Vail Valley/Colorado Mountains golf trip reviews

[SixSixGolf]

Recently went on a trip to Vail with my family and got to play a bunch of golf. Thought I would share my experiences.

 

Vail Golf Club – This one is nostalgic for me because I grew up playing a lot of twilight rounds here. Cheapest course in the valley and it’s still good bang for the buck. They’re redoing the clubhouse so it’s a bit of a mess and the driving range is irons only.

 

Eagle Vail GC – I also grew up playing this course but I didn’t remember it as much. I really liked it up to the 15-16-17 stretch. Couple of goofy short par 4’s that didn’t suit me and an odd par 3. Course was in great condition but I remember it being about the same price as Vail GC. It’s not anymore.

 

Eagle Ranch – LOVED this course. I loved it so much I played it twice. It’s fair, it’s challenging. It’s got a little bit of everything. Big fan. It’s also the same price or cheaper than Eagle Vail GC. Best course for the money I thought.

 

Raven Three Peaks – Very pretty course but I thought it would be in better shape given the price. Greens were slow/beat up and the pace of play was REALLY slow. I talked to the people behind me while we waited on a par 3 and they said it was normal. I’m not usually one to complain about pace of play but we were waiting 5 minutes every shot.

 

Red Sky Ranch (Fazio) – My pro got us on here and my god were these greens something else. The course was in great condition but the greens were too fast for a resort course. We had a couple of balls that rolled off the green on standard chips/putts.

 

Keystone GC (River) – OK course but I thought it was basically Vail GC with nicer greens and better views. Lots of forced layup tee shots. Kind of overrated IMO.

[Chomper]

If you can, play Bear Creek in Littleton, CO. Tough course - great layout - bring a few balls, there are ample opportunities to lose balls.

[pd1775]

Played Raven Three Peaks on Father's Day and I agree with your observation totally! Also played Breckenridge Country Club, Great Course for a public layout with outstanding views!

[cristphoto]

Which is the Vail course that's right next to the Interstate and is laid out like a British Open course (9 holes out in a line and then 9 holes back). I was there about 6 years ago.

[SixSixGolf]

Which is the Vail course that's right next to the Interstate and is laid out like a British Open course (9 holes out in a line and then 9 holes back). I was there about 6 years ago.

 

You have to be thinking of Vail Golf Club. It's just east of the main village.

 

Played Raven Three Peaks on Father's Day and I agree with your observation totally! Also played Breckenridge Country Club, Great Course for a public layout with outstanding views!

 

Breck was the only course on my list I didn't get to. I'll have to check it out next time.

[AThompson_3]

I haven't played Red Sky Ranch, but I have heard it is absolutely fantastic. I was in Vail a couple summers ago and my dad and I drove over there just to check things out and it was the prettiest drive up to a course I've ever seen. If I remember correctly they have 2 different course there and the members play one and the guest play one. But the switch every other day. I can't wait to go out there again and play it.

[powermacknyc]

RSR is the definition of mountain golf. Conditioning is on the same level as Shinnecock. They say they run the greens around 10.5 but with the elevation and slope they roll like glass. They are by no means unfairly fast. Fazio plays on even days. Norman on odd. Norman has more dramatic elevation changes and plays on a steeper side of the mountain. The Norman course will give any course a run for it's money for the best views. There are some quirky holes but it's pure fun to watch your drives fly forever. The Fazio course has less elevation changes than Norman and plays less like a mountain course when comparing the 2. Only disappointment is a mundane par 3, 9th. Try not to worry about your score the first time you play, just enjoy the quality of golf, views, and service! Pics are from this past trip in June. Fazio par 3, 17th and Norman par 5, 4th.

 

I'll be back out to RSR in Sept and will also be playing the Cordillera courses, Summit and Mountain, for the first time. Will be fun to compare!

[the1tonyking]

Looking to golf august 6th ish. Anyone want to golf Blackhawk denver area?

[golfdaddy01]

you guys are missing out on the western side.

 

Redlands mesa is amazing and great conditioned course with fast greens. canyon style golf. Lakota ranch and ironbridge near Glenwood are great as well.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I am planning a road trip out to Utah from Ohio in July. I am definitely playing Redlands Mesa and DEVILS thumb as well

[007iron]

I am planning a road trip out to Utah from Ohio in July. I am definitely playing Redlands Mesa and DEVILS thumb as well

 

I love Devils thumb - good choice. I live just over an hour from Redlands and haven't played it. Post when you're going to be heading through and if you'd want company I'll join you for Redlands. And we could do 36 and I'd host you at my club Ironbridge in Glenwood Springs.