From the vast plains east of Denver to the snowcapped peaks to the west, Colorado is blessed with an extraordinary landscape, perfect for dramatic golf courses. With more than 200 public and resort courses in the state, designed by world-famous architects and tucked into the most scenic nooks and crannies, the lush green fairways nearly outnumber Colorado’s renowned ski slopes. Here's Colorado AvidGolfer's Jake Kubie's look at some of the best public and resort courses you can play that are easily accessible from Denver.

Broadmoor Golf Club

1 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs
719-577-5790
www.broadmoor.com  
With a trio of world-class courses flanking an august five-star hotel, The Broadmoor is easily the most luxurious golf resort in Colorado­–and arguably one of the best in the country. Stay for a few days to experience each course along with all the amenities and superb restaurants this historic getaway has to offer. Originally crafted by Donald Ross in 1917 and combined with Robert Trent Jones’ 1965 design, the 7,275-yard East Course is one of only a dozen North American and Caribbean resort courses to receive a five-star rating from Golf Digest. The West Course, which is also a Ross-Jones hybrid, is considerably shorter than the East (6,954 yards) and features more doglegs and steeper elevation changes. The recently remodeled Mountain Course has a more modern design and reaches a whopping 7,552 yards. The Broadmoor was the site of two U.S. Amateur Championships, five NCAA Championships and the 1995 U.S. Women’s Open, just to name a few. It will also host this year’s U.S. Senior Open and the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open.

Arrowhead Golf Club

10850 W. Sundown Trail, Littleton
303-973-9614
www.arrowheadcolorado.com  
There’s little wonder why Colorado AvidGolfer’s readers have consistently rated Arrowhead as Colorado’s “Most Scenic Course” and the “Best Course to Bring Out-of-Staters.” Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s 6,636-yard 1974 masterwork weaves through towering sandstone monoliths and canyons setting up some of the most awe-inspiring views you’ve ever witnessed on a golf course—or anywhere. With upgraded maintenance, course conditions now rival the majesty of the surroundings.

The Ridge at Castle Pines North

414 Castle Pines Parkway, Castle Rock
303-688-0100
www.theridgecpn.com  
Former PGA Tour great Tom Weiskopf seems to have a knack for designing mountain courses and The Ridge at Castle Pines is a prime example. Located just minutes outside of Denver in Castle Rock, The Ridge is nestled into towering pine forests and offers two distinctly different nines. The front nine on this 6,939-yard layout is closed in by homes, but features some thrilling holes, like the downhill par-four ninth that sets up unobstructed views of Pikes Peak. The more secluded back nine runs through dense pines and outcroppings. Consistently rated the “Best Course to Hold an Event” by Colorado AvidGolfer magazine, The Ridge also offers top-notch dining, service and one of the best clubhouses in the state.

Riverdale Dunes Golf Course

13300 Riverdale Road, Brighton
303-659-6700
Pete and Perry Dye crafted Riverdale Dunes, which is located in the northern suburb of Brighton. What the course lacks in dramatic tee shots and scenery, it makes up for in strategy and solid design. Each hole cuts through rolling grass knolls, and several holes, like the intimidating par-four fifteenth, border one of the site’s enormous lakes. Best of all, a round at Riverdale will only set you back $43 on weekends and $37 on weekdays.

The Golf Club at Bear Dance

6630 Bear Dance Road, Larkspur
303-681-4653
Located in Larkspur, 30 minutes south of Denver, The Golf Club at Bear Dance was rated the “Best Public or Resort Course” in the Denver region for 2008 by Colorado AvidGolfer’s expert panel. Stretching to more than 7,200 yards, Bear Dance features a variety of challenges and wickedly tough greens. Very few homes border the course giving it an isolated feel. Bear Dance is also home to the Colorado PGA Historical Museum.

Green Valley Ranch Golf Club

4900 Himilaya Road, Denver
303-371-3131
Home to all three Colorado Open Championships and located 20 minutes from downtown Denver, Green Valley Ranch is in a perfect location for golfers looking for a convenient and challenging round. Make par or better on each of the last three holes and you’ll earn a free drink. That’s because the course’s homestretch is one of the toughest in the state, especially the 639-yard, double-dogleg eighteenth. There’s also an outstanding par-three course and the renowned McGetrick Golf Academy, making Green Valley Ranch one of the most family-friendly courses in Colorado.

Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks

2929 Golden Eagle Road, Silverthorne
970-262-3636
Colorado AvidGolfer’s panel ranked the Raven the “Best Public or Resort Course (Mountains).” Competition for this honor has been increasingly fierce as courses keep popping up in the high country, but the Raven is consistently at the peak. The 2000 Hurzdan/ Fry/Lehman layout features some of the state’s most inspiring mountain panoramas and dramatic holes, like the downhill, par-three eighth. Located an hour west of Denver, the Raven at Three Peaks is one of Colorado’s premier mountain golf courses.

The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa

2325 W. Ridges Boulevard, Grand Junction
970-263-9270 It’s a bit of a drive from Denver (about two hours), but it’s worth the day trip to experience this Jim Engh masterpiece that’s woven into red crags and canyons between downtown Grand Junction and the Colorado National Monument. Dizzying tee boxes and wild fairway and green contours combine to make Redlands Mesa an unforgettable golf experience.

Fossil Trace Golf Club

3050 Illinois Street, Golden
303-277-8750
Aside from Jim Engh’s ubiquitous multi-tiered greens and deep grass-faced bunkers, you’ll have to navigate around the ruins of a chimney in the middle of the first fairway as well as rusted mining equipment and a series of rock outcroppings and cliffs on two of the back-nine’s par fives. Some might consider such hazards gimmicky, but almost all agree that Fossil Trace is downright fun. Book your tee time early, as this Golden experience tends to fill up fast.

Jake Kubie is the assistant editor for Colorado AvidGolfer magazine. He can be reached at jake@coloradoavidgolfer.com