Denver Advice

[Tom_Doak]

Thanks to all who replied, there are so many areas of our country that I’m unfamiliar with as far a golfing opportunities. Generally I know all the really known courses but after I play those I want to enjoy those that may not be well known but still fun. We have several here in Boise that are like that.


Question …..Is Ballyneal worth the time spent to travel there ? How far is it from downtown Denver?


I’m sure all will say “yes” but on Tuesday and Wednesday that week I’ll be playing in a tournament and Saturday at CG, I’d have to make it a one day trip from Denver and I don’t want to burn out lol!

If you can overnight at Ballyneal then it is definitely worth the trip.  I wouldn't drive out and back the same day, though I'm saying that at 63, I would have done it 20 years ago.

[DFarron]

Thanks to all who replied, there are so many areas of our country that I’m unfamiliar with as far a golfing opportunities. Generally I know all the really known courses but after I play those I want to enjoy those that may not be well known but still fun. We have several here in Boise that are like that.


Question …..Is Ballyneal worth the time spent to travel there ? How far is it from downtown Denver?


I’m sure all will say “yes” but on Tuesday and Wednesday that week I’ll be playing in a tournament and Saturday at CG, I’d have to make it a one day trip from Denver and I don’t want to burn out lol!

If you can overnight at Ballyneal then it is definitely worth the trip.  I wouldn't drive out and back the same day, though I'm saying that at 63, I would have done it 20 years ago.

Lol I’m 64 so I get what you are saying. Can’t overnight it I’m going to Denver with my wife who will be at a conference during the day so I need to be back at night.

[Daryl David]

Thanks to all who replied, there are so many areas of our country that I’m unfamiliar with as far a golfing opportunities. Generally I know all the really known courses but after I play those I want to enjoy those that may not be well known but still fun. We have several here in Boise that are like that.


Question …..Is Ballyneal worth the time spent to travel there ? How far is it from downtown Denver?


I’m sure all will say “yes” but on Tuesday and Wednesday that week I’ll be playing in a tournament and Saturday at CG, I’d have to make it a one day trip from Denver and I don’t want to burn out lol!

If you can overnight at Ballyneal then it is definitely worth the trip.  I wouldn't drive out and back the same day, though I'm saying that at 63, I would have done it 20 years ago.

Lol I’m 64 so I get what you are saying. Can’t overnight it I’m going to Denver with my wife who will be at a conference during the day so I need to be back at night.

Just do it. Will talk about it for years and never remember the 6 hours in the car. Plus, 64 is young! 

[Keith Phillips]

Hear, hear for the '64 is young' comment!  Another 'in town' suggestion is Bear Creek. It's a Palmer and is penal but with some fun holes.  A men-only private club but when I was a member 15 years ago they allowed some unaccompanied play if you reach out.

[DFarron]

Is Ballyneal a hard walk with a caddie? The invite has been extended but I have to make it a one day trip....

[Matthew Rose]

I didn't think it was too bad. I am admittedly not in the greatest shape, but I made it around okay.

I ran out of gas when we went out to the par three course later, though.

Worth it if you get the chance.

[Rick Sides]

Heading there in August . Have only chance for one round staying in Golden. Would you pick Fossil Or Lakewood, or something else within 30 mins ?

[Dave Herrick]

The walk at Ballyneal is characterized by frequent elevation changes of varying gradients. It is certainly more difficult than a mostly flat parkland or links layout. One factor in determining the length of the walk is the choice of teeing area, as the club sets out no tee markers for general play. No green to tee walk is overly long, and a few can be quite short, as on several holes it is feasible to tee off from some flat (or not) spot very near the green of the hole just completed.
I am in my mid 70s and always walk wherever I play. At Ballyneal I either shove a trolley or carry something less than a full set.
One factor not to be overlooked is the anticipated temperature. An afternoon round in midsummer can be a bit taxing for one not used to walking a course on a hot day.
Taking a caddie should make a significant difference. I think that however spent you might feel walking up the hill from the 18th green, you will realize that that it was worth the effort.

[DFarron]

Just finished at Common Ground, what a wonderful joy that was. Great variation of holes, fun layout and a great walk.


Highlight of the day was my caddie from the Solich program. A kind, courteous young man who had the courage to chat me up. Hard worker, this kid will be something someday.


For those of you who said my two plays in Denver should be Common Ground, you were right.


Tomorrow Broadmoor East!

[DFarron]

Kind of interesting that I got a lot of not super positive comments about Broadmoor East, I really enjoyed it ! In fairness I’m sure much of the negativeness is due to the green fees, I’m fortunate that I get an industry rate so that makes it more doable.


It’s easy at Broadmoor to get sucked into the peripheries. The golf shop/lobby is a golf history geek like me’s dream come true.


As for the course I found it to be a wonderful Ross classic. Tricky, sloping greens….moving fairways, really nice par 3’s. Reminded me of Ross courses in my hometown of Detroit.


The scenic beauty was outstanding especially around holes 8-10….wow!


The cool thing is that I couldn’t have played 2 courses more different on this trip and yet I enjoyed both of them equally for all the enjoyment they gave me.


We are truly blessed to be playing this great game !

[Ben Sims]

How were the green speeds and firmness at Broadmoor? It’s been a wildly dry and warm summer in Colorado Springs and the greens speeds are a bit out of control at many courses here locally. 

[DFarron]

They were reasonable, probably around 10 and they were fairly firm but not as bad as our greens in Boise.


What messed me up was not paying attention to the slopes on chips and pitches.


They were among the best greens I’ve ever played and the entire course was immaculate.