[Raymond]

Since we're talking Colorado golf, is there anything near Estes Park that would entice me to bring my clubs on our family vacation. We will be there from Aug3rd thru the 10th. I'd be willing to drive up to an hour or so for something really good. I'd appreciate your comments.

[Tim Leahy]

I believe there is a course in Estes Park that is supposed to be pretty scenic and a good test. Here's a link:

http://www.golflink.com/golf-courses/course.asp?course=125745

[Dan Smoot]

I believe there is a course in Estes Park that is supposed to be pretty scenic and a good test. Here's a link:

http://www.golflink.com/golf-courses/course.asp?course=125745

Heavy on the scenic, light on the demanding.

[Larry_Keltto]

Make a tee time if you want to play at Estes Park -- the placed is packed in the mornings in the summer. If you don't mind driving down to Loveland, Mariana Butte has some nice holes.

[Mike Leveille]

Raymond:

The Estes Park GC is nothing to speak of from an architectural standpoint, but it is one heck of a beautiful spot to spend four hours and the golf is not bad.  Sure, you have elk droppings and other animal scat on the course, but that is part of the beauty of the place.  I played there in late September about 10 years ago, during the elk rut season.  Not sure if it was the 16th or 17th hole, but I hit my second shot onto the green of the par four and before I could get to the green 30 to 40 elk wandered down from the hillside onto the green.  My wife and I sat and watched for 30 minutes as the various male elk in the herd bugled and rutted, presumably for mating rights with the females of the herd.  With darkness setting in, I decided to abandon my golf ball to the elk and head to the clubhouse.  Like I said, not an architecturally memorable golf course, but I will remember those 30 minutes watching the elk rut on the green far longer than I'll remember my rounds on many great courses.

Mike

[Raymond]

Mike, what a memorable day! Isn't it amazing that some of our most treasured experiences revolve around wildlife in their natural settings. Although a golf course doesn't  necessarily fit that description, the elk really didn't notice. That alone would make taking the clubs a no brainer.

[Derek_Duncan]

Raymond,

I've played Estes Park GC countless times growing up and it's where I carded my career round, so the this topic is close to my heart.

Estes Park is a charming property that slopes from a high side down toward Fish Creek with 360-degree views from the valley to Longs Peak and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. The holes run laterally across the slope and have a nice mixture between strong two-shot holes and several short, sporty par fours on the second nine that can be driven.

Mostly it's a beautiful setting with the aforementioned elk, crisp thin mountain air and the smell of pine. The clubhouse has a great porch and just remember than all the putts break toward the creek below. You will enjoy.

[Kirk Gill]

There used to be some really cool old-fashioned features there, like rectangular mounds right in front of greens, etc. It's a fun place to play golf.

I remember playing there once when it started snowing as we made the turn, and then there was lightning - perhaps the only thundersnowstorm I've ever experienced. My good friend's father's hair was sticking straight out away from his head, there was so much electricity in the air.........

Since you're in the area for a few days, you might consider driving over Trail Ridge Road down to Grand Lake, and there's a few courses over in that area, like Grand Elk or the courses at Pole Creek. More than an hour from Estes Park, but not that far if you're already in Grand Lake..........I haven't played Grand Elk, but Pole Creek used to be pretty good, if memory serves....

Have a great vacation. It's beautiful up there !

[Raymond]

Thanks gentlemen for all the comments. It's been over 30 years since I've been to Estes Park but although I don't remember all the details the vivid memory of all it's splendor still lingers. I am looking forward to sharing that experience with my wife and daughter (and maybe getting in a round or two early in the AM).

[Mike Kosak]

Be sure to take in the 9 hole executive course down by Lake Estes; 4 par 4's and 5 par 3's alot of fun and again beautiful and family friendly.  The 18 hole course claims to be the oldest course in Colorado built by Lord Dunraven in the late 1800's. 

Take the drive over Trail Ridge; Pole Creek is the best, but I've heard it isn't in the greatest condition this year due to new irrigation construction.  Pass it by this time and play either Grand Elk or Sol Vista with my preference Sol Vista, but both good.  I'm headed there myself on the 23rd.

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