Best Public Golf Courses in Colorado
Colorado golf operates at altitude — most courses sit between 5,000 and 8,500 feet above sea level, which means your 7-iron goes about 10% farther than you're used to. The mountain settings are spectacular, and the state offers a genuine mix of resort courses near ski towns, parkland designs in Denver, and high-desert layouts in Colorado Springs. The courses below are the most consistently well-regarded public and resort options in the state.
The Red Sky Golf Club's Norman Course offers an engaging round over 6,276 yards, with a par of 72 that challenges golfers of all skill levels. You can choose between the Gold and Sage tees, providing flexibility based on your playing style. The course features a mix of lush fairways, strategically placed hazards, and undulating greens, which can test your precision and course management. With its thoughtful design and well-maintained grass, every hole presents an opportunity to appreciate the beautiful Colorado landscape while honing your skills.
At Breckenridge Golf Club, golfers can experience an 18-hole layout that offers an exciting challenge with a par of 72. The course spans between 6,124 yards from the forward tees and 7,266 yards from the back, ensuring a range of options for different skill levels. Tee options include the Gold tees on Beaver/Bear and Blue tees on Bear and Elk, accommodating everyone from beginners to seasoned players. With a well-maintained blend of bluegrass and fescue, you'll find the fairways inviting and the greens a true test of skill.
The Eisenhower Golf Club's Blue/Silver Front 9 presents a solid challenge for golfers with its 6,241 yards and a par of 72. The course features well-maintained grass that plays smoothly, providing an enjoyable experience for players of various skill levels. The available white tees allow for a slightly easier approach while still offering enough difficulty to keep things interesting. With a slope rating that ensures it isn't a walk in the park, expect to navigate a variety of holes that test both your strategy and club selection.
Murphy Creek Golf Course stretches over 7,548 yards from the back tees and presents a true test for golfers of all skill levels. With a par of 72, players can choose from multiple tee options including Black, Blue, and Gold, ensuring everyone from novice to seasoned golfer can find their challenge. The course is laid out with bent grass greens and bluegrass fairways, providing a smooth and consistent playing surface. With its long layout and strategic hazards, it’s more than just a pretty face—players will need to think carefully about their shots to navigate effectively.
Walnut Creek Golf Preserve features an 18-hole layout, stretching from a manageable 5,975 yards at the forward tees to a challenging 15,844 yards from the back. Par 72 means golfers can expect a variety of holes that test both strategy and skill. With different tee options including Blue and White, players of all abilities can find a suitable challenge. The course incorporates native grasses and well-maintained fairways that create a pleasant playing experience, inviting golfers to engage fully with their surroundings.
Raccoon Creek Golf Course is an inviting 18-hole layout that offers a par of 72, with yardage ranging from a manageable 6,054 yards from the forward tees to a more challenging 7,045 yards from the back. The course has multiple tee options, including Black, Blue, and White, allowing golfers of varying skill levels to find their comfort zone. With well-maintained fairways and greens, golfers can expect a smooth putting experience on lush grass. The course’s design integrates natural features that provide both beauty and strategy, making each hole an enjoyable challenge.