A Grand Adventure:
No matter what level of golfer that you are we all wish to have longer drives.
Continual bombardments of messaging from club and ball manufacturers hyping the many benefits of investing in the “latest and greatest” leaves us overwhelmed as to what is best for my game. Well, I have the answer to what is best for your game, and I can guarantee you more distance! Play golf in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains!
On a recent road trip, my friends and I were off to play some of the nations highest golf courses. All exceeding 8,000 feet in Colorado’s Grand County and Grand Junction, known as the “Grand.”
Our first stop is the eclectic town of Granby, Colorado. Traveling along Colorado’s Route 40, we reach the summit of 11,315-foot, Berthoud Pass and then begin out circuitous descent towards this small community with stunning mountain vistas and the mighty Colorado River our constant companions.
Grand County’s town of Granby rests at 7,900 feet above sea level and is located 85 miles northwest of Denver in the valley of the Fraser River. Founded in 1904 by early settlers the town now boasts a population of 2,500 residents. Best known for its winter activities and close proximity to world-class skiing centers, including Winter Park, the region has become very popular as an all-season destination. Countless hiking and climbing trails, white water rafting the area is an adventurers paradise.
Golf enhances the areas four-seasons reputation with panoramic scenery and majestic landscape the Grand now attracts golfers from around the world wishing to experience golf ‘on top of the world”.
Oklahoma’s mean elevation is 1300 feet where Colorado’s mean altitude is 6,800 feet – the highest in the nation. The state boasts more than one thousand peaks over 10,000 feet with fifty-four towering above 14,000 ft.
What does this mean for your golf game? Well that can depend on weather conditions but the general rule is that the difference between playing golf in Oklahoma and the higher elevation courses of Colorado a ball can carry 10-20 percent further due to the thinner atmosphere. One of the keys that you will have to master will be the management of your distance and trajectory of your ball. Most players will try to flight their shots lower with many whom play courses over 7,000 feet incorporating a lower compression ball. Also, you will need to prepare yourself for the thinner atmosphere as overexerting, especially on the first days, can cause fatigue. I am not saying give up your beer or caffeinated beverage but certainly, drink more water and acclimatize your self at least a day in advance as you are in for a memorable golf experience.
There are numerous courses in the area but four that should definitely be played:
Granby Ranch Golf Club was an excellent way to start our four days of “elevated” golf. At 8100 feet, this course is consistently ranked as one of the states most beautiful public courses. It was the Nicklaus Design Group who reworked the rolling landscape into what Golf Advisor rated as the 10th best course in Colorado. With the Fraser River running through the property and the majestic Rocky Mountains seeable on every hole, this 7190-yard layout provides a variety of tee boxes and excellent value as Blue Grass fairways, and Bent grass greens are perfectly groomed.
The following day we ascend towards the Grand Lake Golf Club. At 8500 feet, it was once the highest golf course in the nation, and there are tee boxes where you feel that you are “on top” of the world. Not long in length at 6,500 yards, the slope of 130 shows that this course can be a challenge. Stands of aspens and lodge pole pine protect well-manicured fairways and greens that tempt you to “go for it.” The course offers excellent value and why it too is rated as one of the regions best public courses.
Another enjoyable course to play is Colorado’s first “heathland” style course, Grand Elk Golf Club. Many holes have the feel the British Isles with its low lying vegetation and rolling terrain, however, the surrounding splendor of the Rockies – this is definitely Colorado! Originally designed as a private four-season club, it is now open to the public. Designed by Craig Stadler, at 7200-yards it was recognized by Golfweek as the 24th best new golf course in the country following its opening in 2005. The clubhouse and practice facilities were created for an exclusive membership, but now the public is more than welcome. It is a great Grand County golf course, as there scorecard states, “This is not your typical mountain course.”
By our fourth day, our group is much more confident with our ball flight and shot strategy as we approach Pole Creek Golf Club, at 8,600 feet above sea level. Located fifteen minutes from Granby, the course features 27-holes. Each nine, The Meadows, Ranch and Ridge showcase ample fairways and large greens, but the similarities stop there as each nine is distinctive in the way every hole is set up. From sagebrush to meadows, lakes and trees, dramatic tee boxes and multiple elevation changes. Pole Creek is another golfing jewel.
We are up early the following morning to catch a train from Granby to Grand Junction, in the states southwest corner. The light of the locomotive can be seen from a mile away. Coming to rest, we load our golf gear and board our designated passenger car. Amtrak’s Zephyr has journeyed from Chicago on its way to San Francisco with many stops in between. There is a feeling of nostalgia as we take our seats aboard this comfortable means of travel.
For $29, this less than five-hour journey will take us along the upper banks of the historic Colorado River in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, perhaps one of America’s most scenic rail lines. As fly fisherman cast their rods below, we venture to the domed observation car to witness scenic wonders above and beyond.
After we descended close to 300 feet and stepping off the train, we can feel the warmth from the lower elevation. Grand Junction is a charming town. Main Street is lined with trees and flowers and features one of the nations largest outdoor sculpture collections. Restaurants, many featuring outdoor patios, trendy as well as traditional shops provide a casual and inviting atmosphere to this town. The area is internationally recognized for its exceptional hiking, Colorado’s National Monument Park is a must visit. Now burgeoning wine and craft beer industries are adding to the allure of this region. But don’t forget to golf as the area is blessed with a variety of distinct golf options.
Located very close to Grand Junction is the stunning and award winning, The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa. Considered by Golfweek as “#1 Golf Course You Can Play in Colorado”. The course is dramatic as red rock formations provide extreme contrast to the stunning green of meandering fairways. With a slope of 135, there is plenty of trouble, desert sands, rocky crags and strategic water hazards. At 4,600 feet above sea level, our length was not as it had been 4,000 feet above causing some consternation attempting to avoid putting a ball into a hazard. This is a course that you definitely need to bring your camera!
As our week long adventure is coming to an end, and we decide that we will visit Grand Junction’s municipal course, Tiara Rado. This Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary course is home to a variety of wildlife. With Colorado’s National Monument Park’s weather-ravaged red mountains as the backdrop, this course plays straight and narrow – reminiscent of the early private clubs of the ’50s and ’60s. Casual and friendly and at only 4500 feet we actually felt invigorated walking the course.
Enjoy your game and drive further in Grand County and Grand Junction.
(Published in “2019 Golf Oklahoma Apr-May Issue “)
