DIVOT Magazine Fall 2016

Your Guide to Golf in Colorado

Vol 24 No 4

2016

Keeping your Summer going...

...with Golf Summerlin in Las Vegas, NV page 30 Palm Valley Las Vegas, NV Par 72 • 6,824 yards • 71.7 rating/123 slope A stunning layout of rolling fairways with spectacular mountain views, Palm Valley offers an exciting test of golf with manicured fairways and greens. Strategically placed bunkers guard large mildly undulating greens.

Inside:

Golf and Football Page 8

Rated #1 “Best Courses You Can Play” (Utah) 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 Rated #44 “Top 100 Resort Courses”

Mention DIVOT and receive

10% OFF your

Stay 'N' Play Package.

Colorado’s Golf Guide

Fall Issue 2016 Volume 24

Number 4

Publisher / President Karl O’Keefe Advertising Karl O’Keefe Director of Business Development Kirk Hulbert Contact Phone: 303-797-8700 Fax: 303-797-1119 karl@divotmagazine.com www.divotmagazine.com P.O. Box 620999 Littleton, Colorado 80162

Inside

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Award-winning golf shot tracker

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Distribution Karri Lemons Publishing Schedule 4 Seasonal Issues Each Year Winter Issue January • February • March Spring Issue April • May • June Fall Issue July • August • September Fall Issue October • November • December

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica and Quivira in Los Cabos

Building a Golf Course

Zen Golf

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Denver’s Hot Real Estate Market

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1994 Colorado Golf Association

Golf Writer/Publicist Of-The-Year

O’Keefe Publishing, Inc. Offering Comprehensive Golf Marketing, Publishing & Promotional Services for Colorado's golf community for more than 24 years! www.okeefepublishing.com

Copyright © 2016, O’Keefe Publishing, Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photography, graphics or illustration without advance written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

The views herein do not necessarily reflect those of DIVOT’s ownership or contributors. DIVOT magazine is a registered trademark of O’Keefe Publishing, Inc.

Colorado Golf Course Map & Directory 20

DIVOTMagazine.com l Fall Issue 2016

5

Feature

The Wiff Duffington Report:

Golf and Fantasy Football The Perfect Fall Cocktail

By Wiff Duffington DIVOT Contributing Writer

ere at The Duffington Report we seek to identify perplexing issues in the game of golf and create solutions for these puzzles. We’re like a big swig of problem relief. We swoop in when needed to help maintain the health of the sport we all love. Think of us as golf superheroes. Gallant protectors of the game who hide behind superhero masks for modesty and tax reasons. In this edition, we explore golf’s surrender to the National Football League each fall. And how to turn that slightly deflated, laced lemon, into lemon aid.

Colorado’s fall weather is almost always spectacular. It can be argued that the 7 or 8 weeks, from Labor Day until the traditional Halloween snow storm, is the best time to play golf in the metro Denver area. The courses are still in fabulous shape, it’s usually warm enough to play in shorts, there’s little danger of breaking a sweat in the pleasant autumn air, and it becomes a lot easier to get a tee time after all the billionaire NFL owners open the gates and start singing, “Are you ready for some football?”

Hank Williams Jr. At the end of each summer the Broncos, Buffs, Falcons, and Rams, begin to hypnotize enormous amounts of golfers who suddenly feel they’ve lost enough golf balls for the year and would be better off hanging up their clubs on the promise to get help and practice more next year. Ignoring the 12 lbs. they’ll gain and the stiff back they’ll nurse before they pick up a club again. This also results in a lot of empty golf courses and a

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DIVOTMagazine.com l Fall Issue 2016

lot of full football stadiums.

Now, obviously this could be framed as a good thing for those golfers who truly appreciate Colorado’s, Indian summer. But what about the management and maintenance staff? And the 19th hole, waitresses and bartenders? Should the, NFL, be allowed to force these valuable course employees to the bench by siphoning off villagers and marching them like sheep to their publicly funded playpens? After exhausting investigation, and a few late night cocktails….err…meetings, the Duffington Report decided once more to stick our noses into a heretofore non-existent, but nonetheless disturbing golf issue.

Actually, this is a pretty simple fix. Two words; fantasy football. If you can’t beat’m, hitch your golf cart to’m.

During the football season golf needs to turn their courses into large indoor/outdoor fantasy football hubs. Multi-acre sports bars that every Sunday will be bustling with all the nerds and degenerates who foam at the mouth all season when asked how their fantasy football team is doing. Fantasy football has created a third type of player, a hybrid, the nerdy degenerate (N.D-gens) Golf administrators, are you listening? If you put NFL games on the GPS screens in the golf carts, equip each tee box with T.V.’s that are constantly updating fantasy statistics, and phones which only call out to their bookies…err…other leagues members, for trade purposes or smack talk, you’ll have to establish waiting lists for all of the N.Dgens who want in.

Each course will host leagues of 72 playStory continued on page 24

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DIVOTMagazine.com l Fall Issue 2016

t TwilighFri.

on.2:00 M t.-Sun. 2:00 Sa $19 Knolls $31 D une s

Dunes Weekday Special

$43 Includes Cart Mon.-Thurs. 12 pm-6 pm Thru 4/1/17 With This Ad Excludes Holidays

Colorado’s Best Public Golf Course (Under $50 Green Fee) Best of Colorado Poll 1998-2016

13300 Riverdale Road Brighton, CO

Riverdale Restaurant

303-659-4700

Expanded casual menu caters to more than just golfers. Open daily.

Breakfast till 11am Full menu after 11am Meeting and Banquet space for 250

8 Day Advance Online Tee Times at www.riverdalegolf.com Tournaments of all sizes from 20 to 288.

Book now for 2017.

Now Booking 2017 Tournaments! and Holiday Parties! Call now to get the best dates.

Visit www.RacoonCreek.com for Fall/Winter Specials and for updates on our 2017 Players Pass!

303-932-0199 7301 W. Bowles Avenue Littleton, CO 80123 DIVOTMagazine.com l Fall Issue 2016

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Travel

Towers at Pacifica... a resort within a resort!

he debut of The Towers at Pacifica, a “resort within a resort,” elevates the adults-only, all-inclusive Pueblo Bonito Pacifica to the ultra-luxury category.

And, combined with Quivira – the dazzling, internationally-acclaimed Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, which offers more oceanfront exposure than any other golf course in Los Cabos – just a chip shot away, there is no better home base.

weaves through the dunes, returns to the cliffs at the dazzling par-3 13th hole, proceeds inland through the desert toward distant mountain peaks, and drops sharply from a set of elevated tees at Nos. 16 and 17, a pair of thrilling par 4’s. Quivira’s par4 18th hole is a classic links-style creation that plays to an infinity-edge green back dropped by the sea.

T

The Towers at Pacifica, a multi-building expansion with beautifully appointed accommodations, has a range of enhanced VIP amenities, including 24-hour butler service.

Trained by the British Butler Institute, the world’s most exclusive butler and front-ofhouse training school, Pacifica’s butlers, also known as “artists of service,” are on hand to provide personalized luxury experiences, including personal in-room check-in and check-out as well as unpacking and packing services. They’re also available to accompany guests on excursions to nearby Cabo San Lucas. Need assistance finding the only shop in town that carries authentic Cuban cigars? The most reputable fishing charter captain? The most treasured tequileria? The resort’s butlers will advise every step of the way.

An amenity-laden golf package has been created for avid golfers who want the best accommodations and superior golf: • Four nights, four days’ accommodations in a deluxe ocean view room at The Towers • 24/7 butler service • Club storage and cleaning • Golf shoe cleaning

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• Private session with Antonio Reynante, Quivira’s director of golf, focused on “local knowledge” and on-course strategies • Professional forecaddie to read putts, cite yardage, rake bunkers, and repair divots • Specially-prepared meal at the Oasis, Quivira’s spectacular open-air comfort station • 80-minute Quirogolf Massage at the award-winning Armonia Spa facilities at Pacifica • Aromatherapy consultation Quivira’s majestic layout, stretching to 7,139 yards (par 72), begins at sea level, scales sheer granite cliffs high above the roiling Pacific, meanders through massive dunes, rambles through desert foothills, and returns players to the beachfront at the finish. The $40 million facility, named the

“Best New International Course” of 2014 by GOLF Magazine, has redefined the Cabo golf experience based on its diverse array of challenges and extraordinary views.

“Our team worked with the canvas Mother Nature provided to create one of the most spectacular courses in the world,” Nicklaus said of his sixth and perhaps final course in Los Cabos. “This property afforded us a rare opportunity because of its topographic diversity and natural environment.”

The 10-minute drive to the par-4 fifth hole, which traces a switchback route up the side of a mountain, climbs to a tee perched more than 275 feet above sea level that offers breathtaking views of the beach and sea far below. The par-3 sixth, its concave clifftop green carved from the base of a massive dune, is equally dramatic. The layout then

Completing the experience at Quivira Golf Club is a thatched-roof clubhouse situated between the first tee and 18th green. Beside the clubhouse is a spacious double-ended practice facility that parallels the ocean, an elongated practice putting green and a large short game practice area within earshot of the rolling surf.

Following the round, golfers can head for new multi-level Towers building featuring a gourmet restaurant, bar, and outdoor beach lounge on the ground floor; a fitness center on the second floor; and the Towers Lounge on the third floor. Accessible via sky bridge and available exclusively to guests of The Towers, the lounge will offer unique culinary experiences daily, handcrafted cocktails, and dramatic ocean views.

Pricing for the Towers & Tees package starts at $3,065 per person, double occupancy, depending on dates and choice of accommodations.

For additional information, please access www.pueblobonito.com/the-towers-at-pacifica. For reservations call 1-800-990-8250 or access www.pueblobonito.com to customize a visit. D

• Public Course • Booking Holiday Partys • The Antler Cafe Open All Year • Booking 2017 Tournaments & Events 8135 Shaffer Pkway, Littleton, CO 80127

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|| (303) 978-1800

|| playdeercreek.com

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Zen Golf

Own your golf story!

By Kathleen Heiney LPGA Class A Professional & Certified RYT Yoga Instructor Yoga Fit FORE Golf

ow often have you stepped on to a hole that you don’t like or fear the worst? The hole that you always pull hook your driver into the water. The hole that brings up so much anxiety and no matter how many times you step on that tee box the results are the same. I can honestly say that has happened to almost every golfer when they play. Here is the story in your mind. “Oh my gosh, I hate this hole, it never fails I pull my driver into the water.” Why is it that you just can’t get that out of your head? Why? Because you have told yourself that story so many times you believe in the results.

We already know that so much of golf is mental and how challenging it is to break and change patterns that are so engrained in our thoughts. Part of the Yoga Fit FORE Golf program teaches you how to change those patterns and start creating a new story that has positive results. I see so many students that come to my lesson tee and tell me stories about their rounds and the majority of the information is the bad holes. Details of the bad shots programmed in their brains, rarely do I get details of the good holes. This is just one example

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of the importance are starting to change your story. If we continue to rehash the negative it will continually show up. So now you are wondering what next?

How do I change my story? The human brain is the most fascinating part of our anatomy. It runs EVERYTHING it determines our every move, thought, action

and emotions. The good news is we can make changes and create new patterns. It is muscle that can be exercised and strengthened. Your story has to change; it has to be recreated in order for you to have different patterns. Next time you step up to that hole where you often pull hook it, you will commit to changing the story over and over again until it has finally gone away.

When that occurs you will then see your drive down the middle and your confidence and attitude towards that hole change for good!

Yoga Fit FORE Golf Techniques to change your story!

• Prepare by getting a small notebook for you to carry on course to start recording some of these mental patterns.

• Document when they show up, what holes or shot type and the results.

• Write down your new story and commit one round to changing it on the hole or shot type.

• Take this technique and apply it to your everyday lives. Maybe one habit you are trying to change or transform. The main idea is awareness, once we see it and hear it more it is easier to start to change it! D

For more information visit the website at www.lincgolfandwellness.com

Denver Area Courses ●

Applewood Golf Club Map#: 3 Public 18R 303-279-3003 Golden Fee Range: $12-$29 Arrowhead Golf Club Map#: 4 Resort 18R 303-973-9614 Fee Range: $75-$115 Littleton Aurora Hills Golf Course Map#: 7 Public 18R 303-364-6111 Aurora Fee Range: $25-$29 Bear Creek Golf Club Map#: 9 303-980-8700 Private 18R Denver Fees: Guests $75 Bear Dance, The Golf Club at Map#: 216 Public 18R 303-681-4653 Larkspur Fee Range: $65 - $75 Black Bear Golf Club Map#: 21 303-840-3100 Private 18R Fee Range: $40-$80 Parker Blackstone Country Club Map#: 300 Private 18R 303-617-3561 Aurora Fees: Members Only Boulder Country Club Map#: 14 303-530-2226 Private 18R - 9E Fees: Guest $75 Boulder Broadlands Golf Course, The Map#: 17 Public 18R 303-466-8285 Broomfield Fee Range: $28-$37 Buffalo Run Golf Course Map#: 19 Public 18R 303-289-1500 Commerce City Fee Range: $18-$38 Broken Tee Englewood Golf Complex Map#: 63 Public 18R 9P3 303-762-2670 Englewood Fee Range: $15-$33 Castle Pines Golf Club Map#: 22 303-688-6022 Private 18R Fees: Invitation Only Castle Rock Castle Pines, The Country Club at Map#: 45 Private 18R 303-688-6400 Fees: Guests $75-$95 Castle Rock Cherry Creek Country Club Map#: 121 Private 18R 303-755-0711 Aurora Fees: N/A Cherry Hills Country Club Map#: 29 Private 18R 18P3 303-761-9900 Englewood Fees: Guests $125 City Park Golf Course, Denver Map#: 53 303-295-4420 Public 18R Denver Fee Range: $20-$24 Coal Creek Golf Course Map#: 33 303-666-7888 Public 18R Louisville Fee Range: $27-$40 Colorado Golf Club Map#: 301 Private 18R 303-840-5400 Fees: N/A Parker Colorado National Golf Club Map#: 238 Public 18R 303-665-9590 Erie Fee Range: $50-$75 Columbine Country Club Map#: 37 Private 18R 303-794-6333 Littleton Fees: Guests $80 Common Ground Golf Course Map#: 129 Public 18R 9P3 303-340-1520 Aurora Fee Range: $30-$50 Deer Creek at Meadow Ranch Map#: 51 Semi-Private 18R 303-978-1800 Littleton Fee Range: $65-$95 Denver Country Club Map#: 54 Private 18R 303-733-2444 Denver Fee Range: $90 Eagle Trace Golf Club Map#: 57 Public 18R 303-466-3322 Broomfield Fee Range: $20-$30 Emerald Greens Golf Club Map#: 210 Public 9-P3 303-366-3133 Denver Fee Range: $4-$8.50 Evergreen Golf Course Map#: 65 Public 18R 303-674-6351 Evergreen Fee Range: $22-$30 Foothills Golf Course Map#: 71 Public 18R 9E 9P3 303-989-3901 Denver Fee Range: $25-$39 Fitzsimons Golf Course Map#: 69 Public 18R 303-364-8125 Aurora Fee Range: $15-$21 Flatirons Golf Course Map#: 70 Public 18R 303-442-7851 Boulder Fee Range: $22-$29 Fossil Trace Golf Club Map#: 231 Public 18R 303-277-8750 Golden Fee Range: $36-$50 Fox Hollow Golf Course Map#: 76 Public 27R 303-986-7888 Lakewood Fee Range: $43-$62 Glenmoor Country Club Map#: 78 Private 18R 303-781-0400 Englewood Fees: Guests $60-$85 The Golf Club at Ravenna Map#: 242 Private 18R 720-956-1600 Littleton Fee Range: Members Only Green Valley Ranch Golf Club Map#: 219 Public 18R 303-371-3131 Denver Fee Range: $24-$32 Greenway Park Golf Course Map#: 85 Public 9-P3 303-466-3729 Broomfield Fee Range: $6-$14 Harvard Gulch Golf Course Map#: 86 Public 9-P3 303-698-4078 Denver Fee Range: $6

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Colorado Golf Course Map & Directory

Heather Gardens Golf Course Map#: 89 Public 9E 303-751-2390 Fee Range: $12 Aurora Heather Ridge Country Club Map#: 90 Public 18R 303-755-3550 Aurora Fees: Guest $45 Heritage at Westmoor Map#: 92 Public 18R 303-469-2974 Fee Range: $24-$45 Westminster Heritage Eagle Bend Golf & CC Map#: 91 Semi-Private 18R 303-400-6700 Aurora Fee Range: $35-$70 w/cart Heritage Todd Creek Golf Club Map#: 227 303-655-1779 Public 18R Thornton Fee Range: $55-$65 Highlands Ranch Golf Club Map#: 94 Semi-Private 18R 303-471-0000 Highlands Ranch Fee Range: $42-$69 Homestead at Fox Hollow Map#: 239 720-963-5181 Public 18E Fee Range: $18-$35 Lakewood Hyland Hills, The Courses at Map#: 99 Public 27R 18P3 303-428-6526 Westminster Fee Range: $25; $37 Hiwan Golf Club Map#: 96 303-674-3369 Private 18R Fees: Guests $85 Evergreen Indian Peaks Golf Course Map#: 101 Public 18R 303-666-4706 Lafayette Fee Range: $34-$38 Indian Tree Golf Course Map#: 102 Public 18R 9P3 303-403-2541 Arvada Fee Range: $26 Inverness Hotel & Golf Club Map#: 103 Resort/Private 18R 303-397-7878 Englewood Fee Range: $70-$115 J. F. Kennedy Golf Course Map#: 104 720-865-0720 Public 27R 9P3 Fee Range: $20-$24 Denver Lake Arbor Golf Club Map#: 108 Public 18R 303-423-1650 Fee Range: $23 Arvada Legacy Ridge Golf Course Map#: 113 Public 18R 303-438-8997 Westminster Fee Range: $28-$45 Lakewood Country Club Map#: 111 Private 18R 303-233-0503 Lakewood Fees: Guests $75-$90 Littleton Golf & Tennis Club Map#: 26 303-794-5838 Public 18E Littleton Fee Range: $13-$34 Links at Highlands Ranch, The Map#: 117 303-470-9292 Public 18E Highlands Ranch Fee Range: $18-$31 Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel Map#: 118 Public 18R 303-799-9940 Fee Range: $43-$65 Littleton Meadows Golf Club, The Map#: 126 Public 18R 303-409-2250 Littleton Fee Range: $14-$31 Meadow Hills Golf Course Map#: 125 Public 18R 303-690-2500 Aurora Fee Range: $29-$35 Meridian Golf Club Map#: 128 Private 18R, 303-799-4043 Englewood Fee Range: $65-$85 Murphy Creek Golf Course Map#: 137 Public 18R 303-361-7300 Aurora Fee Range: $34-$44 Omni-Interlocken Resort Map#: 139 Resort 27R 303-464-9000 Broomfield Fee Range: $55-$85 Overland Park Golf Course Map#: 140 Public 18R 303-698-1975 Denver Fee Range: $20-23 Park Hill Golf Club Map#: 142 Public 18R 303-333-5411 Denver Fee Range: $18 Perry Park Country Club Map#: 145 Private 18R 303-681-3186 Larkspur Fees: Guests $50-$70 Pinehurst Country Club Map#: 147 Private 27R 303-985-1559 Denver Fees: Guests $70-$85 Pinery Country Club, The Map#: 148 Private 27R 303-841-2850 Parker Fees: Guests $40-$50 Plum Creek Golf & Country Club Map#: 149 Private 18R 303-688-2611 Castle Rock Fee Range: $65-$85 Pradera, The Golf Club at Map#: 228 Private 18R 720-851-9600 Parker Fee Range: $TBA Raccoon Creek Golf Course Map#: 156 Public 18R 303-932-0199 Littleton Fee Range: $38-$70 Ranch Country Club, The Map#: 157 Private 18R 303-466-2111 Westminster Fees: Guests $55 Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course Map#: 158 Public 18R 303-663-7150 Castle Rock Fee Range: $36-$59 Red Rocks Country Club Map#: 159 Private 18R 303-697-8008 Morrison Fees: Guests $35-$45 Ridge at Castle Pines North, The Map#: 160 Public 18R 303-688-0100 Castle Rock Fee Range: $75-$120 Riverdale Golf Courses Map#: 164 Public 36R 303-659-6700 Brighton Fee Range: $26-$37

DIVOTMagazine.com l Fall Issue 2016

Rolling Hills Country Club Private 18R Golden Saddle Rock Golf Course Public 18R Aurora

Sanctuary

Map#: 168 303-279-7858 Fees: Guests $75-$85 Map#: 169 303-699-3939 Fee Range: $26-$46

Map#: 171

Private 18R 303-224-2860 Fees: Invitation only Sedalia Southglenn Country Club Map#: 180 Private 18-P3 303-798-1656 Littleton Fees: N/A South Suburban Family Sports Center Map#: 68 303-649-1115 Public 9E Centennial Fee Range: $9-$19 South Suburban Golf Course Map#: 179 Public 18R 18P3 303-770-5508 Centennial Fee Range: $18-$43 Springhill Golf Course Map#: 184 303-739-6854 Public 18E Fee Range: $20-$26 Aurora Stoney Creek Golf Course Map#: 189 Public 9E 303-431-9268 Arvada Fee Range: $16-$18 Thorncreek Golf Club Map#: 195 303-450-7055 Public 18R Fee Range: $30-$35 Thornton Valley Country Club Map#: 201 Private 18R 303-690-6377 Aurora Fees: Guests only Wellshire Golf Course Map#: 206 Public 18R 303-692-5636 Denver Fee Range: $20-$24 West Woods Golf Club Map#: 207 Public 27R 720-898-7370 Arvada Fee Range: $27 - $41 Willis Case Golf Course Map#: 209 303-458-4877 Public 18R Fee Range: $20-$24 Denver

Front Range North

▲

Adriel Hills Golf Course Map#: 229 Private 6-P3 970-484-3098 Ft. Collins Fees: N/A Ballyneal Golf & Hunt Club Map#: 250 Private 18R 970-854-5900 Holyoke Fee Range: Members Only Bella Rosa Golf Course Map#: 248 303-678-2940 Public 9R Frederick Fee Range: $9-$20 Boomerang Golf Links Map#: 13 970-351-8934 Public 18R Greeley Fee Range: $22-$30 Bunker Hill Country Club Map#: 20 Semi-Private 9R 970-842-5198 Fee Range: $15-$18 Brush Cattail Creek Golf Course Map#: 230 Public 9-P3 970-663-5310 Loveland Fee Range: $7-$10 City Park Nine Golf Course Map#: 32 Public 9R 970-221-6650 Fort Collins Fee Range: $12-$21 Collindale Golf Course Map#: 35 Public 18R 970-221-6651 Fort Collins Fee Range: $21-$23 Coyote Creek Golf Course Map#: 48 Public 18R 303-857-6152 Fort Lupton Fee Range: $22-$24 Eaton Country Club Map#: 61 Private 18R 970-454-2587 Eaton Fee Range: $25-$40 F&H Park and Recreation District Map#: 66 Public 9R 970-774-6362 Haxtun Fee Range: $14 Fort Collins Country Club Map#: 72 Private 18R 970-482-9988 Fort Collins Fees: Guests $45-$103 Fox Hill Country Club Map#: 75 Private 18R 303-772-1061 Longmont Fees: Guests $40-$55 Greeley Country Club Map#: 83 Private 18R 970-353-2431 Greeley Fee Range: $87 w/cart Harmony Club Map#: 247 Private 18R 970-482-4653 Timmath Fee Range: Members/Guest Only Haystack Mountain Golf Course Map#: 88 Public 9E 303-530-1400 Niwot Fee Range: $9-$14 Highland Meadows Golf Course Map#: 174 Public 18R 970-204-4653 Windsor Fee Range: $40 to $69 Highland Hills Golf Course Map#: 93 Public 18R 970-330-7327 Greeley Fee Range: $21-$27 Holyoke Golf Course Map#: 98 Public 9R 970-854-3200 Holyoke Fee Range: $15 Indian Hills Golf Course Map#: 100 Public 9R 970-848-2812 Yuma Fee Range: $14-$16 Loveland, The Olde Course at Map#: 138 Public 18R 970-667-5256 Loveland Fee Range: $22-$28 Lake Valley Golf Club Map#: 110 Private 18R 303-444-2114 Longmont Fees: N/A Link-N-Greens Golf Course Map#: 115 Public 18E 970-221-4818 Fort Collins Fee Range: $19-$21

Courses not responsible for published fees. Fees ma Mariana Butte Golf Course Map#: 123 Public 18R 970-667-8308 Fee Range: $28-$36 Loveland Missing Links Golf at Frederick Map#: 130 Public 9R 303-651-7060 Longmont Fees: 10 Mountain Vista Greens Golf Course Map#: 136 Public 9R 970-482-4847 Fee Range: $12-$14 Fort Collins Northeastern 18 Map#: 188 Public 18R 970-521-6889 Sterling Fee Range: Guests $15-$37.50 Pelican Lakes Golf & Country Club Map#: 144 970-674-0930 Semi-Private 18R Windsor Fee Range: $40-$50 Plainsman Golf Club Map#: 235 Public 9R No Telephone Joes Fee Range: $10 Prairie Golf Course Map#: 151 970-383-2211 Public 9R Fee Range: $5 Cope Prairie Pines Golf Club Map#: 152 Public 9R 719-346-8207 Burlington Fee Range: $15-$20 Ptarmigan Golf & Country Club Map#: 153 970-226-6600 Private 18R Fee Range: $100 Fort Collins Quail Dunes Golf Course Map#: 73 Public 18R 970-867-5990 Fort Morgan Fee Range: $22 Quint Valley Golf Club Map#: 249 Public 9R 303-822-5509 Byers Fee Range: $20 Riverview Golf Course Map#: 165 Public 18R 970-522-3035 Sterling Fee Range: $12-$18 Saddleback Golf Club Map#: 218 303-833-5000 Public 18R Fees: $29-37 Firestone Sedgwick County Golf Course Map#: 224 Public 9S N/A Fees: N/A Julesburg Southridge Golf Club Map#: 181 Public 18R 970-416-2828 Fort Collins Fee Range: $21-24

246 Courses Listed

R = Regulation

Visit www.golfind.com for Colorado’s most c

y vary. Contact individual courses for exact pricing.

n

E = Executive

P3 = Par 3

Stratton Golf Course Public 9R Stratton Sunset Golf Course Public 9R Longmont Tamarack Golf Course Public 9R Limon Twin Peaks Golf Course Public 18R Longmont Ute Creek Golf Course Public 18R Longmont Washington County Golf Club Public 9R Akron Wray Country Club Public 9R Wray

Map#: 190 719-348-5412 Fee Range: $10 Map#: 191 303-776-3122 Fee Range: $10-$18 Map#: 192 719-775-9998 Fee Range: $12 Map#: 198 303-772-1722 Fee Range: $20-$24 Map#: 199 303-774-4342 Fee Range: $17-$35 Map#: 205 970-345-2309 Fee Range: $12-$15 Map#: 213 970-332-5934 Fee Range: $15-$17

Front Range South

▼

Antler Creek Golf Course Map#: 221 719-494-1900 Public 18R Fee Range: $28 -$40 Colorado Springs Broadmoor Golf Club, The Map#: 18 Resort 54R 719-634-7711 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $90-$160 The Club at Flying Horse Map#: 251 Private 18R 719-487-2620 Colorado Springs Fee Range: Members Only Cherokee Ridge Golf Course Map#: 28 Public 9R 9P3 719-597-2637 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $20 Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club Map#: 30 719-526-4122 Public 18R Fee Range: $25-$28 Fort Carson Colorado Springs Country Club Map#: 36 Private 18R 719-473-1782 Fees: Guests $40-$50 Colorado Springs Cottonwood Links Golf Club Map#: 44 Public 9R 719-263-4500 Fowler Fee Range: $12-$14

comprehensive online golf course directory.

Colorado Golf Course Map & Directory

Cougar Canyon Golf Links Map#: 197 Public 18R 719-422-7015 Fee Range: $39 -$69 Trinidad Country Club of Colorado Map#: 46 Resort 18R 719-538-4095 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $120 Desert Hawk at Pueblo West Map#: 120 Public 18R 719-547-2280 Fee Range: $25-$32 Pueblo West Eads Golf Course Map#: 232 Public 9R No Telephone Eads Fee Range: $3 Eisenhower Golf Club Map#: 62 719-333-2606 Military 36R Colorado Springs Fee Range: $12-$50 Elmwood Golf Course Map#: 154 Public 18R 9E 719-561-4946 Pueblo Fee Range: $24-$26 Grandote Peaks Golf Club Map#: 81 719-742-3391 Public 18R Fee Range: $35-$75 La Vita Hollydot Golf Course Map#: 97 Public 27R 719-676-3341 Colorado City Fee Range: $17-$23 Hugo Golf Club Map#: 234 No Telephone Public 9S Fee Range: $5 Hugo Kings Deer Golf Club Map#: 55 Public 18R 719-481-1518 Monument Fee Range: $35-$50 Kissing Camels Golf Club Map#: 106 Private 27R 719-632-5541 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $60-$75 La Junta Golf Club Map#: 107 Public 9R 719-384-7133 La Junta Fee Range: $10-$15 Las Animas Golf Course Map#: 112 719-456-2511 Public 9R Fee Range: $12 Las Animas Mossland Memorial Golf Course Map#: 133 Public 9R 719-765-4659 Fees: N/A Flagler Patty Jewett Golf Course Map#: 143 Public 27R 719-385-6934 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $27 Pine Creek Golf Club Map#: 146 Public 18R 719-594-9999 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $35 Pueblo Country Club Map#: 155 719-542-2941 Private 18R Pueblo Fee Range: $65-$75 Rocky Ford Country Club Map#: 167 719-254-7528 Public 9R Rocky Ford Fee Range: $11 Sand Creek Golf Course Map#: 236 Public 9E 719-597-5489 Fees: 8 Colorado Springs Silver Spruce Golf Course Map#: 175 Military 18R 719-556-7414 Colorado Springs Fees: Guests $25 Smoky River Golf Club Map#: 176 Public 9R 719-767-5021 Cheyenne Wells Fee Range: $12 Spreading Antlers Golf Course Map#: 182 Public 9R 719-336-5274 Lamar Fee Range: $20-$22 Spring Valley Golf Club Map#: 183 Public 18R 303-646-4240 Elizabeth Fee Range: $22-$34 Springfield Municipal Golf Course Map#: 226 Public 9R No Telephone Springfield Fees: N/A Springs Ranch Golf Club Map#: 185 Public 18R 719-573-4863 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $28-$45 Sumo Golf Village Map#: 10 Semi-Private 18R 719-784-6152 Florence Fee Range: $42 Trinidad Golf Course Map#: 302 Public 9R 719-846-4015 Trinidad Fee Range: $15(9H); $20(18h) Valley Hi Golf Course Map#: 202 Public 18R 719-385-6911 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $20-$27 Walking Stick Golf Course Map#: 203 Public 18R 719-584-3400 Pueblo Fee Range: $26-$28 Walsenburg Golf Course Map#: 204 Public 9R 719-738-2730 Walsenburg Fee Range: $14-$16 Woodmoor Pines Country Club Map#: 212 Private 18R 719-481-2266 Monument Fees: Guests $55-$65

Mountain

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Adam’s Mountain Country Club Map#: 244 Private 18R 970-328-2326 Eagle Fees: Members Only Aspen Glen Golf Club Map#: 5 Private 18R 970-704-1988 Carbondale Fees: Guests $120-$245 Aspen Golf Course Map#: 6 Public 18R 970-429-1949 Aspen Fee Range: $80 Beaver Creek Golf Club Map#: 11 Resort 18R 970-845-5775 Avon Fees: Guests $160 Breckenridge Golf Club Map#: 16 Public 27R 970-453-9104 Breckenridge Fee Range: $95

Brightwater Club Map#: 243 Private 18R 970-777-1270 Fee Range: Members Only Gypsum Catamount Ranch and Club Map#: 23 Private 18R 970-871-9200 Steamboat Springs Fees: Guests $135 Cattails Golf Club Map#: 24 Public 18R 719-589-9515 Fee Range: $30 Alamosa Challenger Golf Course Map#: 119 Public 9E 719-256-4856 Crestone Fee Range: $20 Collegiate Peaks Golf Course Map#: 34 719-395-8189 Public 9R Buena Vista Fee Range: $23 Copper Creek Golf Club Map#: 39 Resort 18R 970-968-2882 Copper Mountain Fee Range: $65-$85 Cordillera, The Club at Map#: 40 970-926-5100 Private 54R 9P3 Fee Range: $225-$235 Edwards Country Club of the Rockies Map#: 47 Private 18R 970-926-3021 Edwards Fees: Guests $75-$175 Crested Butte, The Club at Map#: 49 970-349-6131 Resort 18R Fee Range: $120 Crested Butte Dos Rios Golf Club Map#: 56 Semi-Private 18R 970-641-1482 Gunnison Fee Range: $65 w/cart Eagle Ranch Golf Club Map#: 217 Public 18R 866-328-3232 (toll free) Eagle Fee Range: $45-$90 Eagle Springs Golf Club Map#: 58 Private 18R 970-926-4404 Wolcott Fees: Escorted Guests Only EagleVail Golf Club Map#: 59 800-341-8051 Resort 18R Fee Range: $35-$98 Avon Estes Park Golf Course Map#: 64 Public 18R 970-586-8146 Fee Range: $28 - $46 Estes Park Four Mile Ranch Golf Club Map#: 252 Public 18R 719-275-5400 Canon City Fee Range: $44-$59 Fox Acres Country Club Map#: 74 Private 18R 970-881-2191 Red Feather Lakes Fees: Guests $120-$130 Glenwood Springs Golf Club Map#: 79 970-945-7086 Public 9R Glenwood Springs Fee Range: $25 Grand Elk Golf Course Map#: 222 970-887-9122 Resort 18R Granby Fee Range: $45 - $125 Gypsum Creek Golf Club Map#: 42 Public 18R 970-524-6200 Fee Range: $54 Gypsum Grand Lake Golf Course Map#: 80 Public 18R 970-627-8008 Grand Lake Fee Range: $44-$80 Haymaker Golf Course Map#: 87 Public 18R 970-870-1846 Steamboat Springs Fee Range: $79 Headwaters Golf Course Map#: 225 Public 18R 970-887-2709 Granby Fee Range: $60-$80 High Country Mountain Meadows GC Club Map#: 233 Public 9R No Telephone Red Feather Lakes Fees: N/A Ironbridge Golf Club Map#: 208 Semi-Private 18R 970-384-0630 Glenwood Springs Fees: Guests $39 to $89 Keystone Ranch Golf Course Map#: 105 Resort 18R 970-496-4250 Keystone Fee Range: $125-$140 Keystone, The River Course at Map#: 162 Resort 18R 970-496-4444 Keystone Fee Range: $125-$140 Lake Estes Executive 9 Golf Course Map#: 109 Public 9E 970-586-8176 Estes Park Fee Range: $13 Maroon Creek Club Map#: 124 Private 18R 970-920-1533 Aspen Fees: Guests $195-$325 Monte Vista Country Club Map#: 131 Public 9R 719-852-4906 Monte Vista Fee Range: $18 Mount Massive Golf Course Map#: 134 Public 9R 719-486-2176 Leadville Fee Range: $18 Pagosa Springs Golf Club Map#: 141 Resort 27R 970-731-4755 Pagosa Springs Fee Range: $57 Pole Creek Golf Club Map#: 150 Public 27R 800-511-5076 Winter Park Fee Range: $80 The Ranch at Roaring Fork Club Map#: 245 Public 9P3 970-963-4410 Carbondale Fee Range: $15 Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks Map#: 60 Semi-Private 18R 970-262-3636 Silverthorne Fee Range: $75-$124 Red Sky Ranch Map#: 223 N/A 36R 970-477-8406 Edwards Fees: N/A Rio Grande Golf Club Map#: 41 Resort/Private 18R 719-873-1995 South Fork Fees: N/A River Valley Ranch Golf Club Map#: 163 Public 18R 970-963-3625 Carbondale Fee Range: $50-$75

Roaring Fork Club Map#: 166 Private 18R 970-927-9100 Fees: Invitation only Basalt Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club Map#: 173 Resort 18R 970-879-1391 Steamboat Springs Fee Range: $80-$130 Saint Andrews at Westcliffe Map#: 186 Public 9R 719-783-9410 Fee Range: $12-$20 Westcliffe Salida Golf Club Map#: 170 Public 9R 719-539-1060 Salida Fee Range: $23 Shadow Hills Golf Club Map#: 172 719-275-0603 Semi-Private 18R Ca-on City Fee Range: $33 Shining Mountain Golf Club Map#: 211 Public 18R 719-687-7587 Woodland Park Fee Range: $32-$38 Snowmass Golf Village Map#: 177 719-784-6152 Resort 18R Fees: N/A Snowmass Village Sonnenalp Golf Club Map#: 178 Resort 18R 970-477-5370 Edwards Fee Range: $160 Steamboat Golf Club Map#: 187 970-879-4295 Public 9R Fee Range: $25(9H); $37 (18H) Steamboat Springs Vail Golf Club Map#: 200 Public 18R 970-479-2260 Vail Fee Range: $100 Willow Creek at Eagle Vail Map#: 237 Public 9-P3 970-845-PAR3 Avon Fees: N/A

West Slope

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Adobe Creek National Golf Course Map#: 1 970-858-0521 Public 27R Fee Range: $17-$24 Fruita Battlement Mesa Golf Club Map#: 8 Public 18R 970-285-7274 Fee Range: $35 Battlement Mesa Black Canyon Golf Club at Montrose Map#: 132 Public 18R 970-249-4653 Montrose Fee Range: $24 Bookcliff Country Club Map#: 12 Private 18R 970-242-9053 Grand Junction Fees: Guest $40 Bridges at Montrose, The Map#: 241 970-252-1119 Simi-Private 18R Montrose Fees: Guest $45-$87 Cedar Ridges Golf Course Map#: 25 970-675-8403 Public 9R Rangely Fee Range: $10(9H), $18(18H) Chipeta Golf Course Map#: 31 Public 18E 970-245-7177 Fee Range: $17-$21 Grand Junction Cobble Creek, The Links at Map#: 116 Public 18R 970-240-9542 Montrose Fee Range: $37 Conquistador Golf Course Map#: 38 Public 18R 970-565-9208 Cortez Fee Range: $18 Dalton Ranch Golf Course Map#: 50 Semi-Private 18R 970-247-8774 Durango Fee Range: $79 Deer Creek Village Golf Club Map#: 52 Public 18R 970-856-7781 Cedaredge Fee Range: $29-$38 Devil's Thumb Golf Course Map#: 43 Public 18R 970-874-6262 Delta Fee Range: $26-$41 Divide Ranch and Club Map#: 67 Semi-Private 18R 970-626-5284 Ridgway Fee Range: $49-$76 Glacier Club Map#: 193 Private 18R 970-382-6700 Durango Fee Range: 125-$175 Hillcrest Golf Club Map#: 95 Public 18R 970-247-1499 Durango Fee Range: $22 Hunter’s Run Golf Course Map#: 246 Public 18R 970-884-9785 Ignacio Fee Range: $11-$20 Lakota Canyon Golf Club Map#: 240 Public 18R 970-984-9700 New Castle Fee Range: $45-$75 Lincoln Park Golf Course Map#: 114 Public 9R 970-242-6394 Grand Junction Fee Range: $10-$14 Meeker Golf Course Map#: 127 Public 9R 970-878-5642 Meeker Fee Range: $19 Redlands Mesa, The Golf Club at Map#: 220 Public 18R 970-263-9270 Grand Junction Fee Range: $49-$69 Rifle Creek Golf Club Map#: 161 Semi-Private 18R 970-625-1093 Rifle Fee Range: $34 Telluride Ski & Golf Club Map#: 194 Resort 18R 970-728-6157 Telluride Fee Range: $130-$150 Tiara Rado Golf Course Map#: 196 Public 18R 970-254-3830 Grand Junction Fee Range: $18-$22 Yampa Valley Golf Club Map#: 214 Public 18R 970-824-3673 Craig Fee Range: $28

DIVOTMagazine.com l Fall Issue 2016

21

o T e r e H Stay!

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DIVOTMagazine.com l Fall Issue 2016

OUT DRIVE THE COMPETITION - PLAY QUAIL DUNES The Course is home to two distinct nines. The original front 9-hole course designed by Henry Hughs was opened in the early 1920s. In the late 1960s an additional 9 holes designed by Frank Hummel was added, along with a driving range. This traditional golf course features a variety of terrain from tree-lined fairways to rolling hills and challenging greens. It offers scenic views and challenging tee shots from multiple tee boxes.

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23

Feature

Golf and Fantasy Football Story continued from page 8

New Colorado Golf Offers, Discounts & Specials Updated Weekly!

www.Golfind.com

Fall Special!

$45/Player Unlimited Play!

ers, the equivalent of 6 fantasy football leagues with 12 players each. Thus, during the fantasy draft and throughout the season each NFL player will be available to 6 golf/fantasy league players at a time. 6 Andrew Luck’s, 6 Gronk’s, 6 CJ Anderson’s, and so on. Each league’s officers will create the schedule and establish the value of yardage, touchdowns, throws, catches, etc.

On the course, match points accumulate throughout the season and the top 16 golfers compete in a bracket tournament that coincides with the fantasy football playoffs. Also, bonus prizes for players who finish high in both elements of the shindig.

Each week a random draw determines the first 36 players who split up for a shotgun start 30 minutes before kickoff of the first broadcast NFL game. This group plays nine and is back to the clubhouse by halftime. The second group shotgun starts at halftime of the first game and is finished before the start of the late games, which are viewed by all from a crowded, smokin’ hot, clubhouse bar and grill. Shuttles home will be provided for safety reasons. On bad weather days the league still gathers to do

like the snow, get plowed.

Reader, golf fanatic, fantasy nerd, can you now see why we’ve been so excited to let this concept out of the ‘golf’ bag. The combining of two of our favorite hobbies is bound to explode. Hurry, get in now while spots are still available for next year.

Finally, a message to those non-nerds and club members who fear the worst when herds of fantasy/golf wack-a-do’s overrun their courses each fall. Worry not friends.

We’ve crunched the numbers and it seems a near certainty every course who joins in the marriage of league golf and fantasy football will incur enormous profits. These monies, of course will trickle down to the commoners in the form of free golf carts when temperatures exceed 85 degrees. Free golf balls with each green fee purchase—collect a half-dozen and get a corn dog. And a staff of massage therapists who welcome golfers back from their rounds with free rub downs.

Finally, again, a plea to golfers everywhere. In your travels, should you happen upon the wild and overzealous fantasy nerd, coax them to join a league at your home course, knowing you are doing your part to ensure better playing conditions for all hackers. D

New This Season!

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After 11am: Fri-Sun & Holidays Any Time: Mon-Thurs Must purchase cart. Expires 11/30/16 Bordered to the west by the spectacular Colorado National Monument, with splendid views of the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat top mountain, and the ever changing Bookcliffs, the newly renovated Tiara Rado golf course is golf and nature at its best. Tiara Rado is challenging for any level of skill with four tee areas to choose from and plenty of water hazards to avoid, including the short but ornery moat hole. It has an 18-acre practice area, golf cars, pull carts, lessons, rental clubs, and full service pro shop. Tee times may be made seven days in advance by calling (970) 254-3830.

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DIVOTMagazine.com l Fall Issue 2016

Feature

Building a Golf Course

SITE ANALYSIS

Analyzing The Weather Blake Stirling DIVOT Contributing Writer Golf Course Architect

Designing golf courses is incredibly complex. An experienced golf course architect must have the knowledge and education in several subjects besides golf itself.

Many low handicap golfers and golf professionals think it is simple to design a golf course. They can be highly critical and overly opinionated about golf courses.

Good golfers usually have the worst advice.

As the saying goes, “A little bit of knowledge is the most dangerous.”

To name just a few subjects, the golf course architect must have knowledge in agronomy, hydraulics, geology, costs, geography, soils, construction machinery, landscaping, plant material, drainage, topography, and civil engineering. Also, the golf architect must know every detail of the site on where the golf course is to be lo-

Est. 1938

cated. Part of this process, the architect should do a thorough “site analysis.” One portion of the site analysis is knowing how the weather affects everything about the design of the golf course, to obtain optimum results. Having a full understanding of the weather and historical weather statistics is essential for a well designed golf course, and optimizing the design of the golf course and the construction costs.

Initially, the golf course architect should obtain and study records from local, regional, and national meteorological agencies. Secondly, the golf course architect must do site visitation to the proposed area for the golf course. Learning the weather patterns by being on the particular parcel for the course, is crucial. Various site visits, especially during the playing seasons, can be effective. For example, a typical mountain course in Colorado, the golf course architect would be wise to visit the site various times from about March through

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DIVOTMagazine.com l Fall Issue 2016

October. A golf course on the arid, high plains of Colorado, the golfing season is usually longer, and visits from February through November or December may be necessary. Knowing the weather patterns during different times of the year, will affect the final golf course design.

Wind is a key factor affecting site analysis of golf design. Pinning down the prevailing winds, their directions, velocity, and frequency is essential. This has been important since the beginning of golf in Scotland where the wind can often howl. For example, golf courses along the front range of Colorado, strong, leeward winds from west to east exist mainly in springtime, but can occur during summer and autumn also.

In the Colorado Rocky Mountains, cool winds can be capricious and blow a variety of directions. Narrowing down the prevailing direction can be tricky, but usually there is a more consistent direction on which to base a design. Or there could be basically two directions. Our golf course, Font Del Llob, near Alicante, Spain, the wind blows basically from West to East in the mornings, and then switches from East to West in afternoons. A majority of golfers play golf in the afternoons in Spain, so we had to prioritize on the afternoon prevailing winds, but not totally forget about morning players. Wind direction affects almost everything about the design of the golf course, from the layout and master planning to final design alterations and features during construction. Colorado is usually dry and windy with occasional violent, summer thunderstorms. The golf architect must account for this in golf course design. On some golf courses where it is quite windy, sprinklers must be located slightly closer together to get full coverage. Especially if there are winds at night, when irrigation takes place, this is imperative.

At our course, Golf Mundo Aguilon, near Pulpi, Spain, strong, descending winds occasionally blast over the golf course site during storms. This not only affected routing of the golf holes and particular design, but also determined our choice of tree planting on the golf course. We had to choose palm trees to plant because the thin trunks bend in strong winds, plus do not have branches or many leaves. The palms allowed the winds to blow through without trees being blown over or damaged.

Also, because of the strong wind and warmth, we determined that slightly smaller greens would be more economical to build and maintain. Enormous sized greens in dry climates such as Colorado are very, very, expensive to water and extremely expensive to maintain.

Rain, snow and the amount of moisture is another key factor determining the final golf design. Knowing the amount of moisture a site receives, and at which times of the year, are critical for deciding on choice of grasses, vegetation, trees, and amount of irrigation and drainage to install. The golf course architect needs water and wind information, for it affects length and width of holes, routing the course for safety, variety, and for recognizing the drainage patterns on site and off site. The 100 year, and 500 year flood levels are crucial, and often environmental authorities will prohibit building in these flood prone areas. Many riparian areas are highly protected, and have environmental value.

For example, courses near the Platte River in the Denver area need to be designed to avoid flooding.

Golf courses like Overland, Columbine, Broken Tee which are near the Platte need to be designed higher than minimum, the 100 year flood level. Columbine Country Club experienced horrible flood damage in1965 during hard, June downpours. Even courses like City Park in Denver can be inundated in lower sections, where fast runoff from streets and development are surrounding the course. Knowing off site water runoff, directions and quantities is paramount. Courses like Cherry Hills, Lakewood, and Murphy Creek all have creeks that can overflow and flood parts of the golf course. The golf architect must design for these high water levels that are possible from inclement, harsh weather. Good design usually means raising key areas like greens, bunkers, landing zones and tees.

In our designing of Murphy Creek in Aurora, Colorado, as golf architects, we had to carve out areas for drainage creeks and water retention on holes 17, 16, 15, 14. To do this we needed to analyze the amount of moisture received, on and off site, along with existing topography. If not the golf course would have been flooded and more importantly, flooding would destroy surrounding real estate.

Sun and light are another weather factor that ultimately play a part of the “site analysis.” The golf architect should try to avoid initial starting holes that run in an eastern direction where the sun rises. Sun in the golfer’s eyes is annoying. Likewise, finishing holes, especially holes 8, 9, 17, 18 should avoid orientation directly west into the setting sun. Being temporarily blinded by the sun can ruin the golf experience.

Driving ranges that point north or northwest are best because they avoid facing into sunrise, sunset, and golfers do not face south during the hot days of summer in Colorado.

Tree planting on the golf course on the hot plains of Colorado, greatly aid the golfer’s experience and enjoyment. Finding shade during the hot months of May, June, July, August, September can be a real added comfort for golfers. The hot temperatures in Colorado out on the plains can be quite taxing and exhausting. Often, it is a real plus if the golf architect provides shade by tree planting in strategic locations to greatly enhance the enjoyment of golf. Golf should be enjoyable, fun, and sometimes challenging, but not torture.

Colorado mountain courses are greatly affected by the sun and the golf course location. Courses on South facing slopes are much more sunny, and dry. Many days in summer these courses can be hot, affecting choice of grasses, green designs, vegetation planting and location, irrigation, and several other features. Golf courses on North facing slopes often have the opposite problems. They can be too wet, not drain well, are cold and lack sunlight. These courses need specific design concepts different than South facing courses. Sometimes a mountain course may have both north and south facing slopes. The golf architect needs to analyze both the slopes and the weather and make the appropriate designs for such distinct areas. Actually, too many trees on a north facing slope golf course could be a big detriment. The course would often be in shade and often too wet to play. In addition, snow melt would be much slower which can greatly shorten the playing season in the Colorado Rockies.

Other weather factors such as humidity, average yearly frost times, air density, av-

erage temperatures, and altitude enter into all the weather data. With Colorado being such a mountainous state, altitude is very important in the layout and design of the golf course. Even Denver, which is a mile high, the ball goes much farther than at lower elevations. The farther the ball travels, the farther the golf ball can go off line too.

Often within a golf course there are micro-climates. For example, the higher portion of Eagle Vail Golf Course, in Colorado has a much different climate than the lower portion that runs close to the river.

Higher areas may be have more wind, rain, snow, and more cold. The lower portion could be much less windy and warmer. Our golf course we designed in the Canary Islands, Spain, El Cortijo, is a perfect example of micro-climates. Lower holes, 2,3,4,5 the wind would blow in from the sea toward land. Holes 1,7,8,9 the wind would blow down the canyon in the opposite direction toward the sea. Hole 6, is where the winds would converge and create wind eddies. We designed a short par three of about 140- 90 yards here because of the severely, swirling

winds. A long par three here would have been quite difficult for most golfers.

The golf architect, by doing vigilant site visits and recording all climate information is then able to combine this with other key information to form a comprehensive site analysis.

Weather is only one part of a complete site analysis. A complete site analysis serves only a portion of the base information in which to begin the process of golf course design. Other vital information is usually accurate topography maps, aerial photos, and several other engineering and landscape maps, environmental guidelines and restrictions.

Blake Stirling lives in Littleton Colorado. He has worked as a Golf Course Architect for 30 years. He has worked on hundreds of projects all around the world.

Most of his completed projects are in Spain, Morocco, Japan, the Far East, and the United States. He is a former top amateur golfer in Colorado. He has a Masters in Landscape Architecture from the University of Colorado at Denver. D

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Cover Feature

Golf Summerlin: The Trifecta of Vegas Golf Highland Falls

By Cody Law DIVOT Contributing Writer For the recreational golfer, those traveling a day away for golf getaways and escapes from reality, Golf Summerlin, just northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada, is quickly being added to the travel agendas of golfers heading to the land of bright lights and entertainment. Save your money for the strip and tee it up at Highland Falls, Palm Valley and Eagle Crest golf courses.

Just off I-15 and near the home of the PGA Tour’s Shriners Hospitals for Chil-

dren Open you’ll find three golf courses designed by Billy Casper/Greg Nashand and managed by Golf Summerlin. The Highland Falls, Palm Valley and Eagle Crest courses are well conditioned and an enjoyable test of golf.

Director of Golf Donny Long says, “The Golf Summerlin courses are among the finest and best maintained in Southern Nevada. Palm Valley was built in 1989, Highland Falls 1992 and Eagle Crest (an 18-hole executive course) in 1994. Most believe Golf Summerlin is private as we are a hidden gem in a Sun City community of 7,800 homes, but all three

courses are public and open to outside play and golf outings. Highland Falls is a two-time winner of the Review Journal’s Best of Las Vegas award, 2011 and 2015.

Sun City Summerlin Community Association Board of Directors President David Steinman has made the Golf Summerlin courses his home, “I have served on the board for 11 years. I believe our three golf courses provided an excellent amenity for the beauty of our community. All three courses are in excellent condition. The sand traps on Highland Falls and Palm Valley have

been renovated and add to the playability of the courses. Highland Falls is my favorite course as it combines elevation with excellent views of the Las Vegas valley. It is the most challenging of the three Sun City courses. Palm Valley is a favorite of our residents as it is a fair test with minimal elevation.”

You will enjoy the private club-like atmosphere with Highland Falls and Palm Valley without the sticker shock. Long says, “Highland Falls tends to be the favorite for most out-of-towners due to spectacular conditions, elevation changes and the views of the Las Vegas

Eagle Crest 30

DIVOTMagazine.com l Fall Issue 2016

Cover Feature

Palm Valley

strip. Palm Valley is a more traditional layout, flatter but longer, with strategically placed bunkers and outstanding conditions. Eagle Crest has become a favorite for many locals in the Las Vegas area due to quick rounds and playability and draws players looking to finish a round in two and half hours.

Players are often surprised by the unbelievable views of the entire city and the fact that it can play as difficult as any course in town if you choose to play it from the tips.”

The manicured conditions and club-like atmosphere of these courses are at odds with the pricing especially when considering other higher-end, sexier courses in the area; advantage goes to the visiting Golf Summerlin guest.

“The private feel is a bonus, says Long, “not only are you guarded in a beautiful community but you will enjoy the mountain scenery as we are located on the base of a mountain range. Our courses sit at 3,000+ elevation making us about five degrees cooler than most of the Las Vegas area.”

“The views are superb from Eagle Crest

as well,” added Steinman. “You should expect to be greeted by a friendly and helpful golf staff at our courses and enjoy very fair golf pricing. The layouts are diverse; each hole keeps the interest of the golfer throughout the round. I believe our courses compare favorably to other courses in the area relative to quality of play and cost per round. Golf Summerlin also has the advantage of a variety of elevation and our weather, on a year-round basis, is excellent with very low rain totals, low humidity and lots of sunshine.”

Golf Summerlin is the golf home for the Southern Nevada Golf Association and hosts many amateur and junior events throughout the year. Next time you’re heading to shows, concerts, bowl games, conference championships and the ever popular nightlife found on Las Vegas Boulevard, consider adding this trifecta of Vegas golf.

Yes, Las Vegas is built on fast-paced, neon-encrusted fun, including some of its more popular golf courses, but if you’re looking for wallet friendly enjoyable golf, please visit www.golfsummerlin.com. D

Highland Falls Par 72 • 6,512 yards • 70.1 rating/119 slope Recently awarded the coveted “Best of Las Vegas” by the Review Journal, Highland Falls offers elevation changes, well-designed fairway bunkering and protected greens. Challenging from any tee box, this championship course also has one of the highest view points of the Las Vegas valley.

Palm Valley Par 72 • 6,824 yards • 71.7 rating/123 slope A stunning layout of rolling fairways with spectacular mountain views, Palm Valley offers an exciting test of golf with manicured fairways and greens. Strategically placed bunkers guard large mildly undulating greens.

Eagle Crest Par 60 • 4,067 yards • 60.6 rating/95 slope An 18-hole executive course that packs a punch, Eagle Crest is popular with residents and guests alike and offers plenty of variety off the tee and will test every club in your bag. If you are looking for a quick round that will test your game, play Eagle Crest golf course.

Enjoy Fresh Air and Spectacular Views with Golf Summerlin courses; three well-conditioned, diverse and exciting courses, including two championship designs and an executive course. Together, this trifecta of Vegas golf offers a broad variety of experiences for players of all skill levels and offers golfers some of the most remarkable views of Las Vegas. www.golfsummerlin.com • 800.803.0758 DIVOTMagazine.com l Fall Issue 2016

31

Lenny’s Golf Shop

We have been around since the early 1980's and during its history, the shop has become a staple for excellent customer service, quality products, and an extremely knowledgeable friendly staff.

Lenny and his employees are dedicated to their customer’s satisfaction.

The shop also provides full-service golf repair, Offering quality products and state-of-the-art fitting technology. If you're bored with the big box store mentality and want a more personal experience with a staff that cares, then stop by and experience the difference.

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DIVOTMagazine.com l Fall Issue 2016

303-369-5900

2601 S. Parker Rd., Aurora, CO 80014 Sun-Thurs 9am-7pm & Fri-Sat 9am-8pm

www.denvergolfshop.net

Instruction

Hinge the Lever

By AJ Holdsworth DIVOT Contributing Writer

n other sports and/or leverage based activities, we typically hinge the lever and or set the wrist and elbow joints at the angles needed for the activity early if not immediately. The obvious example is throwing a baseball, as soon as you pick it up you “pre” set the angle in the wrist and elbow used to release the ball with maximum velocity and accuracy. When holding an axe or lacrosse stick, we hold them with our top arm, using the same angle in our

I

wrist and elbow used to throw, to lever the “stick”. Why? Because a levered “stick” allows for efficient body movement leading to maximum leverage, velocity and accuracy (try chopping wood without hinging/levering the axe).

For the golf swing, a properly hinged and levered club allows the clubhead to stay outside your hands longer, leading to a squarer swing path and club face. It will allow you to maximize the width of your swing arc, increasing clubhead speed without swinging harder! It improves your ability to create a proper swing/body sequence

in the takeaway (which typically translates into better sequence in the down swing!).

Additionally, it will help promote a descending strike for irons, leading to more solid contact and appropriate spin rates.

In the short game, the proper hinge and levering of the club leads to better strikes out of the rough and better spin rates with short iron shots.

A great drill to help feel proper hinging and levering is the hockey drill. Get into your normal set up and move your trail hand (right hand for right handed golfers) to below the grip (ala holding a hockey stick) (see picture #1). Move the club away without moving your bottom half, getting the clubhead to hinge above your hands before your lead hand (left hand for right-handers ) pass either your thigh or beltline (see picture #2). Note the 90 degree angle created between the left arm and the “stick”.

Returning the club to impact with this drill is a great way to feel how to keep the clubhead moving down the target line through impact. Try to post up down into your left leg to pull the club back to impact (see picture #3).

Incorporating this drill into your golf practice routine will lead to a more efficient

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Real Estate

Denver’s Hot Real Estate Market and the Golf Communities Within it!

By John Marshall DIVOT Contributing Writer

or the past 3-4 years the Denver real estate market has been on fire, homes are seeing double digit appreciation on an annual basis and golf course communities are no exception. Like the rest of the real estate market, there are pockets that are hotter than others and there are some areas that the golf enthusiast can still find a lot of home for the money.

In this article we will focus on golf course communities within 30 miles of Downtown Denver, which includes approximately 85 courses. So far, in 2016 there have been 1.659 homes sold in golf course communities in and around Denver with a price range from $105K for a one bedroom condo on Heather Ridge Golf Course to a $5.6M 15,652 square foot estate that backs to Denver Country Club, and literally everything in between.

Of the 1,659 golf community homes that sold, the average days on market was less than 40 for nearly 75% of these homes, and only a very small percentage of the homes sold were on the market more than 100 days, that is just over 3 months. Of the handful that took more than 200 days to sell there were many different reasons, some were on the outskirts of the market, as there seems to be more people desiring to be close in than in years past, a few were new construction that had longer completion dates and some were just priced high for their particular market or community.

The higher priced homes were primarily found on the private Country Club courses, however there were a few sprinkled in on public courses that were in the top 5% of sales price, including homes on Legacy Ridge in Westminster and Lone Tree Golf Course in Lone Tree, that being said only 8% of all golf course homes sold so far this year exceeded $1M, so there is hope for the rest of us that want to live in a golf community of on a golf course and enjoy the benefits that come with living there.

Even though only 8% of all homes sold in and around golf communities sold for over a million dollars, the million dollar homes currently make up 33% of the active golf course homes for sale, which makes perfect sense, there are far fewer buyers in that price range so naturally those homes take longer to sell and we will always see a greater ratio of luxury homes available,

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than those under $1M (assuming 1 Million means luxury home) So let’s talk about affordable golf course living and where you can still find some great prices on homes in golf communities without breaking the bank, and yes this includes a couple Country Club communities.

As I mentioned previously there is a migration, or at least a surge in people moving to Denver and the majority are opting to live closer to downtown, this means there are some great prices on those homes that are on the outskirts, but still very easy commutes to anywhere in the greater metro Denver area.

Starting just outside the 470 corridor in the Southeast at Blackstone Country Club where there are currently 32 homes available on the resale market and a handful of builders adding to that inventory on a weekly basis. There are a half dozen homes priced over $700K, but all the rest are in the mid $500-mid $600K range with around 5000 total square feet of living space. A little farther south and west is Heritage Eagle Bend, a 55+ community that features ranch style homes, patio homes, paired homes and townhomes. Price ranges go form $374K for a 2 bed 2 bath townhome to a 3800

square foot walkout ranch priced at $615K. As we move further west and further south on Parker road, we come across the Pinery, and Pradera, both private clubs, but with plenty of affordable golf course homes. Sure you can find million dollar plus homes on both courses and another dozen at Colorado Golf Club, the majority of homes in these two communities are priced under a million dollars, and there are plenty to choose from, as of this writing there were 93 homes available.

Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Castle Rock and Roxborough are home to another dozen golf courses, and although Castle Rock and Castle Pines are home to some of the most luxurious communities, you can also find one of the metro Denver areas most affordable golf communities at Red Hawk Ridge with the majority of homes priced in the mid $400Ks. One of the more affordable Country Club communities, and perhaps one of the most beautiful settings in the area is Red Rocks Country Club, with homes in the community priced from $450K-1.345M. Too the north, and still outside of the 470 beltway, lies Colorado National and Heritage Todd Creek, with homes in both com-

munities priced in the mid $400Ks and going up slightly to around $650K. Rounding out the exterior of the 470 corridor is Murphy Creek to the east and due south of DIA, but this is also the most affordable of all golf communities with townhomes starting in the low $200Ks and single family homes in the mid $400Ks. Prices tend to bump up a bit inside the 470 loop, but with so many courses to choose from, there are still plenty of options available, from public course communities in the south like Saddle Rock, South Suburban, Deer Creek and The Meadows and home prices ranging from the mid $400Ks to just over a million, and then the private club communities will bump that price quite a bit higher, although Pinehurst still has several homes for under $1M. The Fall real estate market typically slows down a little bit, but even a slow market in Denver real estate means going from 30 days on market to 45, not exactly a slow market.

John Marshall is the Director of Colorado Operations for Elite Real Estate Services. For more information please email john@winwindenver.com or call 720-982-6322. D

PGA professionals Stan Fenn & Doug Perry Saturday mornings on KCOL600 and iHeart Radio. Tune in Saturday mornings from 7 to 9 a.m. broadcast on radio, phones and. computers DIVOTMagazine.com l Fall Issue 2016 DIVOTMagazine.com l Fall Issue 2016

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Feature

St. George, Utah:

A TRUE GOLF DESTINATION

Sand Hollow by Brian Oar t is hard to classify St. George, Utah as a hidden gem since so many already know that it is a great golf and outdoor destination. St. George offers numerous golf courses, state parks, national parks, great dining, fantastic scenery, retirement communities, and much more. The outdoor adventures are boundless, exciting, challenging, fun, and the beauty is spectacular.

The Red Rock Golf Trail (RedRockGolfTrail.com), and local golf vacation packager StGeorgeUtahGolf.com have teamed up to expose the region’s rugged beauty and exceptional courses to traveling golfers, with an emphasis on Utah’s high desert appeal as a year-round golf destination. The world-renowned Zion National Park, endless outdoor recreational activities, affordable family lodging, and memorable dining options are all at your fingertips. Please visit www.StGeorgeUtahGolf.com for golf packages and www.RedRockGolfTrail.com for additional information on St. George, Zion National Park, and the surrounding area.

The Red Rock Golf Trail is a collection of 10 golf properties (www.VisitStGe-

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Sky Mountain by Brian Oar 36

DIVOTMagazine.com l Fall Issue 2016

orge.com), comprised of: Sand Hollow, Coral Canyon, Sky Mountain, Sunbrook, The Ledges, Green Spring, Southgate, Dixie Red Hills, Falcon Ridge, and St. George Golf Club. All courses are distinctive with unique golf holes and spectacular scenery. The colorful high desert is the backdrop, and the amazing views of the massive rock formations of Zion National Park, the Red Rock Golf Trail offers a combination of challenging golf courses and memorable scenery, making it a spectacular golf travel destination in the American West.

StGeorgeUtahGolf.com is part of the St. George-based Intermountain Golf Travel, a golf package tour operator created by local resident and golf travel photographer Brian Oar, and his brother, Darin. The newly redesigned StGeorgeUtahGolf.com website not only includes golf course and travel information, trip-planning services, and teetime booking, it also showcases award-winning photography of the Southern Utah golf courses.

There are too many unbelievable sites to witness and experience while playing the

Green Spring by Brian Oar Red Rock Golf Trail to note in this article, but make sure to experience the amazing cliff side holes of Sand Hollow. Don’t miss the canyon holes at many courses- especially the par 3 at Coral Canyon and the truly beautiful last 3 holes at Sky Mountain (and if you are lucky, the amazing waterfall ¼ mile behind the #17 tee box). The 3-9 hole courses at Sunbrook are spectacular, as are tremendous views of Snow Canyon at The Ledges. The canyon that you hit across and parallel on 2 consecutive holes at Green Spring are beautiful and challenging. The views of the city and Zion National Park from Southgate, the Virgin River Gorge driving to Falcon Ridge (the course sits in close view of the Virgin Mountains), the fish fossil in the rock at The Ledges giving the name to the super restaurant Fish Rock Grille, are not to be missed.

St. George offers aerial tours, sky diving, horseback riding, fishing, climbing, biking, ATV adventures, hiking, boating, and canyoneering into slot canyons for the adventurous. For the truly courageous golfer, allow time to play the Hickory Sticks and “Ouimet” ball at the Links Course at Sand Hollow. The hickory sticks,

“Ouimet” ball, and small old-time carry bag are all available at the Pro Shop for a nominal fee. This will step you back in time, provide great golf holes for the old time feather ball, and a feeling of playing in Scotland! Put on your knickers, high socks, Scottish hat, and walk 9 or 18 holes. If you are truly lucky, you may see and play along with Brian Oar, a hickory stick golfer 95% of the time.

The Red Rock Golf Trail has become a must play experience among the popular golf destinations in the country! Dazzling red rock cliffs, coral-pink colored sand dunes, and rugged black lava rock provide fabulously manicured fairways amidst the often unreal looking desert landscape.

When considering a golf trip, you can rest assured that St. George, Utah is a tremendous destination. You will not be disappointed.

Please visit: Instagram@StGeorgeUtahGolf-Hashtags#RedRockGolfTrail, #StGeorgeUtahGolf Twitter@SGUtahGolf-@AtoZion-Hashtags-#RedRockGolfTrail, #StGeorgeUtahGolf D

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DIVOTMagazine.com l Fall Issue 2016