High Country Golf Magazine

2013

golf

why this is

p.32

On the clock:

The pace of play

p.39

The Keystone debate: River or Ranch?

p.42

Undercover: The life of the beverage cart

2

high country Golf | 2013

It’s tee tIme In the rockIes!

www.

BreckenridgeDiscountLodging.com

2 nIghts LodgIng and 2 rounds of goLf - from $199* Surround yourself with magnificent scenery while you challenge your game in Breckenridge or Keystone this summer.

Package includes: • 2 Nights Lodging at the Breck Inn • 2 Rounds of Golf at either the Breckenridge Golf Club or Keystone Ranch Golf Course* No need for accommodations? Call us for 2 FREE rounds of golf.

866-337-7646

www.BreckenridgeDiscountLodging .com * Course restritions apply. Golf valid at Breckenridge Golf Course and Keystone Ranch Golf Course for the 2013 season. Additional rates apply at the Breckenridge Golf course 7/1-8/31/13. Qualifications and requirements apply for this offer. Based on availability. Source code SDNG5.

contents

By Chris Freud

Features

Departments

25 | Having a ball

39 | River or Ranch?

Do you get the best performance out of your golf ball? Probably not.

Keystone offers two fantastic 18s. Our advice: Play both.

By Chris Freud

By Aaron Burnett

36 | Get fit

53-54 | 19th hole

A custom fitting of your clubs will improve your game.

The day isn't done after 18 holes. Some suggestions for for dining out in the High Country.

By Aaron Burnett

By Summit and Vail Daily staff

4

high country Golf | 2013

07 | Editor’s Letter 08 | equipment

Good equipment helps 13 | Instruction

Tips from the pro 44 | Where to play

High Country course listings 55 | Dining District

Golf is tough on an empty stomach

On the Cover Beaver Creek Golf Club Jack Afleck

Kristin Anderson/kanderson@vaildaily.com | Linda Mantle swings at the women's tee-box on hole 9 Saturday while playing golf at the Eagle-Vail Golf Club.

16

| golf heaven

The skinny on High Country Golf Courses.

new thinking. new possibilities.

By challenging convention in everything we do, we’re able to find a better way.

The Pla net t hat R ev olv es A round You 1 5 7 0 1 W. C o l f a x A v e . | G o l d e n , C O 8 0 4 0 1 | 8 0 0 - 7 5 8 - 0 3 1 9 | p l a n e t h y u n d a i . c o m

2013 | high country Golf

5

Synthetic Turf Putting Greens

Synthetic Green Builders

Landscape Grass

June — September | 2013 volume 8 Publisher Matt Sandberg msandberg@cmnm.org Managing Editor Chris Freud cfreud@vaildaily.com

Putting Greens

marketing director Maggie Butler mbutler@summitdaily.com

Any size shape or contour.

Improve your short game at home!

Low maintenance and true roll.

Contact us today for a free estimate!

Target Greens hold full shots.

Landscape Grass

No watering, fertilizing or mowing needed!

Clean and low maintenance, stays green all year!

1-877-turf-123

Made with eco-friendly, recycled materials.

Putting Greens, Landscape Grass, Bocce Cour ts Roof top Patios, Playgrounds, Dog Runs, Spor ts Fields

GET READY FOR GOLF SEASON

To book a lesson, contact the Aria Club front desk

Assessment, training and golf lessons taught by Vail Golf Club Head Professional Chris Johnson and Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certified Performance Trainer Paul Bersagel

888.824.5772

Sessions starting at $75 Member discounts available

advertising directors Cathy Ethington cethington@vaildaily.com Jason Woodside jwoodside@summitdaily.com creative supervisor Afton Groepper Graphic Designer Malisa Samsel Contributing Writers Aaron Burnett, Heather Jarvis Tom Stickney III, Jessica Smith Contributing Photographers Jack Affleck Kristin Anderson Mark Fox Bret Hartman Alan Kennedy Preston Utley general manager Jim Morgan jmorgan@cmnm.org Printing & prepress Publication Printers Denver, Colorado Summit Daily News Vail Daily Colorado Mountain News Media 200 Lindbergh Drive P.O. Box 1500 Gypsum, Colorado 81637 p. 970.328.6333 | f. 970.328.6409 Copyright Š2013 Colorado Mountain News Media All rights reserved

ARIACLUB.COM | 888.824.5772 | 1300 WESTHAVEN DR | VAIL, CO 81657

6

high country Golf | 2013

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Editor’s letter

Like a lot of passholders on either side of the pass, I do get in that silly, but understandable habit of playing my home course, Eagle-Vail, almost exclusively.

And every year, I mean to change this.

This is going to be the year I’m going to get around a bit. Really, I mean it.

I never played golf until I moved here.

My first summer, I got basic equipment for fishing and golf. My first time fishing, I caught a big rock. (My line got caught.) My first trip to the Willow Creek Par-3 in Eagle-Vail was much more successful.

The first time I swung, heard that beautiful click from the short iron striking the ball and followed the flight of the orb I was hooked. (So much for the fishing gear.)

This will be my 16th summer here, and playing here doesn’t get old. On the first hole, you introduce yourself. Then it’s always fun to have that second-hole conversation.

Truth be told, I have never played the two Keystone courses. I hang my head in shame because I have heard nothing but raves about them. (Thanks to Aaron Burnett for profiling these two loops.)

But that’s one of my goals for the season.

And that’s the point of our cover story this year. There is superb golf at any price level in the High Country between Eagle and Summit counties, and everyone from the tourists to locals should sample the variety of styles offered — from The Raven and Breckenridge in Summit County to Eagle Ranch and Gypsum in Eagle County. You really can’t go wrong from Copper Creek to the two loops at Red Ski Ranch.

I travel all over the country — my vacations are always golf safaris — and home remains one heck of place to play.

“So what do you do here?”

Tee it up and hit it straight.

“Oh, I’m the sports editor at the local paper. I write better than I play golf.”

Chris Freud

“You really get to play this course two or three times per week?”

managing editor high country golf

“Yep.”

2013 | high country Golf

7

equipment

gear for your

game

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 of what should be in your bag.

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.

8

high country Golf | 2013

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.

“You can’t buy a good golf game,” is the adage, but we certainly haven’t stopped trying.

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. 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.

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 threeputts. 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.

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.

Good equipment helps, but so does a good swing

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 a golf safari two summers ago. 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.

By Chris Freud

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.

2013 | high country Golf

9

where to play

Longer & Straighter High Country golf brings more than just great views

By Aaron Burnett

10

high country Golf | 2013

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

Finding yourselF

in the Water can be a

good thing...

a 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 8-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 golfer 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 cross wind, 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.

taking golFers Fishing

since 1999

fishcolorado.coM 970-262-2878 silverthorne, co 2013 | high country Golf

11

golf ling-

o

Toss the balls - Each player in the group will toss their ball toward the yardage marker to determine the order of play. The closest one goes first, second closest goes second and so on.

Waggle - A relaxing motion a golfer makes when addressing the ball by waving the club over the ball

Let the dig 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 you're on in regulation.

On in regulation - This is the expected number of shots it would take a scratch golfer to get on the green. One shot on a par-3, two shots on a par-4, three shots on a par-5.

12

high country Golf | 2013

Fried egg - Your ball lands in the sand trap and is mostly beneath the level of the sand.

Hook - A severe right to left curvature in the path of the ball flight.

Usually due to an inside out swing path or turning your wrists over on impact.

Knockdown - Hitting the ball with a low flat swing plane and a short follow through meant to keep the ball in a low trajectory.

Lag putt - Putts that no one would expect to make. 20 feet and out.

Gimme - A short putt that another player doesn’t make you hit into the cup. As in “Is this a gimme?”

Within 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.

Good good A reciprocal gimme situation. “If you gimme my putt, I’ll give you yours”.

Pin high - Hitting the ball the correct length but off target so the ball lands off the green but perpendicular to the hole.

Honors - The person with the lowest score on the last hole hits first off the tee. If there’s a tie then honors carry over from the previous hole.

Out - Being the farthest away from the hole. The implication being, that that person hits first.

Ready golf - Any player that’s ready can go ahead and hit. This rule is applied on the tee box, fairway and green. It helps speed things up.

Up and down - Chipping on to the green and one-putting.

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.

Yips - When you can’t make a short putt to save your life. Usually caused by nerves or anger. “I’ve got the yips”.

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.

Chili-dipper - During your swing 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.

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.

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.

2013 | high country Golf

13

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!

14

high country Golf | 2013

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.

2013 | high country Golf

15

The skinny on High Country golf courses

By Chris Freud

H

ey, there’s a reason we live here and it’s not what most would expect.

For some reason, the High Country is known for skiing and snowboarding. It’s best-kept secret is golf.

We’re not being the chamber of commerce here. The thing is that it’s not just the altitude

16

high country Golf | 2013

— which is still awesome and greatly appreciated when we play elsewhere. (“You mean my 7-iron doesn’t go 180 yards at sea level?)

What makes High Country golf terrific is the variety of courses in Eagle and Summit counties. Playing here is not like going to Scottsdale, Ariz. (Make no mistake that we love Scottsdale. We love it even more in the winter when we can’t play here.)

But if you’re playing in Arizona, you’re playing desert golf almost exclusively.

Drive down Interstate 70, in

Eagle County for about 15 minutes from Vail to Edwards, and you’ve hit golf courses that are traditional (Vail), have elevation change (Eagle-Vail), one that is designed by Robert Trent Jones (Beaver Creek), one that is traditional with a mountain twist (Sonnenalp) and the rejuvenated Cordillera complex with courses drawn up by Fazio, Hale Irwin and Jack Nicklaus.

That’s only a sampling of the diversity of golf in style from the Raven in Summit County to Gypsum Creek at the west end of Eagle County.

photo courtesy of Keystone Resort

why this is golf

Here’s a rundown of High Country golf and why you should play each track:

fine outdoor wear & gear

Eagle County Vail Golf Club In one of life’s great ironies, Vail is not mountain golf. It’s straight-away, whatyou see-is-what-you-get. That said, the views are tremendous — especially the stretch from Nos. 7-13 as you play toward the majestic Gore Range. (I hate the word majestic because it’s often overused. This is majestic, nonetheless.)

It’s also the most walkable 18 in the High Country. Public.

Rods, Reels, Waders, Vests, Flies, Licenses, Books, Fly Tying Materials, Maps and More! yeaR Round guided Fishing TRips

Putting People & Trout Together since 1985

Bret Hartman | John and Eileen clear the forth green Saturday, May 13, 2006, at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colo.

311 South Main Street, Breckenridge 970.453.4665 Toll Free 800.453.4669 www.MountainAngler.com 2013 | high country Golf

17

Eagle-Vail Hello, elevation change. The course starts and ends with par-5s that start off cliffs, and there’s plenty of up and down in between. The course underwent a makeover to increase the pace of play, and it’s worked. (Disclaimer: This is the author’s home course, and 5-hour rounds are down on the weekends, in particular.) The talkers are Nos. 9 and 10.

The first is a blind-tee-shot par-4 — leave the driver in the bag. And the latter is cliff-shot par-3. (Even if you are playing the white tees, take a drive up to the tips. Trust us.) Public.

The first three holes provide some serious “holy cow” factor, playing through the woods and along Beaver Creek, but the other 15 are not pushovers by any means. Robert Trent Jones, Jr. did a number here with tremendous green complexes. If you’re serious about your score, make hay on the front and hang on during the final nine. This course loops down and then back up toward the resort, playing much longer on the back. Whatever your approach, this is a tough test of golf, but a very scenic one. Public play during shoulder season. Open to Beaver Creek guests only during the summer.

18

high country Golf | 2013

beaver creek Golf Course | dann coffey

Beaver Creek

thecoloradoangler.com

Sonnenalp

Dominque Taylor | RIGHT: The views from Cordillera's Hole 7 can help curb the frustration at having to chip out of the slope left of the green. TOP: Golfers line up for a shot on to the green at Hole 12 at the Sonnonalp Golf Course in Singletree.

The site of several Colorado Opens, this is a gem. This is a bit of a links course with some mountain thrown in.

Whatever style you call it, there are great views across the valley at Beaver Creek.

The par-4 12th is a great risk-reward hole with a downhill tee shot and a daunting uphill approach. No. 15 is bombs-away downhill par-4, always a memorable shot. We also love the par-3 17th, a green completely surrounded by sand.

Good luck with that. Sonnenalp is always in primo condition. Semi-private, but public tee times available.

Cordillera This 54-hole — 64, if you include the Short Course — complex offers a little bit of everything. The Valley Course is true Tom Fazio, messing with your mind off the tee. Is there a fairway out there? (Yes there is. Really). The bunkers are penal. (Stay out of them — helpful advice, we know.) Hale Irwin grew up in Colorado, so he knew how to do the Mountain Course. One of the unique facets of Irwin’s creation is the uphill hole. As strange as it sounds, there are plenty of holes in the High Country that do downhill or slightly uphill, but the Cordillera Mountain course does real uphill. Good fun. Jack Nicklaus’ Summit Course is golfing on top of the world. If it’s in your budget, this is must-play Eagle County golf. Private, but open to some Vail and Beaver Creek resort guests.

There’s something

fishy

going on here.

Colorado’s Premier Fly Shop and Guide Service 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 2013 | high country Golf

19

Red Sky

Red Sky Ranch Golf Course | Alan kennedy

Probably the best of premium golf in Eagle County. The Fazio and Norman courses rotate daily for private and public (meaning staying at a Rock Resorts property) play.

So if you’re planning on playing here, book two nights, so you can play both. Both courses are simply immaculate golf. There’s a reason both courses are on just about every “top 100” list you see. No holes run side-by-side, so it does seem like you’re the only group on the course. Absolutely pristine golf. Like Cordillera, these two courses are pricey, but you won’t be sorry. Semi-private.

Eagle Ranch Arnold Palmer in Eagle County and, as is typical with The King, this 18 is very playable for all types of golfers with five sets of tees ranging from 5,400-7,500 yards. The postcard shot is what we call “The Twins,” long sideby-side par-4s in Nos. 9 and 18. And, trust us, you’ll remember the back nine. Starting with the fiendish par-3 11th, which locals call “the shortest par-5 in the county,” Eagle Ranch’s back is tremendous. And if you can play hole Nos. 16-18 without a big number, you’ve earned your beverage of choice at the 19th.

20

high country Golf | 2013

Go on...

RIP IT! But First You Have to

GRIP IT!

Gypsum Creek Welcome to Pete Dye links golf with one little twist. OK, it’s not so little. It’s called the mesa. Since Gypsum Creek flipped its nines this year, you get to warm up for 12 holes before you hit the mesa. No. 13 is a long, uphill par-5 that starts the stretch. Nos. 14-16 are surrounded by sagebrush. (By the way, if you find any Precepts or Noodles, they’re the author’s.) The good news is that you get to come down off the mesa on No. 17, a stunner of a dropping par-3. Public.

Lovely 4 bedroom, 4 bath home overlooking the Vail Golf Course 18th Fairway. Beautiful finishes, wonderful family retreat, large decks for entertaining, convenient to town of Vail Bus line or walk to town. Mountain side open space across the street. $2,950,000.

Laddie Clark 970-845-9599

Alpine Resort Real Estate

Dominique Taylor | Steve O'Brian, center-left and Sean Riley, far left, watch as Craig Cahalane tees off for the par-3 8th hole at Cotton Ranch Wednesday in Gypsum.

Regrip your clubs for as little as…

6

$

per club

The first point of contact in golf is where you connect with the club.

So make it good!

• • • •

Custom Made Clubs Demo & Rental Clubs Re-Gripping & Repairs Accessories

PRECISION GOLF 817 Summit Blvd, Frisco (across from Wal-Mart)

970-668-3095 2013 | high country Golf

21

Summit County, Copper Creek Like altitude? Welcome to the highest 18-hole golf course in North America. This is a Pete Dye course, but it’s not one of his killer designs. We still remember the Par-5 sixth, which had a water carry off the tee and water right.

(Don’t go there.) The back nine is really fun. You work your way past an old mining site and then you’re hitting alongside a ski lift.

(Fear not, it would take a really bad shot, even by the author’s lowly standards to hit it.) How cool is that? Public.

Breckenridge

The Raven This is a beaut. The course meanders through the valley floor as well up into the mountains. The views are exquisite. There are a lot of postcard moments. Here are a few of our favorites. Please do club down on No. 8. It is a drop to the green guarded by water in front and bunkers left and right.

The par-5s on the back are epic.

No. 12 had multiple landing areas and a carry over water to the green. No. 16? Bring your camera for that one. Semiprivate.

photo Courtesy of Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks

photo Courtesy of Breckenridge Golf Club

Welcome to the only 27-hole, municipally owned Jack Nicklaus design in the country. You’ve got the Bear, Beaver and Elk nines, which ought to keep you busy.

Whatever nine you pick, Jack made this course very playable for players of all abilities. The Elk has some really fun carries. The Bear nine has plenty of moments that will make you think how to attack the course, including the dogleg par-4 third with all too inviting water.

No. 8 on the Beaver might be one of the toughest holes anywhere. Public.

Keystone As Ernie Banks said, “It’s a beautiful day.

Let’s play two.” OK, wrong sport, but Keystone has two spectacular courses — the River and Ranch. It’s always a debate as to which one’s “better.” Our response is that we’d like to play them more in the interests of research. A few highlights: No. 16 at the River is a 509-yard par 4. Gravity is your ally here, though. Let the big dog eat. Meanwhile, the Ranch is Robert Trent Jones, Jr. with a links front nine and a mountain-style back. Public.

RR RRRRRRRRR Ro un tryR o RRR A RRRRRRRRyo utR RRRRRRR photo RRRRR courtesy A R PRRRof R Keystone Resort

It's Not Your Age, It's Your Veins!

More than 80 million Americans have vein disease – do you?

Begin Again Custom Fit Athletic Compression Available for sale at our clinic in Edwards.

Vein disease gets worse over time. Learn about compression technology and how you can stay on the golf course longer, sleep better or recover from exercise faster.

Call for a free screening or visit rmvein.com to learn more.

970.763.7600

Golf Stronger.

Golf Longer.

•

105 Edwards Village Blvd., Suite C202

•

Edwards, CO 81632

Parker Clinic: 303.840.VEIN(8346) • Pueblo/Cañon City Clinic: 719.543.VEIN(8346)

®

2013 | high country Golf

23

Golf on a Majestic Rocky Mountain Masterpiece Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Colorado Rockies from every hole.

An Arnold Palmer Signature Design course, the Eagle Ranch Golf Club is a golf experience you will never forget.

Stay&Play!

Stay & Golf in Beautiful Eagle

$

99

Visit our website or call for details

www.eagleranchgolf.com | (866)328-3232

18 Holes of Golf

More Fun than

0050 Lime Park Drive - Eagle, Colorado | 30 minutes West of Vail

24

Vail Valley’s Act iv

ity Guide

View the largest event calen

dar

riendly trail Hike the perfect family-f Purchase the freshest produ ce Pedal the ultimate high country singletrack Ride whitewater rapids

Roast the perfect marshmALlow

high country Golf | 2013

finding the right Odds are g you’re spendin too much

for you

By Chris Freud

2013 | high country Golf

25

T

he 2005 Masters. Hole No. 16.

Tiger Woods.

Tiger chips well above the pin. His ball starts rolling toward the hole, stops for a second on the edge, makes one final revolution, which shows the Nike swoosh, and falls in for the improbable birdie.

“If anybody thinks because of the Nike logo that’s why it went in, they’re crazy,” Eagle-Vail Golf Club pro Ben Welsh said.

True, that was probably more Tiger than the ball, but try telling that to Nike. Moments like that are why the company pays the most recognizable figure in golf to use its equipment.

And make no mistake: The golf-ball industry is big business.

But when average local golfers head to the sporting-goods store or their pro shop of choice, are they spending their money wisely?

Probably not.

The Titleist Pro V1 is the most popular ball in golf. High-end varieties of Nike, Calloway and Bridgestone are also very popular, Spend some time in the rough at your favorite course, and you’re likely to come out with a handful.

There’s a reason the pros interviewed for this story prefer the Pro V1 or a similar high-end model. Golf is their livelihood. The Pro V1 is made for the Top Flite, er, top-flight player, not the average golfer.

“The most expensive ball is not always the best ball,” Welsh said. “They are the best ball for the better player, but the expensive ones are designed for higher club-head speed and better players. But the novice player is actually going to get more performance from a ball that is easier to compress.”

Clocking your swing The key factor in determining the right golf ball for you is the speed of your swing. Pro V1’s are designed for golfers who swing the club at more

26

high country Golf | 2013

than 100 mph.

At that speed, a Pro V1 will spin properly, providing the lovely distance off your drive and the deft touch around the green that you see displayed each weekend on the PGA Tour on your TV. But if your swing speed isn’t in triple digits, odds are you aren’t getting what you paid for out of the Pro V1, which normally goes for $40-60, depending on your retail source.

“The Pro V1 has a little more spin,” Vail director of golf operations Alice Plain said. “But if you don’t have the swing speed, you’ll

If you think it's hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball. ~Jack Lemmon probably lose distance because it will spin too much.”

“People think they swing harder than they do, so they think that a ball is going to be too soft,” said Welsh, who’s been clocked between 112-115 mph.

“It’s not going to be too soft until you’re on tour. You’ve got to swing over 100 mph before a ball’s too soft.”

That having been said, there is something as far as having confidence in the ball you’re playing, a placebo effect of sorts.

“A lot of people feel that way and that’s why there’s so much brand recognition with golf balls,” Welsh said.

“They think they play better with a Titleist because it’s a Titleist. Everybody’s different. My dad used to say he played better with a MaxFli golf ball. It didn’t matter what kind of MaxFli he had. He played better. If that works, it’s great.”

Compression is your friend Confidence is key in golf, but a ball suited to your swing and game will serve you better in the long run. Titleist, Nike, Bridgestone and Callaway all have premium balls. That doesn’t mean you don’t have to stop playing those brands.

Most of the companies, which make tour-style models, also make golf balls for suited for the lower-speed swingers.

Not only are they more suited for your game, but they fit your wallet better.

The Titleist NXT, Nike Power Distance and the Callaway HX are all balls that are well-suited to the double-digit handicap who plays on the weekend.

And, they are more in the range of $20-35.

The magic formula with these models is that they compress more upon impact for a slower swinger — the average golfer swings from 75-90 mph. With a

Bret Hartman | Daily file photo | What to play? What to play? The real question is how fast do you swing?

The speed of your swing, rather than brand, should be the deciding factor when buying golf balls.

higher compression rate, the amateur golfer can get the proper spin on impact and have the necessary feel for the short game.

Crystal balls also fall under this category. Crystals like the Noodle Ice and Top Flight Quartz (available at pro shops) are balls with a translucent exterior. This enables the ball to give on the impact of the club.

Swing slow This story started with a simple question. A mediocre golfer usually found at Eagle-Vail, I asked Welsh what ball I should try. Having had the misfortune of seeing me play — my swing couldn’t speed on Interstate 70 — he suggested the regular Noodle or Precept Laddie I played with both, and found the Laddie to my liking, though the Laddie is now hard to find. Having played Top Flight, better known as Top Rock on most loops for its utter lack of feel, I really liked the Laddie.

Having played Eagle-Vail so much in my time in the county — to the point that some people think I work at the course, instead of at the Daily — I know how far I hit usually on a certain

hole. My new friend the Precept was definitely longer and felt pretty good greenside. As Laddies have been more scarce, I usually reload with Noodles.

For those with slower swings, the Titleist DT SoLo (short for soft and long) or Nike Power Softs, as well as the Laddie and Noodle, are definitely worth a try. And, again, they’re cheaper, people. We’re talking less than $20 per dozen, as opposed to what you’d pay for a premium or tour ball.

“I would encourage people to try different things,” Welsh said. “You might be a 20-handicap, but like how the Pro V1 feels, or that it mentally makes your game better. At the same time, you might not need it. I would encourage people to try different stuff and not be lulled into thinking there’s only one way to go.”

All this having been said, a lesson with your local PGA pro is a good idea. Golf balls, even those more tailored to your swing, will find the rough. While you’re there looking for your ball, be sure to look for those Pro V1s.

What should you play?

The best golf ball for you is based on your club speed. High-level models are made for expert players with faster swings, while other types are much better for players with slower approaches.

Fast (100 mph-plus): Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1X, Nike Black or Platinum and Callaway HX Tour.

Average (75-100 mph plus): Titleist NXT. Nike Power Distance, Noodle Ice, Top Flight Quartz and Callaway Warbird.

Slow (75 mph and below): Precept Laddie Extreme, Noodle, Titleist DT Solo and Nike Power Soft.

2013 | high country Golf

27

Valley and Summit courses bring big-name designers

By Chris Freud

28

high country Golf | 2013

F

azio, Irwin, Nicklaus.

It’s quite the lineup and they’re all in one place.

Welcome to the Club at Cordillera in Edwards and environs.

“I would say that’s a powerful lineup,” Cordillera general manager Mike Henritze said. “That’s out No. 1 competitive advantage as a club. We have three unique, very good golf courses. One’s at 7,000 feet.

One’s at 8,000 feet. One’s at 9,000 feet.”

And after the recent real estate slump, Cordillera is back. The Valley Course is already open and the Summit Course is shooting for a June 15 start, weather depending. The original Cordillera course, Mountain, will be closed for maintenance this year although its clubhouse, the Timber Hearth Grille, will be open as will its

practice facilities.

But the bigger picture is that Eagle County’s only 54-hole facility is under new management, Troon Prive, the private-club arm of Troon management.

For those familiar with the golf industry, Troon is an established company, whose roster of golf courses worldwide is superb.

Henritze himself comes to Cordillera, having worked most recently at The Ridge at Castle Pines and Troon North down in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The Tom Fazio-designed Valley Course gets the most play because of its lower altitude, even though the conditions remain pristine. Like most Fazio courses, this is mental game.

Repeat after us, there really is a fairway out there, people.

Cordillera's Valley Course is a Tom Fazio creation which challenges players with optics that make the fairways and greens appears smaller than they actually are.

Cordillera returns to the golfing landscape

TOP: The Mountain Course at Cordillera changes altitude early and often and is designed by University of Colorado alumnus Hale Irwin. RIGHT: The Summit Course completes Cordillera's trio of courses with a Jack Nicklaus design at 9,000 feet.

“When you get out (into the fairway), there is actually quite a bit of space,” Henritze said. “But the golf course looks more difficult from the tee. It’s one of Fazio’s optics. It’s the same as the approaches to the greens. They look tiny, but when you get up there, they’re fine. It’s a course that makes you think.”

The Valley features deep bunkers, beautiful views of Beaver Creek and slick greens.

While it will not be open this season, the Mountain Course should remain on one’s “to-do” list. Hale Irwin is a University of Colorado alumnus and the Buff’s course looks like it.

Many courses in the county use elevation change, primarily big drops and slow climbs, but the Mountain Course uses both sides of the altitude coin. The uphill holes at the Mountain play longer, providing a challenge for all.

“Most golfers struggle to get the ball airborne,” Henritze said. “You can’t get intimidated. Hale Irwin is all about trust-

ing your game. Take an extra club because it’s uphill, but trust it.”

And while, this is like comparing fine vintages of champagne, Cordillera’s Summit Course is one not to be missed. Jack Nicklaus opened the course he designed by hitting a persimmon wood and still broke 70 on his design.

That’s no mean feat.

“The Summit is unique,” Henritze said.

“You just don’t have Jack Nicklaus Signature courses at 9,000 feet. The vistas from every tee are phenomenal. The golf course is difficult. Jack Nicklaus courses even in the middle of Florida are tough. But it’s fun to play at 9,000 feet.”

Before you think these three courses are going to give your handicap a beating, keep in mind that they all have multiple sets of tees to provide the proper challenge for golfers of all abilities.

The three courses at Cordillera are a private, but public play is open to guests staying at certain resorts in Vail and Beaver Creek.

2013 | high country Golf

29

A

nd you’re waiting on the tee and you’re waiting.

And while you’re waiting, the foursome pulls up, making it a pileup.

It is the bane of golf — slow play.

And courses in High Country, as well as all over the globe, seem to be doing something about it.

The Vail Golf Club instituted its “4:07” program three seasons ago. Eagle-Vail redid its course to improve pace. Downvalley, Eagle Ranch and Gypsum Creek are also doing their part.

Keeping pace

What golf courses are doing one of the game’s biggest issues, and how you can help

Kristin Anderson | Daily file photo | Hitting from the right set of tees is one of the best ways golfers can help with pace of play at Gypsum Creek or any other High Country golf course.

By Chris Freud

“Especially in the western United States, we’ve created courses that are long, and in environmentally sensitive areas, that require precise play,” Gypsum Creek pro Tom Buzbee said. “At the same time, there’s high-powered equipment, and it’s a difficult thing to mesh those two. Nobody thinks they play slowly, but it’s a struggle sometimes.”

And in the wake of the recent recession, golf courses are also competing for their share of entertainment dollar.

“Our visitors have said that they like knowing how much time it will be going around the golf course, so that they can schedule the rest of their day,” Vail director of golf operations Alice Plain said. “We’ve had some push-back from some golfers who are not used to having (course) marshals actively used.

It’s complex on so many levels, but it’s been a positive.”

Meet Bill Yates When Plain moved into her position at the Vail Golf Club and found the dreaded “5-hour round” occurring too often, she went to Bill Yates of Pace Manager Systems. Yates has built a business of working with golf courses on pace of play. His client list includes bucket-list courses like the Old Course at St. Andrews and Pebble Beach.

Yates observed the Vail Golf Club during high season, and came back with the time of 4 hours, 7 minutes for a round.

(His numbers vary based on the course, its conditions and so on. He recommended 3:57 for St. Andrews.)

While golfers want to avoid the dreaded five-hour-round, as Buzbee noted astutely, it’s never you who is actually slowing things down. Thus, Plain and Vail have put a lot of time into training its staff in a way to introduce the concept of a 4:07 round to golfers.

“To go back a few steps, we have extensive training for our staff,” Plain said.

“We also have given our staff and rangers a lot of tools like a time-matrix sheet. The starter makes sure the start time is exact.

We have the clocks up (on the course) to show where everyone should be.

“The initial presentation at the start is also key. That way, golfers know what to expect.”

Rerouting

Meanwhile, the Eagle-Vail Golf Club had a different approach. — rework the course. A few years ago, head golf pro Ben Welsh had four short holes north of Highway 6, which led to a pile up, as well as the old par-5 eighth with a dog leg, followed by another difficult par-4 on No. 9.

Welsh and Eagle-Vail redid the front nine. The old par-3 third is gone, and there are only three holes now on the other side of Highway 6. They turned old No. 6, which used to be a 270-yard par-4 into a 380-yarder (now No. 5). That loosened up traffic nicely because everyone felt continued on page 34

2013 | high country Golf

33

Do it yourself

While golf courses can do other things to improve pace of play, mowing the rough, etc., a lot of the pace of play issue lies with the golfer.

“Nothing can beat putting your bag on a pull-cart and walking to your ball in the middle of the fairway,” Buzbee said.

Though we’ll leave the walking vs. riding debate for another day, Vail, Eagle Ranch and Gypsum Creek are walkable 34

high country Golf | 2013

not the Royal and courses. (Eagle-Vail does Ancient. Whethnot allow walking until late in the afternoon er walking or ridwith good reason — it’s ing, get to your not a walkable course.) ball with two or That said, the biggest three clubs and be offense in slow play that ready to hit. is easy to solve without Also be realis~Hank Aaron a debate is playing from tic. If you’re playthe right set of tees. The ing a 530-yard tips at Eagle County’s par-5, and drive four publics range from the ball 250 off 6,538-7,530 yards and the slope ratings the tee, good job. But don’t wait for the are set from 131-138. green to clear in front of you. You’re not Be honest, most of us have absolutely going to hit your fairway metal/wood 280 no business playing from the back tees. yards off the turf. It’s a three-shotter for Playing 6,000-6,400 yards of golf with a you and most people not named Adam slope in the mid-120s still provides plenty Scott. of challenge. What’s more, playing a set of And if it’s not your day, discretion is the tees suited to one’s ability also may result better part of valor. There are times to pick in actual chances for birdie or par. up your ball and live to fight another hole.

Then there’s ready golf. As much as Golf is meant to be fun, and it’s much we all enjoy our day on the links, this is more fun at the right pace.

Bret Hartman | Daily file photo | The Vail Golf Program has instituted its "4:07" program to increase the pace of play.

they could drive the old sixth, regardless of ability, leading to a bunching of groups.

To make up for the lost hole, Welsh broke up the old par-5 No. 8 into the new par-4 seventh and a new par-3 eighth.

The latter is not only a tricky little hole, but serves as a traffic monitor to the par4 ninth, the hardest hole on the course.

Now there is only one group playing the new eighth and going up to nine, as opposed to three foursomes on the old par-5.

It took me seventeen years to get three thousand hits in baseball. I did it in one afternoon on the golf course.

Kristin Anderson | Special to the Daily | Eagle Ranch can play as long as 7,500 yards, and some of it can feel longer especially on the uphill 12th hole. Playing from the right set of tees for your ability helps pace of play, and, more importantly, probably your score.

A playground

. y a l p to e k i l o h w e s for tho

Golf & Drinks on the Deck

Tee times starting at just $85* Bring your scorecard and paid round receipt to Balata and receive a free drink with any appetizer purchase.*

Your creative neighborhood kitchen

1265 Berry Creek Road, Edwards, Colorado Membership Info & Tee Times: 970-477-5372 | www.sonnenalpgolfclub.com Balata: 970-477-5353 | www.balata restaurant.com

*Rates vary depending on season and time of day. No rain checks after 3:30pm.

Free draft beer, glass of house wine or well cocktail with appetizer purchase.

Paid rounds only. Tax and gratuity not included.Valid 2013 golf season only

2013 | high country Golf

35

A custom club fitter gives inside tips to getting the right clubs in the bag

By Aaron Burnett

36

high country Golf | 2013

L

anding the ball three feet from the pin after carrying 160 yards over a bunker is the kind of shot seen on SportsCenter by tour professionals and the kind of shot that the 20 handicapper never forgets when it happens to them.

For the average golfer, shots like these are usually the result of that rare combination when everything comes together in perfect harmony — a relaxed swing, good contact, the right mix between daring and ability, you get the idea. But while these shots may come less frequently than most golfers would like to admit, when they do it reinvigorates the passion for the game.

In a world of ever changing technology, most golfers want to harness the latest and greatest equipment in their quest to shoot a better round. But before you scrap your current clubs for the next big thing from TaylorMade or Titlest, pull out your sticks and take a look at the grips, suggests Jimbo Deines of Precision Ski and Golf in Frisco.

Deines, a custom club fitter with 25 years of experience, says it all starts with the grip.

“Hands are different sizes, gloves come in different sizes, yet for many golfers they are playing with a grip that might not be the right size for them,” Deines said.

The club fitter equates the grip to a foundation of a house — you need a solid base from which to build a swing.

So how do you find the right grip? Deines suggest visiting your local club fitter or pro shop to have your hand measured similar to how you would have your feet measured before buying a pair of shoes. The goal is to find a grip that allows the tips of your fingers to just touch the sole of your hand when holding a club.

After determining the right size, it’s all about the texture and material that feels best in your hand. Some grips are very tacky, some very rigid, while others are soft to the touch. Deines suggests finding

Summit Daily/Aaron Burnett | Jimbo Deines demonstrates how a hand measured to determine proper grip size at Precision Ski and Golf in Frisco. Deines suggests golfers regrip their clubs every couple of seasons.

fiyour nclubs e tthis useason ne

TOP: Summit Daily/Aaron Burnett | Jimbo Deines adjust a custom iron at Precision Ski and Golf in Frisco. Deines has two-and-a-half decades experience as a club fitter. RIGHT: Jimbo Deines demonstrates how an oversized grip on a putter can affect a players swing at Precision Ski and Golf in Frisco.

the one that feels comfortable, is pleasing to the eye and matches the way you intend to play the club.

“If you put some effort into getting the equipment right for you, you’ll just plain do better,” Deines said.

The club fitter suggests changing grips every couple of years as dirt and grime tends to fill the holes and grooves in grips that provide the secure, tacky feeling when holding a club. He also suggests regularly cleaning grips with a bucket of water and a wire brush to remove any buildup that may develop.

Deines said new grips are an easy and inexpensive way to revitalize a club.

“I look at it like it’s a snowboard or a ski tune, it’s a great way to start the season off right,” Deines said.

The right length and feel

The club feels good in your hand, but how do you know that you’re playing with

the optimal length club?

“Golf is a game that is steeped in tradition. For years and years there were two kinds of clubs, his and hers,” the veteran club fitter said. But he added that as the game has evolved so have the options available to the average golfer to determine the right clubs for their individual game.

“The club head has a certain geometry and it works in harmony with your body’s geometry,” Deines said. “Just because you’re a tall guy doesn’t necessarily mean that you need longer clubs because your arms may be longer.”

Deines suggests visiting a profession-

al club fitter for a measurement. Determining the right length can improve ball striking, adding distance and improving control.

If you’re looking to try a different club length, but don’t want to fully take the plunge, Deines suggests taking a single club that you know you play well, such as a 7-iron and having it lengthened or shortened and playing a few rounds to determine if it’s a better fit.

After honing in on the proper length for your build and swing style, the next step is determining what type of shaft matches your game. A popular trend is to switch from steel shafts to graphite as golfers age and their swing speeds decline, said Deines. Graphite can offer a lighter shaft, which allows for improved club head speed. Additionally, graphite shaft are available with varying kick points, which changes the trajectory of a ball when struck.

The final step is determining the right angle for the club head relative to your swing plane. Club fitters can bend shafts to match your swing to help ensure that the club head comes through at the appropriate angle at contact, Deines said. But added that ultimately the best way to improve ones play is to iron out any swing issues with a club pro before making any equipment changes.

“It’s the constant substitution of technology for technique,” Deines said.

Before heading to the links this year take a little time and look at clubs you will be playing. Whether it is a set of tried-and-true blades from a previous decade or a shiny set of improvement irons and hybrids, a few tweaks just might be in order before hitting that first tee box.

“When you address the ball, if the club feels good, looks good, you’ve taken so many positive steps before you’ve ever swung the club,” Deines said. “You want to be in a happy place,” 2013 | high country Golf

37

CREATE MEMORIES

PUBLIC WELCOME Classic 18-Hole Golf Course 4:07 PACE OF PLAY So You Can Enjoy The Rest of Your Day

970-479-2260

|

vailgolfclub.net

OPERATED BY VAIL RECREATION DISTRICT

Free App with course information, yardages for the course when you play, book tee times, restaurant menu and more.

WIN Includes foursome at

Courses in Summit County and Vail Accommodations for one evening

Contest runs through August 31, 2013 ENTER NOW AT summitdaily.com/wingolfweekend

38

high country Golf | 2013

Photo by Jack Affleck

Enjoy a magnificent meal and view at Happy Valley Grill in the Vail Golf Club. www.happyvalleyvail.com

a golf weekend for four!

Onestop twocourses Experience Summit County's only 36-hole golf facility at Keystone Resort

photos courtesy of Keystone Resort

By Aaron Burnett

2013 | high country Golf

39

G

olf in the Colorado High Country can be a unique and awe-inspiring experience. From sweeping vistas from elevated tee boxes to natural water features that provide an unexpected challenge in a state known more for its mountains than its streams and rivers, golf at altitude is a rare combination that can both elate and frustrate during the same round.

Those looking for the adventure of playing two distinct courses don't have to travel far between rounds. Keystone Resort is home to both Keystone Ranch Golf Course and The River Course at Keystone. The two courses, located back to back, offer separate clubhouses and practice areas, helping to lend to each course's unique feel.

"Keystone Ranch Golf Course and The River Course at Keystone are a cool combination of mountain golf courses that offer different architectural layouts with opposing personalities, spectacular panoramic views, and challenges that test golfers of all abilities," said Steve Corneiller, director of golf and recreation at Keystone Resort.

The River

The River Course gets its name from the Snake River, which winds in and out of the front nine, adding both a scenic backdrop and a challenging water hazard on several holes. The par-71 course features large elevation changes, including a 130-foot drop from the 18th tee box to the green.

The back nine moves away form the river and into a lodgepole forest. The course offers five tee locations on each hole, making it easy to find the right dis-

tance for every golfer in the group. At the tips, The River stretches to a very playable 6,886 yards.

Eighteen is The River Course's signature hole. Teeing off from an elevated box, the 520-yard par five is an excellent opportunity for either a birdie or eagle before heading back to the clubhouse.

The Ranch

Those looking for a more wide-open course will feel at home at Keystone Ranch. While it still features some of the elevation changes that have come to be expected at mountain courses, the Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed course has a links feel not found at many High Country facilities.

"Keystone Ranch is set in the Soda Creek Valley, where you truly feel of the romance of the West," Corneiller said, "Prior to being a golf course, it was a working cattle ranch. Some of the original buildings and stables are still showcased throughout the property."² Keystone Ranch stretches to 7,090 yards at the tips. The par-72 course's signature hole is the fifth, a 190-yard par three that requires golfers to hit over a wetlands area into a small island green bunkered on three sides.

Getting out there

Summit County's only 36-hole facility offers several options for those looking to try their hand in the Snake River Valley.

From staying and playing both courses over a couple of days to the what Corneiller calls "Attitude at Altitude" - playing 36 holes at a resort setting in one day - Keystone offers something for everyone.

INFO Keystone Ranch Golf Course par: 72 distance: 5,582-7,090 designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr. opens: Open weekends beginning May 31, daily play begins June 14 reservations: 800-464-3494, golfkeystone.com

40

high country Golf | 2013

The River Course at Keystone par: 72 distance: 4,762-6,886 designer: Hurdzan-Fry opens: May 17 reservations: 800-464-3494, golfkeystone.com

photos courtesy of Keystone Resort | Keystone Resort's River and Ranch courses combine the best elements of High Country golf, melding traditional mountain golf features with links-style aspects.

2013 | high country Golf

41

Driving in the opposite direction:

The life of a beverage cart attendant

By Heather Jarvis

Golfing in Summit is all about relaxation — the fresh mountain air, sensational views unmatched anywhere else and frequent wildlife sightings. While the natural beauty of the course can satiate the mind, a couple hours trekking around and the body begins to need the same nourishment. Bearing ample cans of beer, Gatorade and snacks, the beverage cart attendants can be a glimmer of hope to pick up a game, or a way to drown out the sorrows of bad strokes. To some, there is nothing better than a brewski in one hand, club in the other, and the only one within miles to make this happen is the local beverage cart attendant.

Why they love their job

A sought-after position in Summit County, beverage cart attendant jobs are predominately occupied by females. These ladies can be tougher than the golfers, driving around in loaded-down carts up steep hills and around tight turns. In the mountains, the weather can turn in an instant, bringing snow in June, afternoon lightning storms or the scorching sun at 10,000 feet. When many players head inside to the bar to wait out a nasty cycle, these girls suit up and head out to the lone few players who have decided to stick it out. The dangers of lightning are about the only thing that can pull the course to a standstill, and it’s the same with the attendants.

Lesley Davis has been a beverage cart attendant at the Keystone River Course for nine years. Originally from St. Louis, Davis has lived in Summit County for 12 years, and has been working solely at the River Course for almost as long. When the weather turns for the worse, Davis says she “bundles up and brings out the hot chocolate and coffee.” One year, Davis said, it started dumping in the middle of June, and she was out on the course watching two golfers try to putt. “The ball was rolling on the green, gathering snow as it went, and then couldn’t even fit in the hole.”

But even with the occasional bad weather, Davis says there is not much she doesn’t like about her job. Growing up with a family of golfers, Davis enjoys the sport but also loves the atmosphere the course provides.

“I enjoy nature, I enjoy being out there and being one with the hawks … and being able to watch the wildflowers turn during the season,” she said. “Years ago, since I’ve been doing this for so long, I decided I wanted to learn every wildflower name and every tree type I could, so I focused on that, and treated it like a classroom, so that’s really fun.”

Kristen Newell, a cart girl at the Breckenridge Golf Club, says she enjoys waking up and going to work every day when it comes to the course.

A Massachusetts native, this is her third summer at the golf club, and she has worked there every since she moved to the county.

“Just being outside, it’s the best job you can ask for,” she said. “I’m not sitting behind a desk and wishing I was outside.” That, along with her co-workers and boss, is what keeps her coming back year after year.

On the course

Both Davis and Newell are seasoned golfers themselves, and are willing to talk shop to golfers as they go by.

I'm not feeling ver y well - I need a doctor immediately. R

“It helps to have knowledge of the course, give them some caddy advice here and there,” Davis said. “A lot of people have never played, they are just out there because it’s a travel spot, so it helps to give them direction.”

Beyond golf, however, the girls have a job to do. From sandwiches to chips, Gatorade, beer and mixed drinks, there is no shortage of choices on the cart. Both Davis and Newell agree that Snickers and Bloody Marys top the list of hottest selling items.

But sometimes, golfers don’t want anything to do with the cart. Newell says one of her biggest pet peeves is when golfers won’t acknowledge her.

“When I drive up to a group, I’ll say, ‘Hey, how are ya?’ And they’ll respond, ‘We are all set.’ I didn’t ask you if you wanted anything, I asked you how your day was going.”

Davis has an issue when golfers drive across the fairway toward her from a completely different hole after they see her coming, because sometimes they will drive through environmental areas to get to her.

“It makes you laugh,” Davis said. “You feel like the ice cream man sometimes, they

are like little kids they get so excited.”

Near misses, animal encounters

Both girls said their carts have had numerous run-ins with stray balls. Davis says she uses the cart’s windshield as a shield, although luckily has never been physically hit by a ball herself. Other times, it’s the cart itself that gives her trouble. Sometimes she will be trucking up a steep hill, and the cart decides it doesn’t want to go anymore.

“But at least the brakes work, I can roll it back down.”

Because the carts are traveling in the opposite direction of the golfers, Newell says there are blind corners that can cause near misses. Once, after a close encounter with another cart, Newell came off the course and hit a tree. She says nothing was too damaged, citing human error. “I feel safe 100 percent of the time.”

Davis has also had a run-in, but instead of with a tree, it was with an animal. One summer, a black bear decided to cruise through the course, and instead of fleeing, Davis turned around to face it, ac-

Ring the nearest golf course.

celerating toward it and chasing it off the course. “One lady thought I was insane,” she laughed.

As with many sports in the mountains, the courses in Summit County see both locals and tourists alike. Some of the most memorable days for Newell are when there are tournaments or large bachelor groups.

“The guys on the course love to see the cart, they love to flirt,” she said. “They are always very excited to see you and buy everything they can. It keeps the day exciting.”

She said she occasionally has to fend off a creepy golfer, but nothing too serious, and most are respectable.

Both Davis and Newell plan to continue working at the course because of the opportunity and atmosphere it provides for them.

“We’ve got a lot of really awesome golfers … and a lot of local community,” Davis said. “And the tourists — you see them on the happiest day of their life; you see them enjoying the beauty of the mountains while on vacation.”

~Groucho Marx

high country golf

course map Eagle County Gypsum Creek Golf Club 2 Eagle Ranch Golf Club 3 Red Sky Golf Club 4 Country Club of the Rockies 5 Eagle Springs Golf Club 6 Cordillera Courses 7 Sonnenalp Golf Club 8 EagleVail Golf Club 9 Beaver Creek Golf Club 10 Vail Golf Club 1

Summit County 11 Copper Creek Golf Club 12 Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks 13 The River Course at Keystone 14 Keystone Ranch 15 Breckenridge Golf Club

Lake County 16 Mount Massive Golf Course

4444

high high country country Golf Golf | 2013 | 2013

1

1

5 7

3

12

4 2

6

9

8

10

13 14 11

15

16

2013 2013 | high | high country country Golf Golf 45 45

course listing

1

Gypsum Creek Golf Course Gypsumcreekgolf.com 530 Cotton Ranch Dr., Gypsum 970-524-6200

Type| Semi-private, 18 holes, par 72 Green fees| Guest: 18 holes, $35-$59 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.

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.

3

Red Sky Golf Club redskygolfclub.com 376 Red Sky Road, Wolcott 970-477-8400

4

Country Club of the Rockies countrycluboftherockies.com 676 Sawatch Drive, Edwards 970-926-2111

2

5

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

6

Eagle Ranch Golf Club eagleranchgolf.com 50 Lime Park Drive, Eagle 866-328-3232

46

high country Golf | 2013

Eagle Springs Golf Club eaglesprings.com 28251 US Hwy. 6 & 24, Wolcott 970-926-4400

Cordillera Courses cordillera-vail.com 0101 Legends Dr., Edwards, CO 970-926-5950 Type| semi-private, members & guests Three courses plus a short course:

Green fees| $180-$225; Caddies are mandatory for 18 hole courses if you choose to walk. Valley Course: Private.

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.

7

Sonnenalp Golf Club sonnenalp.com 1265 Berry Creek Road, Edwards 970-477-5370

8

Eagle-Vail Golf Club eaglevailgolfclub.com 431 Eagle Drive, Avon 800-949-5267

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 Tee times| Three days in advance Dress Code| No denim, collared shirt and Bermuda shorts required, non-metal spikes only.

Sonnenalp Golf course. Photo by Dann Coffey

Eagle County

course listing 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.

9

Beaver Creek Golf Club beavercreek.snow.com 103 Offerson Road, Avon 970-845-5775

10

Vail Golf Club vailrec.com 1778 Vail Valley Drive, Vail 970-479-2260 Type| Public, 18 holes, par 71 Green fees| Rates range from $45-$109 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

11

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.

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.

12

Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks ravenatthreepeaks.com 2929 Golden Eagle Road, Silverthorne 970-262-3636 continued on page 50

2013 | high country Golf

47

Type| Semi-private, 18 holes, par 72 Green fees| Open to June 13: $85 (morning until noon), $70 (after 1 p.m.), $60 (2-close). June 14 through June 27: $135 (unitl 10 a.m.), $115 (10 a.m. to noon), $99 (unitl 2 p.m.), $75 (2-4 p.m.), 60 (after 4 p.m.).

June 28 through September 2: $169 (unitl 10 a.m.), $149 (10 a.m. to noon), $129 (unitl 2 p.m.), $99 (2-4 p.m.), $79 (after 4 p.m.). September 3 through September 22: $135 (unitl 10 a.m.), $115 (10 a.m. to noon), $99 (unitl 2 p.m.), $75 (2-4 p.m.), $60 (after 4 p.m.). September 23 through closing: $85 (until noon), $70 (after 1 p.m.), $60 (2-close).

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.

13

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.

50

high country Golf | 2013

14

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.

15

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 $83, $132 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, Breckenridge 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.

Lake County

16

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.

Some restrictions apply.

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.

Directions| Take I-70 to Highway 91 south to Leadville. The course is five minutes west of town on 6th Street.

mt. massive hole #6

course listing

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.

The River Course at Keystone – Is open! Rates from $85 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.

1 Get Your Game on with Keystone’s Season Passes

Ì Choose from Summer Fore Packs, Couple’s, Stand-by and Earlie Birdie Passes starting from $550.

ALL 2013 GOLF PASSES INCLUDE: • Play at both Keystone Ranch and The River Course (except Ranch Summer Fore Pack).

Ì 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.

2013 | high country Golf

51

course listing

experience

the

beauty

of the game

ks is a layed Golfer ience ays y in omat t.

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: $60 - $169 Summit County Resident Rates Available

ourse evels. he hman gn s and ed

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 52

high country Golf | 2013

1 Hole #16 – King Solomon – Par 5

Ì

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

Ì

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.

The

dining

19th

Food:

What every pl ayer cr aves af ter a round of golf.

hole

For the golfer who feels like a big side of steak, Flame in Vail is just one option.

“So where should we eat?”

That would be one of the more-regularly asked questions I get toward the end of any round. ¶ Since we’re here to serve, here are some thoughts. (This is, by no means meant to be an encyclopedic listing of restaurants, as I’m your sports editor. As a side note, the Vail Daily puts out “EAT!,” a restaurant guide, which will steer you right. Pick it up.) ¶ My general experience is that tourists generally like a big hunk of cow after a round, especially when they’re on vacation. We’ve

got you covered there. I’m a big fan of the Vail and Beaver Creek Chophouse. (Big steaks and the chocolate cake put it over the top for me.) Flame in The Sebastian has a bone-in steak, which would make Henry VIII proud. Elway’s and Russell’s in Vail or The Dusty Boot in Beaver Creek will not leave you hungry. ¶ Italian? I’m a big fan of Campo de Fiori in Vail. This place does courses well. Ti Amo in Eagle-Vail is also very good. ¶ Straight-up pizza? Pazzo’s is in both Vail and Avon.

Blue Moose is in Vail and Beaver Creek.

Vendetta’s is always open late in Vail. ¶ Chinese? We’re good. May Palace in West Vail and China Garden in Avon will do the trick. ¶ Mexican? Absolutely no shortage there. Fiesta’s in Edwards is probably tops in my book. Your mileage may vary. There are Fiesta Jalisco and Agave in Avon, Los Amigos and El Sabor in Vail and the Minturn Saloon. ¶ No listing of Vail dining would be complete without a mention of Sweet Basil, La Tour, Terra Bistro and The Left Bank, all in the village. The last one on this list has a soufflé that’s just out of this world.

Grab a copy of EAT Today.

Available throughout Eagle County all Summer long

Fun, Affordable Mountain Golf is Here.

Shouldn’t you

be here

too?

• Range • Rentals • Food & Beverage • Special Juniors Pricing • Web Only Discounts

719-486-2176

www.mtmassivegolf.com 259 County Road 5, Leadville, CO

Just west of Historic Leadville.

A short, scenic drive from Vail and Summit County.

2013 | high country Golf

53

dining

Copper Mountain

The 19th hole

Breckenridge

Silverthorne

Murphy’s Irish Pub : In the ongoing battle to be the most-Irish Irish bar in the High Country, Murphy’s Irish Pub is a long-standing contender.

The get-your-fill atmosphere is a welcome site for the parched golfer, both Irish and not, throughout the summer months, with weekday Happy Hour from 3:306:30. Murphy’s takes pride in its Irish beverage selection and the menu ranges from the traditional pub fare, to a respectable Guinness rib eye. The pub is open early for a pre-golf bite and welcomes kids and families as well.

54

high country Golf | 2013

Kenosha Steakhouse : Arguably the best way to round off a day on a High Country golf course is to relax on a deck, cold beer in hand, watching the sun set over the mountains. Located on Main Street in downtown Breck, Kenosha Steakhouse features one of the more enticing patios south of the Kingdom’s 27 and caters to the ravenous carnivor. Après golf visitors can enjoy a menu dominated by steak, burgers and barbeque overlooking the green slopes of the Breckenridge Ski Resort. Vegetarian and fish options are available as well. Kenosha now offers 30 different brews on tap, introducing 10 new labels with the installation of a new draft beer system during the shoulder season.

Keystone

JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern: The prime location to enjoy summer in Summit County. Conveniently located on the Copper Creek Golf Course at the first and 18th holes as well as in between the ninth and 10th, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or a drink before, during or after your round on the greens. There are drink specials each day of the week as well as specials for Copper Creek passholders. Every Friday afternoon from 11 a.m.3 p.m., BBQ lunches are available on the patio featuring pulled pork, smoked brisket, chicken and ribs. Whether you’re looking to make your golf outing complete or just a delicious summer meal in the sun surrounded by the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, JJ’s is the place to be.

Skiing Magazine listed the Snake River Saloon in Keystone among the 10 best après ski spots in the world this winter, but in the summer the establishment reinvents itself for the warm-weather sports enthusiast. Pairing an upscale but comfortable dining room with a mountain-vibe bar area, Snake River features a relaxed postgame atmosphere and happy hour specials that attract players from the River, the Ranch and the Raven ¶ “It’s a great place for golfers to come add up their scores and relive the great moments of the day,” said Jim Shields, who owns the saloon with his wife, Jane. ¶ The bar features live entertainment every weekend and happy hour with $2 off all drinks and bar menu items from 4-6 p.m. daily.

• edwards •

• avon •

• avon •

creative american cuisine.

mexican fusion.

Cantina & Grill.

balata restaurant

agave

montana's

T

his delicious Sonnenalp Golf Club favorite hits the spot with gorgeous views that stretch over the golf course and up the valley. The expansive restaurant offers a distinctive setting perfect for dinner or a private event.

A

gave features traditional mexican dishes and regionally inspired mexican fusion dishes. With over 100 tequilas and voted the best margarita in the valley agave has you covered as far as the bar is concerned. Full vegetarian and gluten free menus are offered.

Agave has a huge outdoor deck to enjoy the warm summer weather.

O

ffering everything from fish tacos and Mexi pizza to Aztec chicken and sopapillas, the cantina-style menu is the perfect complement to a tequila menu that's 50 labels strong. With a terrific deck and wraparound bar, it's the perfect spot for friends and families.

(970) 477-5353 || balatarestaurant.com 1265 Berry Creek Road, Edwards

(970) 748-8666 || agaveavon.com on hwy 6 across from the bc bear lot

(970) 949-7019 || montanasavon.com 82 E. Beaver Creek Blvd, avon

• beaver creek •

• eagle-vail •

• minturn •

american cuisine.

italian.

american.

8100

Ristorante Ti Amo

magustos

S

porting a live-action bar and an exhibition-style kitchen, the restaurant's crown jewel is a 66-inch wood-burning grill. With a revolving menu of local, all-natural products, 8100's cuisine runs the gamut from light and fresh to hearty and decadent.

(970) 827-6600 || hyatt.com/gallery/beave8100 50 west thomas place, the hyatt

R

istorante Ti Amo, a family-owned restaurant in EagleVail, is a cozy spot to warm up with dinner created using only fresh ingredients. Located between Vail and Beaver Creek, getting there is easy no matter where you’ve spent your day.

970.845.8153 || tiamovail.com 40928 Us highway 6 & 24, Eagle Vail

M

agustos Pizza and Burger Pub is open 6 days a week. Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. till 2 a.m. including delivery. Open Sunday from 12 p.m till 2 a.m. We have the best bartenders and our pizza and burgers are unmatched. Conveniently located on Main Street at the entrance to town.

(970) 827-5450 || magustos.com 101 main, Minturn

2013 | high country Golf

55

• minturn •

• lionshead •

• vail •

american and mexican.

seafood grill.

american cuisine.

Minturn saloon

montauk

atwater on gore creek

U

nique, Historic, Fun. Open daily for happy hour and dinner featuring great Mexican cuisine along with ribs, steaks, duck, quail, fish, nightly specials and more. Dine on our beautiful riverside deck or indoors. Great for groups of all sizes. Named to Esquire Magazine’s “Best in America” list every year since 2007!

ince 1987, Montauk Seafood Grill has been bringing high quality seafood and meats to the mountains.

It is flown in fresh, never frozen, from all corners of the globe. We combine a fine dining experience with a casual and fun atmosphere.

A

twater on Gore Creek, Vail Cascade's signature creekside restaurant, serves up the ideal dining trifecta – mountain scenery, refreshing craft beers and authentic Colorado cuisine. Inspired by fresh, local ingredients, dishes come to life with delightful twists and bursts of flavor.

(970) 827-5954 || minturnsaloon.com 146 Main Street, Minturn

(970) 476-2601 || montaukseafoodgrill.com 48 EAST Beaver Creek BOULEVARD, AVON

(970) 479-7014 || AtwaterOnGoreCreek.com 1300 Westhaven Drive, Vail

• vail •

• vail village •

• vail village •

american.

casual western fare.

american cuisine.

Flame

bully ranch

The Fitz Lounge

L

ocated in the Four Seasons, Flame is a quintessential steakhouse with a heavy emphasis on locally-sourced products. Chef Jason Harrison's bison potstickers are a signature dish, but don't miss the iconic double chops, steaks and seafood fillets.

(970) 477.8600 || fourseasons.com/vail one vail road, four seasons resort

56

S

high country Golf | 2013

A

casual, western-style atmosphere with a Southwestern and American menu this is the ideal place to meet friends for lunch or dinner.

The Bully is famous for its hamburgers and mudslides.

(970) 477-5353 || bullyranchrestaurant.com 20 Vail Road, Vail

C

reekside cocktails at the base of Golden Peak. Located in Manor Vail Lodge, the Fitz Lounge is just a short walk from the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Gerald Ford Amphitheater. Enjoy specialty cocktails, Colorado drafts, and tasty appetizers inside or out on our sunny deck overlooking Gore Creek.

(970) 476-4959 || thefitzlounge.com

• vail village •

• vail village •

• vail village •

cocktails & live entertainment.

french cuisine.

authentic french cuisine.

king's club

LA TOUR ‘WHERE CHEFS EAT’

left bank

A

sophisticated atmosphere with live music and a menu ranging from burgers to caviar. Take off your boots after a day on the mountain and enjoy Vail’s best après ski and après dinner gathering spot.

L

a Tour is the heart work of Chef Paul and Lourdes Ferzacca. The simplicity of the French-inspired cuisine masks a deep richness of flavors and textures which delights the palette.

Reservations are suggested.

F

or 43 years, The Left Bank has been the place to wine and dine for discerning locals and visitors around the world. We have cultivated relationships in France and California to obtain the rarest wines available, impeccably stored and aged.

(970) 479-5429 || kingsclubvail.com 20 Vail Road, Vail

(970) 476-4403 || latour-vail.com 122 East Meadow Drive, VaiL

(970) 476-3696 || LEFTBANKVAIL.com 183 gore creek drive, vail

• Vail village •

• vail village •

• copper •

american cuisine.

american.

american.

Lord Gore

tavern on the gore

jj's rocky mountain tavern

D

istinctive Cuisine & Mouthwatering Views of Golden Peak. Located at Golden Peak in Manor Vail Lodge, the Lord Gore Restaurant features the best dinning views in all of Vail. Chef Weston J. Schroeder’s menu features creative American cuisine served in our elegant yet comfortable dining room overlooking Golden Peak.

(970) 476-4959 || lordgorevail.com

T

avern on the Gore is Vail's premiere sports tavern. Enjoy magnificent views of Gore Creek from our spectacular patio, personal Hi-Def sports screens, fresh oysters, and the largest list of Colorado micro-brews in town.

(970) 476-2828 || tavernonthegore.com Along Gore Creek in Vail Village

A

fter 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 x83062 || coppercolorado.com 102 wheeler circle, copper mtn

2013 | high country Golf

57

last shot

Mt. Massive Golf Course,

Leadville A gem ‘above’ them all

By Jessica Smith

For golfers who like to cross things off their bucket lists, Mount Massive Golf Course offers a unique opportunity. At 9,680 feet, the nine-hole course on the outskirts of Leadville is the highest in the nation — that’s 1,000 feet of elevation per hole, plus a little extra. ¶

A

nother asset found at Mount Massive Golf Course is solitude. Fewer than 30 miles from the Interstate 70 turn-off at Copper, the same stunning mountain views as nearby courses are available, but without the crowds and cars.

“It’s just a short drive, but a world away from the I-70 corridor,” said Craig Stuller, general manager and self-proclaimed “head golf guy” at Mount Massive. “We’re it, we’re the only thing out here; there aren’t any houses or condos or interstates.”

Stuller epitomizes the laid-back feel and community atmosphere of the golf course. A member of the Leadville community since 1989, he often introduces himself as “Craig with the golf course” and says he enjoys his

58

high country Golf | 2013

job. Community is important at the course, not only for the atmosphere it brings but because the community owns it. It’s run by Mount Massive Golf Club Inc., a nonprofit organization with elected one-year members, mostly locals with a few hailing from nearby counties.

Built in the 1930s, the course has been updated and improved over the years, yet always remained in local hands. That is one reason that it lends itself to a more relaxed, familiar atmosphere.

“I think it’s a neat thing, because it gives the golf a different flavor,” Stuller said.

Carts are not required on the course and golfers are encouraged to walk the links and enjoy the natural sur-

roundings. It’s also open at night and a popular schedule includes playing nine holes in the evening, having dinner at the food and beverage operation (a little grill serving items like green chili) and then playing another round of night ball.

The surrounding scenery is inescapable, adding an extra element to the game.

“Each hole is so unique,” Stuller said, that it’s hard to pick a favorite.

He eventually concedes that No. 6 might be his, “because you’re playing right into the face of Mount Massive.”

The course hosts a long season, opening around May 1 and continuing through mid-October. It offers lower rates than nearby courses, with discounts available for locals. This year it

More information, such as rates and tee time bookings, can be found online at www.mtmassivegolf.com.

will be continuing a program started last summer offering a county pass for individuals hailing from the five nearby counties — Summit, Lake, Park, Eagle and Chaffee. More deals throughout the season are announced on Facebook and in an email newsletter.

Stuller emphasizes that while Mount Massive Golf Course is “a little off the beaten path,” it’s also “a quick, convenient getaway,” whether golfers are coming from Vail, Summit or even Denver. It’s easy to come up for an evening round, or stay for the weekend and explore the historic town of Leadville.

After the golf season ends, the nearby Nordic center offers cross-country and Nordic skiing. “We don’t go away in winter,” Stuller said.

2013 | high country Golf

59

Vail Valley’s Most Exclusive Golf and

Ranch Estate Community • New Custom Homes starting at $1,050,000 • 4-Acre Homesites starting at $337,500 • Private Tom Weiskopf designed golf course • 100% refundable membership deposits • Most complete package of family amenities including spa, fitness center, private fishing, member cottages, swimming, basketball, hiking, tennis, hunting and mountain biking,

Ho m e of Ad am’s Mou nta i n Cou nt r y C lub Located 12 mil es south of E agl e Air port Ad amsR ibR an c h . c o m | 866.520.2622

F i n d o u t w H At M A k e s u s w i l d ly lu x u R i o u s

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated