a Hungarian ballet dancer whose career was ended by an Achilles tendon injury. Horvath developed what he called Yoga for Dancers while living on St. Thomas in the 1970s. That evolved into Gyrokinesis. Done on mats or stools, it makes it a perfect pre- or post-game regimen or an on-going program that can be done at home. These movements are excellent for gaining flexibility in the upper back and arms while accessing abdominal and leg stability. The accompanying Gyro42
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• Learn proper lower body movement, with correct foot and ankle
tonic form of exercise is done on special, torturous-looking machines. The pulley tower, for example, looks a little like a Pilates reformer crossed with a cable row machine — a wooden rack to lie on with cabled handles to grab and a rotational handle unit. This method systematically and gently works the joints and muscles through rhythmic and undulating exercises. The system works the entire body through seven natural elements of spinal movement: forward, backward, left side, right side, left spiral, right spiral and circular, as well as all other joint articulation. Postures are not held for long periods of time. Movements are smoothly and harmoniously connected through the use of breath. Unlike conventional exercise
• Movements and weight shift • Improve your hip turn with rotational motions • Loosen and strengthen your lower back with rocking motions • Get the proper weight shift on the swing with side to side movement
programs and their machines which utilize linear movement patterns, Gyrotonic incorporates three-dimensional circular motion to promote coordinated and efficient movement throughout the body while simultaneously strengthening the muscular attachments and ligaments. This circular approach to movement bridges the gap between contraction and
extension and brings balance to the musculoskeletal structure. This is done by utilizing the natural patterns and shapes in the human body, which are comprised of circles and spirals. This makes it a perfect pre- or postgame regimen or an ongoing program that can be done at home. These movements are excellent for gaining flexibility in the upper back and arms while accessing abdominal and leg stability. Fluidity is key in golf as it is in Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis; each movement is coordinated with breath, rhythm, and tempo. Each exercise has a flow and sequence using only as much energy as necessary to produce the maximum or minimum force. It is efficient, flowing, rhythmic movement that will transfer to your golf swing.
Efficiency of Movement
Golfers are a wonderful market for Gyrotonic teachers because the system helps open tight hamstrings and lower backs, improves and balances spinal rotation and helps stabilize the pelvis. Most golfers intuitively “get” that Gyrotonic methodology is good for them, as soon as the first session…and it feels good! The most frequently reported changes in the body include postural improvement and alignment awareness. At the foundation of Gyrotonic is a profound sense of stability and strength in the lower back created partially by its focus on abdominal and core strength. For most athletes and clients the result is decreased incidence
of sports-related injury and lower back pain. Gyrotonic exercises go beyond conventional strength training. These movements give golfers the best combination of strength training and flexibility training for the muscular system. Balance and realignment is the key to creating normal, natural movement for golfers. This exercise system has multiple exercises for every part of the body and each movement involved in the golf swing, it will help you increase and strengthen your hip and shoulder turn, improve your cardiovascular fitness and make the whole body more open and flexible. I find with my clients it also improves “muscle recruitment” – one of the most important and most often overlooked benefits of exercise. Does your body respond the way you want it to while exercising or playing golf? Practicing control of any coordinated movement will translate to your game. In essence, when performing Gyrotonic or Gyrokenesis exercises with control, you are practicing golf swings with control. They are both movements of the whole body that start from the ground up and spiral in rotation to finish. In Gyrotonic, you are training movements and not muscles. Muscles work better in concert and synergy. With proper training, any motion becomes more efficient, from sitting to standing up to walking or swinging a golf club. Gyrotonic exercises produce improved quality and increased efficiency in movement by teaching your body to use the right muscles in the right order to do the job. Inherently, your body will use a stronger muscle; whichever muscle is available to help while swinging the club if the one it is supposed to use is too weak, fatigued, or lacks balance. If your core can’t support you sufficiently during the golf swing, your body will cheat by using the muscle that is available to help – even if it’s the wrong one. Oftentimes that’s the reason you begin to ache. In reality the idea of all athletic training is to use the right muscles to do the job, to use no more than is needed to produce quality and efficient movement—as much as necessary, as little as possible. Let’s face it; there is nothing natural or symmetrical about the golf swing. Constantly moving in ways that unbalance the body leads to stresses,
strains, and imbalances. Therefore golfers need to take extra effort to work on creating balance and alignment off of the course. Correct alignment in the body allows for efficient movement, placing minimal stress on joints, ligaments and muscle tissue to help avoid injury. Perfect alignment in golf is twofold: There must be external alignment to the target and alignment on the green to the break or hole, and there also must be physical alignment of the shoulder girdle, pelvis, hip, knee and ankle. Every sport has it’s own particular physical liabilities, however the torque and stress of the golf swing eventually lead many of the nation’s 29 million plus golfers to seek medical attention. These injuries can come from overuse, from bad technique, lack of core fitness or a combination of all of the above. The Gyrotonic Expansion system counteracts those liabilities and rebalances by retraining the body to overcome its natural tendencies and compensations, which may result in lower scores, longer and more consistent drives, and reduced risk of injuries. Gyrotonic principles offer precise movement skills which when performed repeatedly and consistently with rhythm and tempo controlled via the breath and will of the mind will lead to greater strength, stability and flexibility—all the components of a great golf swing! It seems that with many people who play golf there is a perception that you don’t need to stretch or prepare yourself as you would another form of physical activity. That is simply not true. Movement prep and regeneration should be a part of any athletic endeavor, including golf. If you are lucky enough to have a certified Gyrotonic or Gyrokinesis instructor in your area I would recommend you take several lessons however Gyrokinesis DVD’s can be purchased for at home use and are a great way to warm up before teeing off and to stretch out after a tough day on the course. As effective as Gyrotonic is for retraining the body, no amount of movement or any other “workout” regimen can compensate for poor skill and technique during the golf swing. Practicing proper swing technique is essential, and working with a good teaching golf professional will be beneficial for improving your skill level. 2012 | high country Golf
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Links lovers Even duffers have a soft spot for golf outings By Austin Richardson
Golf: It’s a four-hour walk in beautiful weather spoiled by a little white ball. In fact, it’s not unusual to find folks who prefer the trappings of golf to the sport itself. ¶ Recently a young lady in Eagle County described exactly what she liked about a day on the course.”I like driving the cart, having a few cocktails and hanging around outside,” she said. ¶ And she’s not alone. Golf is an event, a journey — a way of life. Listed here are some fun things associated with golf that may or may not have very much to do with the game itself. And while not everyone is looking to beat the club’s low score, it’s a meaningful diversion nonetheless.
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high country Golf | 2012
¤ Wooden clubs
There’s something about wooden clubs: They’ve got “feel” like graphite never could. Kevlar, the newest in the hightech realm of golf equipment, is durable but also lacks the “feel” of wood and steel. Just like Billy Barou in “Caddyshack,” try to increase your cache by carrying a specialty club in your bag for special occasions. Talk about a conversation piece.
¤ Quotable movies
Speaking of golf movies, there is always room for quotes. “Caddyshack” is, of course, the most quotable golf movie out there. Drop these quotes at any time and see what happens. Chances are you’ll find someone in the next cart able to quote the movie, or perhaps even finish the quote you’ve started. A fun game you can play during rain delays is ... finish that “Caddyshack” quote. Once everyone is safely under shelter, break the ice by saying, “So, does anyone here know the movie ‘Caddyshack?’” Just wait for everyone to nod and smile and then start going around shooting out quotes. You’d be surprised at how much fun this game is.
¤ Beer
Yellow bubbly is mandatory for a successful golf outing. Whether it’s safely stowed in a cooler on the cart, or is handed over by a smiling cart girl who was put on the course to cater especially to you, beer makes a difference. And the “Don’t drink before 5” rule doesn’t apply on the course.
¤ Hole 19
Part of the “true science” of the equipment comes during the round of drinks directly following your round. This is a chance for the tech-savvy golfer to truly shine. This is where each golfer is able to show off his or her new toys in precise detail. Scientific things appeal to the resort golfer. What better time and place to show off your new laser rangefinder, GPS unit, or pocket caddie from Sky Mall. But make no mistake — these are the items that make golf fun. A recent check of Sky Mall via google, reveals this gem: a swing calculator watch. Now coming from a long line of tech-savvy brothers, this appeals to me. They’ve come up with algorhythms to show poor golf shots via computer-generated measurements. That always makes me wonder about the validity of computer-generated swing tests. The video camera is undoubtedly the best tool for analyzing your swing, but what matters most are results.
¤ Friends
Golf isn’t nearly as fun if you’re flying solo. Not only can you witness each other’s stellar (or less than that) shots, but also you can rib each other about unplayable lies and hole-in-one dreams. And after the round has been played, everyone can head into the clubhouse and indulge in a golf-themed cocktail. Cheers.
The 29th Annual
WINE IN THE PINES
Please join us for this historical 29th annual event benefiting Cerebral Palsy of Colorado, commemorating 66 years of service to Colorado families.
October 19 & 20, 2012 at Keystone Resort
For the wine lover who thinks they have tasted it all...we quite possibly will change your world. Indulge in some of Colorado’s most savory cuisine prepared flawlessly by Keystone’s foremost chefs paired with exquisite wines from around the world.
2012 | high country Golf
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instruction
All golfers, no matter their level of play, want to improve. Golf is a hard game and nothing is more satisfying than beating your friends or simply being better than they are; golf is a direct link to one’s ego. In order to get better you first have to recognize what is happening within your game that’s keeping you from playing the way you want. Secondly, you must understand the learning process and learning style you possess in order to maturate your learning curve at a more rapid pace. ¶ The golf ball does not care how much money you have, how good a football player you were in high school or how many widgets you have sold to date. It’s like the old computer programmer saying, “Garbage in equals garbage out.” Thus you must put your ego aside in order to learn effectively and for the long term. No one is exempt from the learning process of habit elimination or re-programming – not even Tiger.
learning to learn Easy steps to getting the most from golf instruction By Tom F. Stickney II Illustration by sandra berardi
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high country Golf | 2012
Here are a few questions in order to help you “take” a lesson and get the most out of it and your time spent on the practice tee. 1 What are your goals? As your instructor, the first question we must answer together is what are your goals? Not mine for you, but yours? This will be the foundation on which all other fundamental components of your lesson are built. Make a mistake and deceive yourself, and it will cost you. If you tell me you are tired of your “over-the-top slice” and want more than anything else to cure it for good, then I will take you down the anti-slice road — and disregard the other parts of your game until it’s time to address them. However, if you tell me that even though you slice the golf ball your only desire is to break 100, then I will take you down another road designed for you to break 100 — not one necessarily to cure your slice for good, but control it until we have you breaking 100 successfully. Always remember that your personal golf goals formulate the building blocks of your lesson. Before you take your first lesson this year, take the time for some real introspection and decide for yourself just what are your goals, and prioritize them before you see your pro. It will help both of you in this process. 2 How much time do you devote to playing and practicing? The second question heavily correlates with the first one, and in certain situations it can re-shuffle the above priorities because sometimes a student has unrealistic golf goals. What do I mean? Let me give you my favorite example. A new student is growing tired of a certain shot pattern, so he decides to get a lesson to fix his faulty swing. During the interview process with the professional he tells the pro that his number-one goal is
to fix his shot pattern, period; and he also says that he practices at least three times per week in addition to playing twice on the weekends. But in reality he hits balls once every two weeks and usually it’s before his round on a very cold day, but he plays twice weekly. Based on this student’s practice and playing schedule his goal — to fix his swing for good — is unattainable in the short term. Why? The practice time involved with fixing his fundamental problems will require more of a long-term approach than this golfer has time for. In this case I would highly suggest to this student to re-evaluate his goals, so they may be more attainable in the short term. I did not say he couldn’t improve, but if your practice time is limited, then you must live with taking baby steps, keeping the big goal of total swing correction in mind for later. Teachers will work with you and help you see the time involved with curing any fault in your game, but only if you allow them to. That involves giving them t accurate and correct information concerning your practice schedule. So, after you’ve picked your goals, really check your schedule and then together we’ll format your learning program around it. 3 What type of learner are you? Everyone has a learning style. You are either a visual, verbal or kinesthetic learner, and these styles can even flip-flop depending on what you are working on; one style will fit you most often. I try very hard to ascertain what type of learner my student is before I start the lesson — if I don’t I could be in trouble. Many teachers try and use the same learning style on all of their students, and sadly they are only successful one third of the time. This is where instructor communication is misunderstood. You always hear about this teacher’s communication versus another one’s, but it goes much deeper than that. Even if I instantly knew everything there ever was to know about the golf swing, by using the incorrect learning process with any one of you, I still wouldn’t be successful in teaching you effectively. Now, did we have problems because I didn’t know what I was talking about? No, it was because I tried to teach you with the wrong approach; my communication might have been perfect using the wrong
style with you. Knowledge is only one aspect of teaching and is very important, but student learning styles are also very important and this is really what successful communication is all about. Let’s examine the three styles so you can find the one describing yourself: • Visual learners need pictures, images, and concrete things in which to formulate their differences against. • Verbal learners need an analytical, step-by-step, language-based process in which to follow. It must make sense verbally for it to work. • Kinesthetic learners need the ability to feel the correct motion versus the incorrect one. They do it without words or pictures. This type of learner is the “I learn by doing” type of person. Each style has its certain advantages over the others, and very few successful “Big Name” teaching professionals fail to understand what type of learning process their students work best with. Remember, your teaching professional has an obligation to you. They must be educated to the fullest extent possible, and they must understand how to teach their styles effectively regardless of the learning process you need. In today’s high-tech learning centers (such as mine at Cordillera) I try and use the technology necessary for you to improve (within your particular learning style) as much as possible. It is much easier for people to learn if they have an understanding of what it is they want and how they are to get there via technology. Be aware: If you just can’t grasp what you’re doing with your pro, presently check out his knowledge of learning styles and how to teach you using a different one. But be prepared, he might only know how to explain “his” style of teaching in just one way, and this will severely limit his effectiveness with you. Because of this you might have to make a change. Understand the three questions necessary for the proper lesson program you need, make sure your pro knows what he’s doing when it comes to learning styles, and make sure you give him the proper information so he can help you as much as possible. After all, every improvement you make on your game will lead to the ultimate goal: a justified golf ego. 2012 | high country Golf
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golf lingo Toss the balls - Each player
Yips - When you can’t make a short
in the group will toss their ball towards the yardage marker to determine the order of play. The closest one goes first, second closest goes second and so on.
putt to save your life. Usually caused by nerves or anger. “I’ve got the yips”.
Waggle - A relaxing motion a golfer makes when addressing the ball by waving the club over the ball
Let the Big Dog Eat - Hitting your driver or 1 wood.
Dance Floor - Hitting the ball on the green. It can be used anytime but really it means your on in regulation. On in regulation - This is the
In the leather - Commonly, when playing and no betting is involved people will “gimme” putts that are inside the leather. That is, closer to the hole than the length between the club head and the bottom of the grip of your putter.
Ball Mark - The indentation left when your ball hits the green. Not to be confused with a ball marker which you use to mark the place on the green your ball landed.
Good Good - A reciprocal gimme
Chili-dipper - During your swing
situation. “If you gimme my putt, I’ll give you yours”.
you hit the ground first taking a divot and spraying it over the ball. Usually the ball goes a very short distance with a lot of top spin.
Pin high - Hitting the ball the correct length but off target so the ball lands off the green but perpendicular to the hole.
expected number of shots it would take a scratch golfer to get on the green. 1 shot on a par 3, 2 shots on a par 4, 3 shots on a par 5.
Honors - The person with the
Fried egg - Your ball lands in the
Out - Being the farthest away from
sand trap and is mostly beneath the level of the sand.
the hole. The implication being, that that person hits first.
Hook - A severe right to left
Ready golf - Any player that’s
curvature in the path of the ball flight. Usually due to an inside out swing path or turning your wrists over on impact.
ready can go ahead and hit. This rule is applied on the tee box, fairway and green. It helps speed things up.
Knockdown - Hitting the ball
Up and down - Chipping on to
with a low flat swing plane and a short follow through meant to keep the ball in a low trajectory.
the green and 1putting.
Lag putt - Putts that no one would expect to make. 20 feet and out.
Gimme - A short putt that another
lowest score on the last hole hits first off the tee. If there’s a tie then honors carry over from the previous hole.
Beached - In a sand trap. Hit a House - This is what you exclaim when you’ve put way to much power into a putt.
Fore - Yell this loudly if an errant shot is headed for another group.
Nineteenth hole - The best part about the round. The club house bar.
Skull - Hitting the ball in the middle with the front edge of your club.
Shank - Hitting the ball of the hozel of your club.
Sand Save - Getting up and down from the bunker.
Worm burner - Hitting a ball straight down the fairway that gets about three feet off the ground.
courtesy of: lifehacker
player doesn’t make you hit into the cup. As in “Is this a gimme?”
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high country Golf | 2012
course listing
Eagle County
Type| Semi-private, 18 holes, par 72 Green fees| Guest: 18 holes, $35-$49 Tee times| Available Online Dress Code| No jeans and proper golf attire is required Designer| Pete Dye info| Nestled in the Gypsum Valley, Cotton Ranch is an 18 hole Championship course for players of all abilities. Gypsum Creek travels through many of the holes, with spectacular views of the Red Table Mountains, New York Mountains and Castle Peak. Directions| Take I-70 west to exit 140 (Gypsum), turn and go 3/4 miles to Valley Road. Turn right on Valley Road, go 1 mile south; course is on the right.
Red Sky Golf Club redskygolfclub.com 376 Red Sky Road, Wolcott 970-477-8400
Green fees| $180-$225; Caddies are mandatory for 18 hole courses if you choose to walk. Valley Course: Private. Short Course: $85, includes cart. Mountain Course: $225 per person, after 2:30 p.m. only. Reserve 24 hours in advance. Summit Course: $225 per person, after 2:30 p.m. only. Reserve 24 hours in advance. Tee times| From 7 a.m., no tee times online Dress Code| No denim, collared shirt and Bermuda shorts required; metal spikes not allowed. info| Season is May 1 - Oct 31 (closed on Mondays) Directions| I-70 to Edwards exit, north to Hwy. 6, go right, then left on Squaw Creek Rd., follow signs.
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Eagle Springs Golf Club eaglesprings.com 28251 US Hwy. 6 & 24, Wolcott 970-926-4400
Eagle-Vail Golf Club eaglevailgolfclub.com 431 Eagle Drive, Avon 800-949-5267
Type| Public, 18 holes, par 72 Green fees| (From June 25) Guest: 18 holes, $99; 9 holes, $55. Eagle County resident: 18 holes, $79; 9 holes, $45 Tee times| Three days in advance, available online Dress Code| Traditional golf attire Designer| Arnold Palmer
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Type| Public, 18 holes, par 72 Green fees| (Vary depending on time of year and time of day) Guest: 18 holes, $47-$98 Eagle-Vail resident: $38-$78 Eagle County resident: $42-$88
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Sonnenalp Golf course. Photo by Dann Coffey
Gypsum Creek Golf Course Gypsumcreekgolf.com 530 Cotton Ranch Dr., Gypsum 970-524-6200
Eagle Ranch Golf Club eagleranchgolf.com 50 Lime Park Drive, Eagle 866-328-3232
info| Several water hazards will test your accuracy as the course plays through the Brush Creek Valley. Meanwhile, the views of the surrounding Sawatch Mountains will test your concentration. Five sets of tees ranging from 5,400 to 7,500 yards provide an enjoyable and challenging design for golfers of all skill levels. Directions| Take I-70 west to exit 147 (Eagle). Head south 1/2 mile to Highway 6. Head west to Sylvan Lake Road and turn left. Follow signs to the course.
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Country Club of the Rockies countrycluboftherockies.com 676 Sawatch Drive, Edwards 970-926-2111
Cordillera Courses cordillera-vail.com 0101 Legends Dr., Edwards, CO 970-926-5950 Type| semi-private, members & guests Three courses plus a short course:
Sonnenalp Golf Club sonnenalp.com 1265 Berry Creek Road, Edwards 970-477-5370
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continued on page 52
2012 | high country Golf
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COURSE LISTING
VAIL GOLF CLUB
VAILGOLFCLUB.NET
970.479.2260 | 888.709.3939 RANGE OF GREEN FEES: EARLY SEASON: $30 - $64 PEAK SEASON: $55 - $107 EAGLE COUNTY RESIDENT RATES AVAILABLE
1 A MUST PLAY IN THE VAIL VALLEY ∫ Highlighted by views of the Gore Mountain Range, Vail’s mountain-style, 18-hole course features unique fairways, smooth putting surfaces and a scenic layout amidst the White River National Forest. The fairways are tree-lined and generally flat, but numerous greenside and fairway bunkers, as well as beaver ponds will test a golfer’s accuracy. Vail’s course features 7,024 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. A course rating of 70.8 and slope rating of 121 make it a truly spectacular experience for golfers of all skill levels. Recognized by Golf Digest as a “Top 100 Resort Course,” golfers enjoy watching their balls fly 10 percent farther in Vail’s high altitude environment, while they challenge themselves on greens that follow the Gore Creek and lay adjacent to the White River National Forest. Designed and built by one of Vail’s pioneers, Ben Krueger in 1962, Vail’s course continues to be thought of by many as one of the best courses in the Vail Valley-- a must play among locals and guests alike. Once the golf course is blanketed with snow, it serves as Vail’s Nordic Center. 50 52
high HIGHcountry COUNTRYGolf GOLF | | 2012 2012
2 THE YOUTH FOUNDATIONS’ FIRST TEE OF EAGLE COUNTY JUNIOR GOLF CAMPS: June, July, August ∫ Youth golfers of all levels can join the Vail Golf Club staff for this unique junior golf program that teaches children life lessons through the game of golf. For the past six years, the Vail Golf Club has partnered with the Youth Foundation via its junior camps, which instills crucial life skills including honesty, responsibility, integrity, honesty, judgment, respect, courtesy, confidence, sportsmanship and perseverance, all through the game of golf. The Vail Golf Club will be offering Junior Camps throughout the summer including a two-day camp from 10 a.m. to noon June 19-20 for $59 per child. Three-day camps will take place from 10 a.m. to noon July 10-12, July 24-26 and July 31 to Aug 2 for $85 per child. Teen camps will take place on Fridays beginning June 29 and cost $100 for five sessions or $25 day-of. Call 970-479-2260 for details.
3 PGA TOUR ACADEMY JUNIOR CAMPS: June 24-28 and Aug. 13-17 Ages 12 to 18 ∫ PPGA Tour Academy Junior Camps will be complete with focus on the mental aspect of the game, as well as proper practice routines, tournament preparation and the opportunities for college golf will occur. Costs are $1,195 for the June overnight camp and $995 for commuter campers, which includes lodging at Manor Vail Lodge, seminars, guest speakers, video analysis and on-course instruction. Costs for the August camp are $495 for the fullday and $275 for a half-day camp. Registration is underway with details available at www.pgatourcamps.com/ VailGolfClubPricing..
JUNIOR GOLF PHOTO BY JACK AFFLECK/ VAIL SUMMER | COURSE PHOTO BY MARK DOOLITTLE.
1778 VAIL VALLEY DRIVE VAIL, CO 81657
CREATE MEMORIES
Photo by Jack Affleck
Located next to the 18th green, come enjoy a magnificent meal and view at our Happy Valley Grill. 970-479-7321 www.happyvalleyvail.com
Free App with course information, yardages for the course when you play, book tee times, restaurant menu and more.
P U B L I C
W E L C O M E
Call to book your tee time today and enjoy golfing with views of the Gore Mountain Range and White River National Forest. Classic 18-hole golf course, balls fly an average of 20% farther. ���������������������So You Can Enjoy The Rest of Your Day
970-479-2260 | vailgolfclub.net O P E R A T2012 E D B| Yhigh V A Icountry L R E C R EGolf A T I O N 51 DISTRICT 2011 | HIGH COUNTRY GOLF
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course listing Tee times| Three days in advance Dress Code| No denim, collared shirt and Bermuda shorts required, non-metal spikes only. Designer| Devlin/VonHagge info| A real mountain-style course good for all abilities. Not over-long, plays up and downhill criss-crossing the Eagle River. Eagle-Vail also has Willow Creek, a 9-hole, par 3 course. Directions| West on I-70 to Eagle-Vail exit, left under the highway, take first left on Eagle Road, to Eagle Drive, go right to the course up the hill.
Beaver Creek Golf Club beavercreek.snow.com 103 Offerson Road, Avon 970-845-5775
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Vail Golf Club vailrec.com 1778 Vail Valley Drive, Vail 970-479-2260 Type| Public, 18 holes, par 71 Green fees| Guest, high season: 18 holes, $80; 9 holes, $45 Tee times| Up to six months in advance Dress Code| No denim, proper golf attire Designer| Ben Kruger info| A traditional-style course, treelined. Not a lot of hidden trouble, a very playable but challenging course. Greens always in good shape with beautiful views of the Gore Range. Directions| Take I-70 to exit 176 (main Vail exit). Head east on South Frontage Road for 2 miles to Vail Valley Drive.
Summit County
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Copper Creek Golf Club coppercolorado.com 104 Wheeler Place, Copper Mountain 970-968-2882 Tee Times 866-286-1663 Type| Resort, 18 holes, par 69 Green fees| Greens fees range from $29 to $72. For Tee times call 866-286-1663.
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high country Golf | 2012
Tee times| 7 days in advance, from 8 a.m. Dress Code| No jeans, collared shirt required Designer| Pete & Perry Dye info| At 9,700 feet, this is North America’s Highest 18 Hole Golf Course. The front nine of this course winds through natural alpine terrain, pines, numerous lakes and streams. The back nine changes in character as the fairways cut through the forest and the scant remains of a 19th century mining town. Pete and Perry Dye’s incorporation of the natural alpine terrain, unique use of railroad tie bulkheads and elaborate mound systems present unique challenges and scenic pleasures. Directions| Take I-70 to exit 195. Proceed 1/4 mile to Copper Road and turn left on Golf Course Drive.
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Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks ravenatthreepeaks.com 2929 Golden Eagle Road, Silverthorne 970-262-3636 Type| Semi-private, 18 holes, par 72 Green fees| Open to May 27: $75 (morning until 1 p.m.), $60 (after 1 p.m.), $45 for nine holes, $28 (junior). May 27 through June 10: $130 (morning until 1 p.m.), $110 (after 1 p.m.), $97.50 for nine holes, $40 (junior). June 11 through September 6: $165 (morning until 1 p.m.), $130 (after 1 p.m.), $123.75 for nine holes, $40 (junior). September 7 through close: $140 (morning until 1 p.m.), $110 (after 1 p.m.), $60 for nine holes, $28 (junior). Tee times| Available online Dress Code| Collared shirt, no cutoffs
denim, or sweats, spikeless shoes. Designer| Tom Lehman/Hurdzan Fry info| The Raven at Three Peaks offers an appealing blend of traditional and contemporary architectural design styles. Directions| Take I-70 to exit 205 (Dillon/Silverthorne). Head north on Highway 6; entrance is 3 miles up on the left.
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The River Course at Keystone keystone.snow.com GolfKeystone.com 155 River Course Dr., Keystone 970-496-1520 Type| Resort, 18 holes, par 71 Green fees| $55 - $170, dependent on season and time of day. All golf rates include golf car rental and practice balls. Tee times| Available online or by calling the golf shops Dress Code| Traditional golf attire required. No denim. Golf slacks, shorts or skirt, collared shirt or golf blouse and soft spike or tennis shoes Designer| Hurzdan/Fry info| The par-35 front nine is oriented around the path of the Snake River and the par-36 back nine winds through a lodgepole pine forest. Impressive elevation changes, variable bunkers, and water hazards combine to challenge golfers of all levels, but five sets of tees on each hole allow players of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy the course. Directions| Take I-70 to exit 205 (Dillon/Silverthorne). Go south on Highway 6 for 5 miles to the Elk Run neighborhood in Keystone, follow signs. continued on page 55
keystone river rance hole #4
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course listing
• Golf car rental, practice facility access and practice balls. • Friends & family rate of $100 per person per round, when playing with pass holder. • At Keystone kids play for free every day after 5 PM with a paying adult.
2 keystone ranch restaurant
Keystone Keystone boasts two amazing Colorado golf courses and thirty-six incredible, championship holes. Imagine teeing off what is seemingly the edge of the world, launching your ball into the light, clear, Rocky Mountain air. At Keystone, you’re in for some of the greatest golfing of your life in one of the most spectacular settings you’ll ever experience.
1 Get Your Game on with Keystone’s Season Passes
The River Course at Keystone – Is open! Rates from $85
ALL 2012 GOLF PASSES INCLUDE: • Play at both Keystone Ranch and The River Course (except Ranch Summer Fore Pack).
This par-71, Hurdzan-Fry course brings an element of drama to your game. Impressive elevation changes, variable bunkers, water hazards, and five sets of tees on each hole combine to challenge golfers of all abilities. Total yardage is 4,762 - 6,886. Open May 5 - October 7.
∫ Choose from Summer Fore Packs, Couple’s, Stand-by and Earlie Birdie Passes starting from $550.
∫ After your round, experience our extraordinary fusion of the Colorado frontier and fine dining at the Keystone Ranch Restaurant. Meander through a luxurious five-course dinner featuring Colorado cuisine and wild game specialties. Or choose a soup or salad entree and dessert starting from $45. The Ranch is a AAA Four Diamond™ restaurant and a Wine Spectator DiRoNa winner and recognized as one of the Best Restaurants in Colorado by the prestigious Zagat Survey®. Reservations required. Call 800-354-4FUN (4386)
The Keystone Ranch Golf Course – Rates from $85 Take your game to a higher level on this challenging, classic mountain golf course. This par-72 course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., features slight elevation changes and spectacular views. Total yardage is 5,582 - 7,090. Open weekends June 1-17. Open daily June 22 - September 30.
ELEVATE YOUR GAME.
Reserve tee times at golfkeystone.com or call the golf shops:
The River Course 970.496.1520 Keystone Ranch 970.496.4250 All golf pricing includes greens fees, golf car rental & practice facility access.
Two amazing golf courses. 36 incredible championship holes. Jaw-dropping views. At Keystone, you’re in for some of the greatest golfing of your life and one of the most spectacular settings you’ll ever experience.
STAY & PL AY PACK AGES AVAIL ABLE ALL SEASON FROM $126 PER PERSON CALL 888.286.6132 OR VISIT KEYSTONEGOLF.COM
Featured rate based on weekday stay 6/15/12 - 9/2/12, double occupancy at the Inn at Keystone and two rounds of golf at The Ranch. Pet rooms require a nightly fee. Other dates, rates and properties available. ©2012 Vail Summit Resorts, Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks are the property of Vail Trademarks, Inc.
2012 | high country Golf
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COURSE LISTING
experience
the
beauty
of the
game
RAVEN GOLF CLUB AT THREE PEAKS 2929 GOLDEN EAGLE ROAD SILVERTHORNE, CO 80498 WWW.RAVENATTHREEPEAKS.COM
970.262.3636
RANGE OF GREEN FEES: PEAK SEASON: $75 - $165 SUMMIT COUNTY RESIDENT RATES AVAILABLE TYPE: Semi-private, 18 holes, par 72 TEE TIMES: Available online DRESS CODE: Collared shirt, no cutoffs denim, or sweats, spikeless shoes. DESIGNER: Tom Lehman/Hurdzan Fry INFO: The Raven at Three Peaks offers an appealing blend of traditional and contemporary architectural design styles. DIRECTIONS: Take I-70 to exit 205 (Dillon/Silverthorne). Head north on Highway 6; entrance is 3 miles up on the left.
2929 Golden Eagle Road, Silverthorne, CO
970.262.3636
www.ravenatthreepeaks.com 54 52
high HIGH country COUNTRY Golf GOLF || 2012 2012
1 HOLE #16 – KING SOLOMON – PAR 5 ∫ The signature hole embodies all of the traits of the Raven Golf Club. While you are standing on the tee box you will experience stunning views of the valley below. As your tee shot flies down the middle of the fairway you could be rewarded with a little extra distance as there are several tiers in the fairway almost always enabling you to have a flat lie after your tee shot. Your may be tempted to go for this green in two as your second shot will be downhill to a green guarded on both the left and right side by a generous bunkers. The large green has several mounds that will challenge even the most experienced golfer.
2 THE RAVEN GOLF CLUB EXPERIENCE ∫ The course can challenge players of all abilities. From the 1st Tee to the 18th green you will find a golf course that rewards you for your good shots. From the backdrop of the mountains as you hit to the 6th green, to the dramatic tee shot of the par 3 8th hole, the steep elevation change on the 9th hole, the challenging Par 3’s on Holes #12 and #14. As you walk off the 18th green you will truly realize that playing golf at the Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks is an experience this is not soon forgotten.
course listing
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Keystone Ranch Golf Course keystone.snow.com golfkeystone.com 1239 Keystone Ranch Road, Keystone 970-496-3510 Type| Resort, 18 holes, par 72 Green fees| $55 - $140, dependent on season and time of day. All golf rates include golf car rental and practice balls. Tee times| Available online or by calling the golf shop Dress Code| Traditional golf attire required. No denim. Golf slacks, shorts or skirt, collared shirt or golf blouse and soft spike or tennis shoes Designer| Robert Trent Jones, Jr. info| Winding through lodgepole pines, around sage meadows and across a 9-acre lake, this par-72 course features slight elevation changes and many bunkers. Keystone Ranch follows the legendary links-style of a Scottish course on the front nine, while the back nine presents a traditional mountain valley layout.
Directions| Take I-70 to exit 205 (Dillon/Silverthorne). Go south on Highway 6 for 6 miles to the stoplight in Keystone. Turn right and follow signs.
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Breckenridge Golf Club breckenridgegolfclub.com 200 Clubhouse Drive, Breckenridge 970-453-9104 Type| Public, Three courses, 27 holes, each 9 is par 36 Green fees| 18-holes with cart; Low Season $81, $130 High Season. Tee times| Four days in advance, or prepay and save by booking online for any day during the season Dress Code| Collared shirt, no cutoffs, denim OK, soft spikes required Designer| Jack Nicklaus info| Owned by the Town of Breckenridge, this course has the distinction of being the only municipal, 27-hole Jack Nicklaus course in the world. A tough, rugged course situated at 9,324 feet above sea level, Breck-
enridge features three different 18-hole rotations in combination. Directions| 2 miles north of Breckenridge or from, I-70 exit 203. Head south for 7 miles to Highway 9. Go left on Tiger Road.
Misc.
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Mount Massive Golf Course mtmassivegolf.com 259 County Road 5, Leadville 719-486-2176 Type| Public, 9 holes, par 36 Green fees| 18 holes- $26-$38; 9 holes- $14-$22; Kids under 12 play free Tee times| 30 days in advance Dress Code| Shirt and Shoes Required Designer| Adolph Kuss info| Located on the outskirts of Leadville. Set in the open spaces of the Arkansas River Valley near the river’s headwaters, ringed by the tallest mountains in the state, surrounded by ranchland and forest, it has a truly spectacular setting without a condo in sight.
Mt. Massive Golf Course
mean rangers
Mount Massive Golf Course
mtmassivegolf.com 259 County Road 5, Leadville 719.486.2176 | 888.909.6966
Type: Public, 9 holes, PAR 36 Green fees: 18 holes- $26-$38; 9 holes- $14-$22; Kids under 12 play free* Tee times: 30 days in advance Designer: Adolph Kuss Directions: Take I-70 to Highway 91 south to Leadville. The course is five minutes west of town off 6th Street. *Some restrictions apply.
JUST FUN!
more fun at high altitude ∫ There is nothing stuffy about the golf experience at Mt. Massive Golf Course. In fact they are pioneers of putting fun back into golf! Guests will immediately notice the absence of two presumed requisites: golf rangers and rigid dress codes. Yes, you read that correctly, golfers at Mt. Massive are able to enjoy the sport at their own comfort level between May and October. This affordable and friendly course caters to over 20,000 rounds annually. It is conditioned and maintained to a level that rivals the nearby resort courses.
At 9,680' elevation, Lake County’s Mt. Massive Golf Course claims distinction as the highest golf course on the continent. It offers outstanding and ever-changing views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Located near Turquoise Lake, 3 ½ miles west of historic Leadville.
Club & Cart Rentals Food & Beverage
Secluded • Accessible Mt. Massive Golf Course is a world away from I-70, but only a short drive. Crisp air, towering peaks, and a friendly staff await your visit. Shopping, dining and Victorian charm are minutes away in nearby Leadville.
Open May Through October
A professionally-maintained and operated public golf course with reasonable rates.
Check our web specials www.mtmassivegolf.com (719) 486-2176
2012 | high country Golf
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road trip time Where to go to play if the weather isn’t cooperating By Chris Freud
The Hole in the Sky
It’s usually around the time of the Masters Tournament. One sees the familiar holes on TV, and even the most ardent skier or snowboarder knows it’s time
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to break out the sticks. The only problem is that it’s still winter in Summit County and parts of Eagle County. So where do you go? We are here to serve.
Technically, the phrase belongs to Gypsum Creek Golf Club, but the western portion of Eagle County is much lower in altitude. That means Gypsum Creek, as well as Eagle Ranch, are the first to open every year on this side of the pass in Eagle County. Previously the semi-private Cotton Ranch, the town of Gypsum runs the Pete Dye design, which is really easy on the wallet. Eighteen holes with a cart maxes out at $54 in the peak season. Gypsum Creek is best-known for its mesa holes — Nos. 4-8. Avoid big numbers here, which is no mean feat, and you’re on your way to a good round. Your tee shot on No. 5 needs to clear the drink, and in true Pete Dye-fashion, there really is more fairway out there than it appears. The approach is usually a wedge over a gully onto a very small green. The par-5 sixth is a beast. It’s 547 yards from the regular men’s tees and it’s a three-shotter for anyone not on of the PGA Tour. Aim a bit right because the thin fairway slopes lefts. Just avoid the sage brush here and head to the next tee.
Golf is a day spent in a round of strenuous idleness.
~William Wordsworth
One gets off the mesa with the par-3 eighth. It measures 161 yards, but plays 120-130, depending on the wind. Clubbing down is a darn good idea here. The back nine is more wide open, including two reachable par-5s, a way of nursing whatever wounds might have been taken on the front. Eagle Ranch is outstanding all year round, and offers a Value Season Pass for golf from opening day-May 25 and Sept. 24-close. The only Arnold Palmer course in the area is marked by “The Twins,” the lengthy par-4 ninth and 18th holes, which are separated by all-too-inviting water. The back nine at Eagle Ranch really takes golfers for a ride, starting with the par-3 11th, which is somewhat affectionately called, “the shortest par-5” in the county. If there’s a tough tougher set of finishing holes than Nos. 16-18 at Eagle Ranch, we’d like to see them. (Sort of.)
some nice bounces from bowled fairways and amphitheater-style greens. Do save some extra golf balls for the home hole at Lakota with an intimidating tee shot, followed by a risk-reward decision on your second shot. It’s a long carry and a very small green, which is our way of saying that most people play this in three or more shots. Either way, Lakota Canyon is worth the drive. Rifle Creek, just outside of Rifle, is another good road trip. It’s two different nines as they were built separately. The front is pretty straight-forward, which is just fine, if you’re working out the kinks. The back is definitely mountain-style, target golf. Nos. 16 and 17 are doglegs with opportunities to cut the corners if you dare. In Parachute is Battlement Mesa. It’s definitely more wide open than mountain courses in Eagle and Summit counties. That said, one doesn’t play with the Colorado River to your left for four holes very often either.
Eastbound and down Denver offers tons of early- and lateseason golf, especially for those in Summit County. But the perfect trip is Fossil Trace in Golden just off 470 as one drives out of the foothills. It’s just an hour from Frisco, Silverthorne and Dillon and a completely different climate. (By the way, we know from experience, it’s just 90 minutes from Eagle County.) The course gets its name from the fossils that were found on the back nine, where rock outcroppings are a prominent feature. Another Engh design with nice bounces, this course can drive you batty with his undulating greens. That said, there are some memorable shots and it really doesn’t feel like you’re playing in the city.
Go west, young man
Before Gypsum Creek and Eagle Ranch arrived, early- and late-season golfers had to head west on Interstate 70 to find a game. We like to golf everywhere, so we still go to these loops for a road trip. Lakota Canyon in New Castle is just good golf, regardless of the season, and has lower rates for those with driver’s licenses from Eagle and Summit counties. The front nine puts the “E” in elevation change and has three par-5s in the first five holes. The good news is that this is a Jim Engh course, which means you’re going to get 2012 | high country Golf
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high country dining breckenridge
Modis Visit Modis to enjoy eclectic contemporary fare in a relaxing ambience. We offer happy hour daily. Reservations are strongly recommended. Patio dining is available. 970.453.4330 113 South Main St Breckenridge, CO www.modisbreck.com
The Clubhouse Restaurant Have some libations after the links! The Clubhouse Restaurant is located at the Breckenridge Golf Club, join us for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Also visit us at our sister restaurant Burke & Riley’s Irish Pub in La Cima Mall. 970.453.3399 200 Clubhouse Drive, Breckenridge, CO www.theclubhousebreck.com
JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern
Double Diamond Locally owned and operated, the Double Diamond serves up a variety of steaks, sandwiches, pizzas and mouth-watering burgers. Open for lunch and dinner, located in the Foxpine Inn in Copper Mountain. 970.968.2880 154 Wheeler Place Copper Mountain, Colorado
eagle-vail Route 6 Café & Lounge Same great breakfast and lunch but now with a full bar and dinner menu. Bring the kids. New location 1/4 mile west on Rt. 6. A little gourmet, a little red neck. 970.949.6393 Dine on our Patio Open 7 days a week
After a game of golf at the Copper Creek Golf Course step into JJ’s casual setting and enjoy their scrumptious Bar-B-Que. Open daily for lunch and dinner, located on the first floor of Copper Station at the base of the Super Bee Lift. 970.968.2318 ext. 83062 102 Wheeler Circle, Copper Mountain Colorado
COPPER
a Tasting Experience Sample over 50 different olive oils and balsamics. We carry sea salts, fusion sea salts, fusion sugars and loose leaf teas from around the world for you to sample as well. ~~~ We offer bread for dipping into flavors like Tuscan Herb, Wild Mushroom and Sage, and Organic Basil. ~~~ Flavored balsamics imported from Modena Italy, try Dark Chocolate, Blueberry, Mango and a 18 year aged Traditional Balsamic. ~~~ Our Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils are extremely fresh, first cold pressed and always just a few months old.
WE SHIP!
For a cooking experience, try our Himalayan salt plates, cook your food on it and get the 84 trace minerals your body needs, wonderful flavor!
Sample over 50 flavors-sugars & salts, too!
TWO LOCATIONS Breckenridge – Corner of Ski Hill and Main St. & Outlets at Silverthorne, Red Village
BRECKENRIDGE OUTLETS at 970.423.6143 970.468.4908
SILVERTHORNE
COLORADO
The Club at Cordillera World-class golf and amenities
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS, CALL 970.569.6418