Colorado Gold Guide: Top 7 Upscale Public Golf Courses

Here are seven of the state’s most upscale public-access golf courses for those who need a country club just for a day. By 2025, Rodeo Dunes, a project by the developers of Bandon Dunes and Sand Valley, could join the list.

In the meantime, expect outstanding course conditions, nifty golf apps and first-class service at all of these and an elevated food and beverage experience where noted.

READ: How Colorado’s Golf Heroes are Tackling Staffing Shortages, Inflation and Record Traffic to Keep Courses Lush and Green

Arrowhead Golf Club

To soak in the indigenous landscape of Colorado, music lovers go to a Red Rocks concert and golfers head south to Littleton to play Arrowhead. It’s indescribably breathtaking and we the public are lucky to have access to such a beautiful, wild-feeling yet well-maintained golf course. If you’re hosting out-of-town guests in the Denver area, this is your place. Takes reservations up to 30 days in advance at arrowheadcolorado.com.

The Golf Club at Bear Dance

The Colorado PGA section’s home course has a reputation for both its splendor and its difficulty, and the client who is an excellent golfer will want to play here. In Larkspur, it’s a bit of a ride south from Denver, and at 6,800 feet, it’s worth the wait until summer for the Pikes Peak views. The large practice facility and cozy restaurant offer lots of accessory talk time. Takes reservations up to 90 days in advance at beardancegolf.com.

CommonGround Golf Course

The home course of the CGA, in Aurora just over the line from Denver, has a lot going for it. With an acclaimed design by Tom Doak overseen by award-winning superintendent Mitch Savage and a renovated clubhouse opening this spring, the course stands strong as the only walker-friendly layout on this list. And the big plus for business golfers: CommonGround’s free caddie program of middle and high school students creates a wonderful mentoring opportunity for them and a possible source of future interns and employees for you. Takes reservations as far out as 90 days at commongroundgc.com.

Fossil Trace Golf Club

It’s the northern equivalent of Arrowhead, in Golden, with easy access to both Boulder and Denver. But here, beyond lovely views of Table Mountain, there’s a more explicit history, of dinosaurs, no less, and an actual outdoor fossil museum that’s worth a pause after playing the 12th hole. The Jim Engh design is fun for all levels, and Footprints might be the best golf course restaurant in the state. Would love to research that further. Come the first of March, advance tee times will open for the season at fossiltrace.com.

Green Valley Ranch Golf Club

Here’s a unique idea for business travelers with conventions and meetings in Denver. Meet up at Denver International Airport and head for Green Valley Ranch for four blissful hours of golf before you get to the city or, after your hectic business time, reverse the process. Try to include time for the only golf course TrackMan range in the state before the round and Green Valley Smokehouse and Oyster Bar after. Tee times are available up to 90 days in advance at GVRgolf.com.

The Golf Club at Redlands

The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa: Let’s not forget the hard-working folks on the Western Slope, who deserve the occasional fairway business meeting. Redlands Mesa wins national awards, including past recognition as the top public course in the state, and it’s a treat to play. With 11 of the 18 tees elevated atop pristine fairways and greens, vistas include the neighboring and towering Colorado National Monument. Dinner at Ocotillo Restaurant and Bar stands a good chance at sealing that deal. Tee times are available two weeks out at redlandsmesa.com or (970) 255-7400.

The Ridge at Castle Pines North

As the Denver area’s only Troon-managed public course, the well-staffed Ridge offers coun- try-club level service from the moment you drop off your clubs until… well, it’s a stunning 19th hole but you have to walk to the window to order. Like Fossil Trace, the layout is fun for all levels – provided you play from the tee that matches your game. Negotiate that carefully as you stand looking down at the first fairway. It’s as close as many will get to playing the neighboring privates: Castle Pines Golf Club, the Country Club at Castle Pines and the Sanctuary. Tee times are available up to 90 days in advance at playtheridge.com.

If you’re wondering why Berthoud’s TPC-Colorado, Windsor’s acclaimed Pelican Lakes and Colorado’s newest course, RainDance National, didn’t make the list, that’s only because as semi-private clubs they’re difficult to reserve in advance unless you have a group of 12.

For overnight business meetings, Colorado’s most fantastic guest-only golf destinations include the Broadmoor, Flying Horse and Garden of the Gods — all in Colorado Springs. Rain Dance has plans to emulate their exclusive access of members and resort guests in the years to come.