[Dan Hopkins]

It has been a pleasure to spend my free time submerged in the quarter-century worth of articles + conversations from this community. My first contribution will selfishly be looking for pvt club advice in Denver. I’ve played some great public courses out here, but without my go-to golf buddies, I am looking to get involved in the private scene.
About me: 26 years old with no wife/kids. Covid transplant from Chicago. I value golf quality over everything else.
Based on previous discussion threads, I’ll look into Columbine CC and Lakewood GC.. as well as the Big 4 (Colorado GC, Cherry Hills, Castle Pines GC and DCC).


Outside of my request, I’ll try to provide some public-course value for anyone who comes out to Denver.
Standard Golf:

• Riverdale Dunes – the best bang for buck I’ve had in years. $50-60 weekends, $28 weekday twilight. Easy walk with a lot of character. My go-to and favorite course near Denver
• CommonGround – good golf test without a ton of frill or flair
• Green Valley Ranch – large golf operation. Host the Colorado open and have a par 3 course. Considering the $3,500 membership here

Mountain Golf (within 1.5hrs of Denver):

• Bear Dance – a wow filled course with plenty of great holes. I’ll surely be back, bringing visitors and locals alike
• Ridge at Castle Pines (North) – solid course but gimmicky with a few blind shots that turned me off
• Arrowhead – postcard Colorado.. the red rocks of golf. Not the greatest testament of golf, but a fun time
• Fossil Trace – fun play.. hasn’t been in the rotation due to the ever-climbing price tag and crowds

[mike_beene]

Would love to hear any thoughts on Breck, other Summit County or Vail Valley courses. It has been years since I last played Breckinridge. Usually do the Broadmore but they can sure separate you from your money.

[Dan Hopkins]

Would love to hear any thoughts on Breck, other Summit County or Vail Valley courses. It has been years since I last played Breckinridge. Usually do the Broadmore but they can sure separate you from your money.

It was my first summer out here so I found myself hiking/camping more often than not if I was in the mountains. If I can get out to either Red Sky Ranch course this summer, I will be a happy man

[Keith Phillips]

Dan, for a single man it's worth looking into Bear Creek.  Pure golf, great membership and staff; first class practice facility, and a fun Palmer course with highs and lows.  I was a non-resident member years ago and really enjoyed it.

[Jeff_Brauer]

Dan,


Not sure which part of Denver you are looking at, but if you want a more affordable option near Parker Black Bear is worth adding to your consideration list.....if you can handle a course designed by some brand X designer.....and a course with a few holes where housing encroaches.


I have played there twice in the last four years, and it was in great condition.  I did look at some recent yelp reviews, and most say the course is good and in good shape, with some questions about food service and clubhouse, which isn't as large as some other private clubs.


My brother in law lives on Bear Dance in Larkspur, and I like that one as well.

[Terry Lavin]

Not to spoil his chances for more replies, but I have to disclose that Dan is my nephew. He and his twin brother both caddied at Beverly CC in Chicago and they are both Evans Scholars alums.


We have played a lot of golf together over the years and Dan has a mindset that is aching to learn more about golf course architecture while also finding a club to join in his new city.


I wanted him to stay and join the Bev, but I was overruled.

[Joe_Tucholski]

Not sure which part of Denver you are looking at

Definitely essential information as the Denver metro is sprawling now.  That being said where I work and plan to golf are essential pieces when deciding where to live.


Interestingly on the topic of mountain courses, referenced by Mike, I was up skiing this week and the vail muni roped off the greens and cleared them of snow.  Very weird with the green pop against the white snow.  We ski 1-2x a month and this was the first time we noticed the greens were cleared of snow.

[JStewart]

Would love to hear any thoughts on Breck, other Summit County or Vail Valley courses. It has been years since I last played Breckinridge. Usually do the Broadmore but they can sure separate you from your money.

Both Red Sky courses are fun, and with amazing views. In the past, you’ve been able to buy two rounds for $360.

[Dan Hopkins]

Not sure which part of Denver you are looking at

Definitely essential information as the Denver metro is sprawling now.  That being said where I work and plan to golf are essential pieces when deciding where to live.


Interestingly on the topic of mountain courses, referenced by Mike, I was up skiing this week and the vail muni roped off the greens and cleared them of snow.  Very weird with the green pop against the white snow.  We ski 1-2x a month and this was the first time we noticed the greens were cleared of snow.

I'm in City Park right now - lease is up in July so I'm indifferent on location. I imagine I'll probably be 20-40 mins away from whichever I join

[J_ Crisham]

Dan,   
    Great to hear from you! I ran into Brendan at the Ryder Cup last Fall. Try Commonground- it's pretty solid. Hope to see you at Bev this Summer!
                                                                               Best,  JC

[mike_beene]

As you guys roll into summer I would really like a report on good mountain practice areas. I fully recognize many just spit their beverages out, but when it is August in Dallas heaven is a good cool range. Broadmoor always good. Breck was years ago. Vail had old balls and mats a couple of years ago.

[Tim Leahy]

If you can get into Cherry Hills CC why consider anything else.

[Michael Pelliccione]

Just drive the 2.5 hours east to Holyoke, CO 

[Jeff Schley]

Curious what is the golf season in Denver? Mile high and I would think makes it short. Is the elevation in the metro area pretty much the same? I would think maybe April 1 to October?

[Matthew Rose]

Curious what is the golf season in Denver? Mile high and I would think makes it short. Is the elevation in the metro area pretty much the same? I would think maybe April 1 to October?

I've played every month of the year in Denver. I've also waited out snow delays in May. It's a lottery.

[JC Urbina]

Dan,


Being a Denverite, I would be happy to join you at Common Ground or Riverdale Dunes two of my favorites in the Denver area.  Although not private they represent the Fun in Golf.


The Private side of golf in Denver is a matter of taste, The recently done DCC by Gil Hanse is good, Cherry Hills, no introduction needed ( AP fame), I have friends that are members there and they enjoy all that it has to offer.


Pinehurst in South West Denver is a Press Maxwell Course,
Lakewood CC is a Donald Ross course recently touched by Gil and is fun to play
Columbine CC down in my neck of the woods has been recenty redone by the Reese Jones group
Bear Creek is a nice course West of Denver and on a nice evening close enough to Red Rocks to Play golf in the afternoon and cruise up to catch a show at night.  Arnold Palmer design, on pretty cool land, has some realy cool holes that could even be better with some touch up.
Outside of Denver is Castle Pines and Castle Pines CC
Colorado Golf Club - Coore And Crenshaw's work south of Denver
Ravenna in South West Denver
Hiwan Golf Club just west of Denver


All the ones that I am sure you have looked into






Several other private clubs I know would welcome you but depending on the golf experince you want just go play them and see.


Cool Architecture or Cool drinks
Good Strategy or Good food.

[Mike Hendren]

What a coincidence - I just retired and am looking at buying a second home in Clementon, NJ.  Any recommendations for a club to join, ideally near an amusement park?

Bogey

[Tommy Williamsen]

What a coincidence - I just retired and am looking at buying a second home in Clementon, NJ.  Any recommendations for a club to join, ideally near an amusement park?

Bogey

Maybe it could have its own police force as well.

[Doug Bolls]

A golf course by an amusement park - Humm, you might have better luck in San Antonio.

[Kalen Braley]

What a coincidence - I just retired and am looking at buying a second home in Clementon, NJ.  Any recommendations for a club to join, ideally near an amusement park?

Bogey

Maybe it could have its own police force as well.

Well given the last few years, I would think a membership at Trump Philly would work.

...And meets all the criteria to boot! 


P.S.  I recently found out I inherited $25 million from a long lost relative in Nigeria.  I too am looking for a recommendation for something near Monterey, preferably with close proximity to a scenic drive.

[Dan Hopkins]

Dan,


Being a Denverite, I would be happy to join you at Common Ground or Riverdale Dunes two of my favorites in the Denver area.  Although not private they represent the Fun in Golf.


The Private side of golf in Denver is a matter of taste, The recently done DCC by Gil Hanse is good, Cherry Hills, no introduction needed ( AP fame), I have friends that are members there and they enjoy all that it has to offer.


Pinehurst in South West Denver is a Press Maxwell Course,
Lakewood CC is a Donald Ross course recently touched by Gil and is fun to play
Columbine CC down in my neck of the woods has been recenty redone by the Reese Jones group
Bear Creek is a nice course West of Denver and on a nice evening close enough to Red Rocks to Play golf in the afternoon and cruise up to catch a show at night.  Arnold Palmer design, on pretty cool land, has some realy cool holes that could even be better with some touch up.
Outside of Denver is Castle Pines and Castle Pines CC
Colorado Golf Club - Coore And Crenshaw's work south of Denver
Ravenna in South West Denver
Hiwan Golf Club just west of Denver


All the ones that I am sure you have looked into






Several other private clubs I know would welcome you but depending on the golf experince you want just go play them and see.


Cool Architecture or Cool drinks
Good Strategy or Good food.

I will gladly take you up on your offer to play this year. Riverdale Dunes had some closures at the end of the season for a water pipe on the 3rd hole, but hopefully they're back in action. I'll get your contact info via Terry Lavin and get something setup. In the meantime I'll check out your private recs.. they're greatly appreciated. 

[Dan Hopkins]

Dan,   
    Great to hear from you! I ran into Brendan at the Ryder Cup last Fall. Try Commonground- it's pretty solid. Hope to see you at Bev this Summer!
                                                                               Best,  JC

great to hear from you doc. I'll be in Chicago in early May + mid-July and you know I'll find a way there! Would be great to play and/or catch-up with you.

[Dave Herrick]

Dan,
If you’d like to give Lakewood CC a try I’d be happy to drag you out there.

[Stewart Abramson]

Dan,
If you’d like to give Lakewood CC a try I’d be happy to drag you out there.

Here's a link to photos of Lakewood.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157687023962365

[Dave Herrick]

Dan,
If you’d like to give Lakewood CC a try I’d be happy to drag you out there.

Here's a link to photos of Lakewood.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157687023962365

Nice photo tour, Stewart. The photos predate the completion of the Hanse renovation, which included the repositioning of the greens on 1, 4, 6, 10, and 14.

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