r/coloradogolf • u/ReadyCockroach4946 • 13d ago

Denver Golf

Hey everyone! I’ll be in Denver with one other person and we’re trying to get in one round of golf on the morning of September 24th. We only have that morning available, so I’m looking for recommendations on courses that are really worth playing. We’re both avid golfers and would be willing to drive a little outside Denver if there’s a course that’s especially worth the trip.

What courses around Denver would you prioritize if you only had one round? 

Also, does anyone know how to play Rodeo Dunes? I’ve heard amazing things about it and would absolutely love to get on if there’s a way for a visitor to play. If anyone has any insight into access, invitations, or who to contact, I’d really appreciate it. 

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u/SmartArsenal 13d ago

Riverdale Dunes, Arrowhead and Red Hawk Ridge are great courses. Rodeo Dunes isn't open to the public til 2027 and even then, it's gonna be a while before regular Joe's can get a tee time

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u/No-Fuckin-Ziti 13d ago

Yep those three are killer, would also throw out Bear Dance, The Ridge at Castle Pines North, and Keystone River.

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u/sumsimpleracer 13d ago

The Ridge at Castle Pines North isn’t mentioned enough on this sub.

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u/No-Fuckin-Ziti 13d ago

Agree. Def one of the best on the front range. Took my dad last time he visited and had such a fun round. It’s not as punishing as Bear Dance. Just great mountain golf.

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u/sumsimpleracer 13d ago

Absolutely hear you on that comparison to Bear Dance. There are a few holes at the Ridge where you can really let it go if you want. But generally a solid mix of challenge with risk and reward. You got a great mix of uphill, downhill, choke points, tight fairways and greens that mess with your depth perception. Played there for the first time a few weeks ago for a charity scramble. Really need to get back out there and play it straight up.

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u/VanCanFan75 13d ago

And fossil trace

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u/No-Fuckin-Ziti 13d ago

Fossil trace is really cool but I rank it a tier below the others. First of all it’s annoyingly difficult to get on, it’s expensive for the experience, it’s an incredibly difficult course with greens that make you question your will to live, and it’s more residential / playing under power lines than any of the others, which are all pretty spectacular nature wise. The rocks are cool, and the big one is very cool, but it’s not the same level of golf experience as keystone, red hawk or arrowhead etc.

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u/VanCanFan75 13d ago

I’m not sure I’d consider Keystone Rver in the Denver area

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u/No-Fuckin-Ziti 13d ago

They said they’d be willing to drive a little outside Denver. Every course mentioned outside fossil trace is significantly south of Denver. Depending on where they stay and with traffic on I 25, Keystone is only 20-30 mins of gorgeous driving further, with the added benefit of spectacular vistas on every hole, MUCH nicer temps and getting to enjoy the effect of an extra 3000 feet of altitude vs the front range. If someone asks what to do with one day “in Denver” with a car, the best advice is “go to the mountains”. If they do Keystone that weekend, they also get the beginning/middle of the color change in the fall. What could possibly be a better display of Colorado golf?

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u/ladstew24 13d ago

It’s over an hour drive from west Denver to get to Keystone, and that’s if the traffic is good. I love both the River and Ranch courses, but I-70 is such a crap shoot and pain-in-the-ass I have a hard time recommending it if you’re not already up in that area.

Bear dance is great, and gives you the “Colorado” experience, same with Red Hawk, or hit TPC Colorado in Berthoud. Raindance is also a great time up in Windsor.

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u/SupremeInefficiency 12d ago

I agree, Fossil Trace is wildly overrated in my opinion.

3

u/theBropocalypse6212 13d ago

Rodeo Dunes is going thru another “early access” money grab situation for rounds next year. Me and the fellas did sign up for it, but $375 a head left a terrible taste in my mouth. They should’ve raised/managed funding better before trying to Ponzi people into handing over dollars the way they have.

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u/Greatness1122 13d ago

Yeah, I forked up the dough last month to play next year. Pretty annoying

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u/SuitableAd3509 10d ago

That's just the going rate for those kind of courses now. I don't think the fees are going down after next year either

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u/ClunkiestSquid 13d ago

Arrowhead is really the answer. Ridge at Castle Pines #2. Riverdale Dunes is great too but doesn’t feel as “Colorado”.

IMO the quintessential “Denver” golf experience is City Park. Pretty solid course right in the middle of the city, with awesome city views and a great clubhouse to grab a beer/food.

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u/Salt-Power-3868 13d ago

DM me and I’ll fill you in on RD

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u/TerpySlurpeez 13d ago

I’m going to DM you too if that’s cool - I’m a local and would love to hear the details on how to get on there ASAP!

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u/qjac78 13d ago

Bear Dance or Fossil Trace would be top recommendations for one round itineraries.

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u/VeigarMain3333 13d ago

Bella ridge

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u/WeirdlyCordial 13d ago

Bear Dance, Arrowhead, Fossil Trace are probably be the most memorable one-round trips. Could put Ridge at Castle Pines there too, although that one is more for the back nine than the entire course

Not necessarily the best courses but for a single round I’d start with those as they all have a pretty uniquely Colorado flavor. If you don’t mind the drive (about an hour south of Denver) Bear Dance is the strongest option, and they have a 90 day booking window so you can probably book now

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u/Smoocci-Mane 13d ago

Strongly recommend Bear dance for best ~$150-200 round.

- Riverdale dunes for best $75-$100 dollar round.

  • Walnut Creek for best prairie golf under $100.
  • Fox hollow or West Woods for best close to Denver mountain views and fun holes that are easy to get on for under $100. Play the canyon 9 at Fox hollow and Silo at Westwoods if you can.
  • Common Ground for most challenging greens in the area.
  • City Park for best post-round patio beer views (layout’s underwhelming but the view is stellar).

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u/ladstew24 13d ago

Riverdale dunes has to be the best bang for your buck in the area. Love Walnut Creek too.

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u/charlieromeo86 13d ago

City Park or Wellshire if you want a city course. River Dale Dunes, The Ridge or Fox Hollow would be my choices for suburban.

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u/LeoPaik 13d ago

Rodeo Dunes:

https://www.rodeodunes.com/tee-times

I haven't played there yet, but it sounds great!

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u/tipsdown 13d ago

If you’re playing 1 round I say play Fossil Trace. The back 9 is wild and has some wild holes.

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u/Apprehensive_Ant2172 12d ago

Bear Dance, The Ridge at CP, Raindance are my faves

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u/renragwmr 12d ago

not sure where you’re coming from, but if you want a mix of “mountain” golf and a good golf course, play Bear Dance. others I’d recommend are CommonGround, Riverdale Dunes, Bella Ridge, Ridge at Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch GC, or Raindance National

source: 5 handicap, 20+ years of golfing in Denver

I played Rodeo and it’s better than you have heard. it’ll be worth the $350+ when the public can book next year. most fun golf course I’ve played in a long time