Colorado WRX 2025

[Dancin]

23 minutes ago, SalamiWilliams said:

Hey everyone! First time posting here, but been around WRX for a while. I'm trying to pick between one of the CGA Member Play Days at Ravenna or the one at Raindance National. I've never played either and would love some advice as to which one is a better time. I prefer Prairie or Links style courses with my favorite local courses I've played are Commonground, Colorado Golf Club and Murphy Creek (specifically their front 9). From what I can read it sounds like Raindance is more in line with that style. But then again, Ravenna being a private course makes me feel like I should take the opportunity to go there over Raindance where they have more public availability.

There is no reason to do the one at Raindance National unless you want to meet other people that play cga play day events. You can make your own tee time for the same $160 any weekday you want (it is not a private course). It's rather strange to even see Raindance on there at that price. I don't know why anyone would sign up for that although you usually get some minor tee gift like a towel or hat from the cga so I guess there is a small reason to do that over getting a regular tee time.

 

Raindance is more similar to Commonground and Murphy Creek. Ravenna is more like a mountain course. If you spray the ball, you will have a better time at Raindance as it has wider fairways and less chance of losing balls. If you miss the fairway at Ravenna its usually a lost ball down a canyon and the rough strip on the side is not as wide as what raindance has for stopping balls.

 

I'd say Ravenna has better scenery if you care about that at all. You probably should pick Ravenna as your chance to play that for $185 is not going to be around unless you know members or belong to another private club.

 

If you had asked earlier in the year I would tell you to skip both and play the Hiwan play day instead.

[SalamiWilliams]

4 hours ago, Dancin said:

There is no reason to do the one at Raindance National unless you want to meet other people that play cga play day events. You can make your own tee time for the same $160 any weekday you want (it is not a private course). It's rather strange to even see Raindance on there at that price. I don't know why anyone would sign up for that although you usually get some minor tee gift like a towel or hat from the cga so I guess there is a small reason to do that over getting a regular tee time.

 

Raindance is more similar to Commonground and Murphy Creek. Ravenna is more like a mountain course. If you spray the ball, you will have a better time at Raindance as it has wider fairways and less chance of losing balls. If you miss the fairway at Ravenna its usually a lost ball down a canyon and the rough strip on the side is not as wide as what raindance has for stopping balls.

 

I'd say Ravenna has better scenery if you care about that at all. You probably should pick Ravenna as your chance to play that for $185 is not going to be around unless you know members or belong to another private club.

 

If you had asked earlier in the year I would tell you to skip both and play the Hiwan play day instead.

Much appreciated insight! The round is actually complimentary (long story) so cost-wise that's not a factor. But like you said, if Raindance is an option any day of the week it doesn't really make sense to go there for their event. Ever played Flying Horse North? They have one as well and from the few pictures I saw it's a stunner.

 

Wish I could make Hiwan work but it happens to be on my son's birthday, so that's off the table.

[Dancin]

Flying Horse North layout is really good with interesting greens. Conditions in last year's play day were still a little rough in a few fairways that hadn't fully grown in yet. I would assume by now that is resolved.

[stimpmeterp]

What’s up ColoradoWRX.

 

Played Fossil Trace with my brother who lives here this morning.

 

Unbelievable distance gains compared to where I play at sea level in Hilton Head.

 

TRex tees have a couple 550+ par 5 that are so reachable, whereas at home we’re hitting D, 3w and hoping to get close. 
 

Felt like the ball flew further here compared to Fox Hollow.

 

Sure it’s gimmicky, but gotta keep the ball in play! 
 

Once was enough for me, but it was an enjoyable round.

 

Guys in the shop, grounds crew and especially the starter (Kip) went out of their way to welcome us.

[seven dewey]

I’m going to make my most “WRX” post even though we frown upon that in the CO thread. But I digress…

 

Played Granby Ranch and Pole Creek the past two days and shot better than my index both times! Now for my rant. The sole purpose for this trip was to play the Ridge 9 at Pole Creek and that is exactly what we booked (Meadow/Ridge) well when got there we were informed that we’d be playing Meadow/Ranch. These two 9’s make Pole Creek a very average track. Only upside is we got an $85 rate instead of $159 due to a Golfnow error….rant over 

Edited July 5 by seven dewey

[Dancin]

Agree. Pole Creek without the Ridge 9 is not worth going

[BSI99]

On 6/16/2025 at 11:22 PM, Joelness said:

 

Skip Riverdale Dunes this year. They just completed a full irrigation reno so there's likely to be a bunch of healing needed through the rest of the year.

 

I have played Walnut for my first two CGA Mid-Am Match play matches and it has been pure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Played the Dunes this weekend. You could see where they worked on the fairway from the reno but was only for a few holes and didn't feel like it affected the course much. Greens were in really good shape.

[CDM]

Hope everyones 4th was great..!   

 

Finally able to get "cross the border" to play all weekend.    Have to be honest I thought this summer would be "simple" with just playing golf, work and just relaxing.  Had no planned golf trips.  Only two hard trips. Kids graduation and back to Montana to see family, Yet how life goes, when you think its going smooth everything blows up.  LOL

 

Good news though, across the border pretty much ALL firework types are allowed so took out some frustration that way.

 

Getting in 4 rounds this last weekend was a needed break....!

 

Hope everyone enjoyed the holiday, hit it straight and not blow off a finger or two 😂  

Edited July 7 by CDM

[Enzogorlami]

Any suggestions here, coming up in mid August for work. Going to play as a single.  Already have bear dance booked. Need 1 more course. Coming from southern NM, (Ruidoso) to Denver. Am 2.5 hcp if that matters. 

[Dancin]

Fossil Trace is one of the other ones most people take visitors.

[007iron]

Colorado native and CSU alum Davis Bryant with a top-5 on the DP World Tour in Germany last week. T-10 in Italy the week before as well.

 

I saw him play when he was in high school when I caddied in a US Jr qualifier for a kid grouped with him and Davis easily qualified. I remember being impressed way back then so it's cool to see him making progress in his pro career. 

[BSI99]

Fossil trace is cool but somewhat gimmicky. May be worth to make the trip into the mountains to get some mountain golf?

[Olson12]

Wrapping up my trip this week.  Played Fox Hollow, Lone Tree, and Common Grounds.  

My ranking would be: 
Common Grounds

Fox Hollow (Canyon, Meadows)

Lone Tree

 

While Lone Tree had the best greens and was a decent course I would play Common Grounds 10x before heading back.  I really want to go back to Fox Hollow to play the links 9 as the Meadows was a bit of a disappointment after playing Canyons but still a great day. 

[jda]

Has anybody had to start wearing glasses as they aged?  How did this affect your golf game?  I got Lasik more than 20 years ago and it took me a while to get used to it and I am terrified to even try.  I did go to Top Golf and hit the ball just fine, so I guess that this solves it, right?  In all seriousness, wanted to ask you all instead of the regular WRXers.

 

Also, are courses in good shape this year?  Have not gotten out much (family stuff) and Ute Creek was as bad as I have ever seen it last week.  Was wondering if it was just them or if the winter did a number on a lot of courses, even though it seemed like a light winter.  I was hoping that the new Pro would help, but then heard that the maintenance staff does not take any direction from the Pro.

 

On 7/7/2025 at 8:41 PM, Enzogorlami said:

Any suggestions here, coming up in mid August for work. Going to play as a single.  Already have bear dance booked. Need 1 more course. Coming from southern NM, (Ruidoso) to Denver. Am 2.5 hcp if that matters. 

 

If staying south of Denver, The Ridge at Castle Pines North is one of my favorites, but it is pretty similar to Bear Dance I guess

[pseudoswede]

1 minute ago, Olson12 said:

Wrapping up my trip this week.  Played Fox Hollow, Lone Tree, and Common Grounds.  

My ranking would be: 
Common Grounds

Fox Hollow (Canyon, Meadows)

Lone Tree

 

While Lone Tree had the best greens and was a decent course I would play Common Grounds 10x before heading back.  I really want to go back to Fox Hollow to play the links 9 as the Meadows was a bit of a disappointment after playing Canyons but still a great day. 

 

Yes, Lone Tree is a pretty generic Palmer-designed golf course. Seems like no amount of spin helps keep the balls on the green from longer distances.

 

Canyon 9 is the best of the three. The other two are just average.

 

 

[pseudoswede]

2 minutes ago, jda said:

Has anybody had to start wearing glasses as they aged?  How did this affect your golf game?  I got Lasik more than 20 years ago and it took me a while to get used to it and I am terrified to even try.  I did go to Top Golf and hit the ball just fine, so I guess that this solves it, right?  In all seriousness, wanted to ask you all instead of the regular WRXers.

 

Also, are courses in good shape this year?  Have not gotten out much (family stuff) and Ute Creek was as bad as I have ever seen it last week.  Was wondering if it was just them or if the winter did a number on a lot of courses, even though it seemed like a light winter.  I was hoping that the new Pro would help, but then heard that the maintenance staff does not take any direction from the Pro.

 

 

If staying south of Denver, The Ridge at Castle Pines North is one of my favorites, but it is pretty similar to Bear Dance I guess

 

I've been wearing glasses since I was a teenager. You do have to watch out for sun glare reflecting off the inside of your lenses at midday when putting. Absolutely get the top-of-the-line anti-reflective coatings and stuff. If you can handle it, perhaps consider contact lenses, then you can invest in a pair of Oakleys with Prizm Golf lenses. I dislike having to switch between sunglasses and regular glasses when it's a partly cloudy day.

 

I also joined the old fart club and now have progressive lenses. It took a while to get used to them while putting, but I think I have the hang of it.

 

I was also going to suggest The Ridge at CPN, but, yes, I also think it's similar to Bear Dance.

[MickeyTankBank]

16 hours ago, jda said:

Has anybody had to start wearing glasses as they aged?  How did this affect your golf game?  I got Lasik more than 20 years ago and it took me a while to get used to it and I am terrified to even try.  I did go to Top Golf and hit the ball just fine, so I guess that this solves it, right?  In all seriousness, wanted to ask you all instead of the regular WRXers.

 

Also, are courses in good shape this year?  Have not gotten out much (family stuff) and Ute Creek was as bad as I have ever seen it last week.  Was wondering if it was just them or if the winter did a number on a lot of courses, even though it seemed like a light winter.  I was hoping that the new Pro would help, but then heard that the maintenance staff does not take any direction from the Pro.

 

 

If staying south of Denver, The Ridge at Castle Pines North is one of my favorites, but it is pretty similar to Bear Dance I guess

 

I used to wear glasses but got LASIK about 10 years ago. Back when I wore them I had the Transition lenses that turned dark in the sun, so never had any issues with glare. 

 

Since I had the LASIK I've worn Oakley Prism with the Dark Golf lenses every round. My eyes just seem to be more sensitive to bright outdoor light now. Gotta wear sunglasses. 

[CDM]

21 hours ago, Olson12 said:

Wrapping up my trip this week.  Played Fox Hollow, Lone Tree, and Common Grounds.  

My ranking would be: 
Common Grounds

Fox Hollow (Canyon, Meadows)

Lone Tree

 

While Lone Tree had the best greens and was a decent course I would play Common Grounds 10x before heading back.  I really want to go back to Fox Hollow to play the links 9 as the Meadows was a bit of a disappointment after playing Canyons but still a great day. 

 

Links at Fox Hollow is behind the other two. I would say if you go back do it, but 95% of them Canyon/Meadows is the 18 for sure to do.

[CDM]

21 hours ago, jda said:

Also, are courses in good shape this year?

 

Been so busy with work and life I have not played locally, for sure not much in the last month plus. 

 

BUT the AC in our building went out last weekend (o joy) and with temps yesterday, we just sent people home.

 

It was hot but I went and played since had free time. 

 

Conditions were not what I expected with all the rain we have had.   It was good but still some spots on a few greens and a few spots in fairways that were brown or lean. Then areas that were in perfect shape.  

 

I was expecting more with rain but talking with friends they noted a lot of the courses locally cut back on water usage and were shutting down the irrigaton at times with all the rain?   Not sure if anyone else has heard that?

 

Out of town and they have gotten the same rain and it was stupid lush.

 

@Dancin would have hated parts of it as it as like a "fazio" conditioned course 😂

 

Edited July 10 by CDM

[jda]

Thanks all.  Tried the glasses today.  Got 2 pairs for $79, or whatever that deal is, since I am not sure that I need them 100% yet - 20/20 in both eyes, but not alone anymore.  I have not been playing much, so not a good judge, but I did strike the ball well.  My peripherals were shot - had to turn my head instead of just move my eyes to see things especially standing over the ball.  I don't think that I will wear them much, but some day I will have to.  I might try and take them off when I putt, but since I have never seen anybody do this, it might just be stupid.

 

I never could wear sunglasses.

 

When I got my Lasik, it took me a long while to find the ball with the face of the club - my depth perception was off and I even swung and missed a few times... and I was like scratch or -1 back then.  I was terrified that the reverse was going to happen, but not so.

 

Mariana Butte was in good shape today, at least for what it is.

[Dancin]

1 hour ago, CDM said:

@Dancin would have hated parts of it as it as like a "fazio" conditioned course 😂

Fazio courses are fine. Does a round of golf exist if the score is never posted?

[MickeyTankBank]

1 hour ago, jda said:

When I got my Lasik, it took me a long while to find the ball with the face of the club - my depth perception was off and I even swung and missed a few times... and I was like scratch or -1 back then.  I was terrified that the reverse was going to happen, but not so.

 

I remember dealing with that every time I got a new prescription in my lenses. It always took me a couple days for my eyes to adjust.

 

Got new ones one day then played a softball game that night. I swung and missed at least 4 times. 

[CDM]

17 hours ago, Dancin said:

Fazio courses are fine. Does a round of golf exist if the score is never posted?

 

I only play golf in my mind  😃

[pseudoswede]

First round back in Denver last night. I didn't get to play as much as I planned while in Sweden due to heavy rains on days we planned to play.

 

Foothills GC is in great shape, and the new clubhouse is really nice. I got unlucky on three holes and either clipped a tree or my ball ended up right next to the trunk (my recovery shots were piss-poor), and I ended up +5 on those. The other six holes, I was hitting the ball relatively well and was -1. What's also crazy is that my putting has been pretty lights-out the past few rounds.

[dubbelbogey]

On 7/9/2025 at 3:43 PM, jda said:

Has anybody had to start wearing glasses as they aged?  How did this affect your golf game?  I got Lasik more than 20 years ago and it took me a while to get used to it and I am terrified to even try.  I did go to Top Golf and hit the ball just fine, so I guess that this solves it, right?  In all seriousness, wanted to ask you all instead of the regular WRXers.

 

 

I, too, had LASIK done 25 years ago. My vision during that time has fallen off a bit - I'm now in my late 50s and my vision typically tests out in the 20/25 range. 95% of the time, I don't wear or need correction. However, because golf requires looking at a very tiny object at far distances, I do now wear corrective glasses (usually sunglasses) on course. The prescription is about as mild as it gets, but helps me pick out the ball downrange. Though I could play without the glasses, I'd hate to have to do without. Particularly helpful in cloudy or low-light conditions.

[seven dewey]

I forgot about my semi-intoxicated rant about Pole Creek and I come back to this thread to this…love it! 

[CDM]

On 7/11/2025 at 8:12 AM, pseudoswede said:

First round back in Denver last night. I didn't get to play as much as I planned while in Sweden due to heavy rains on days we planned to play.

 

Foothills GC is in great shape, and the new clubhouse is really nice. I got unlucky on three holes and either clipped a tree or my ball ended up right next to the trunk (my recovery shots were piss-poor), and I ended up +5 on those. The other six holes, I was hitting the ball relatively well and was -1. What's also crazy is that my putting has been pretty lights-out the past few rounds.

 

WOW have not played Foothills in a long time.  Used to play it a lot way back in the day when lived on that side of town.

[CDM]

On 7/10/2025 at 2:34 PM, Dancin said:

Fazio courses are fine. Does a round of golf exist if the score is never posted?

 

The informed, only 12% of golfers keep HDCP's.  Given 88% dont post so I try not to offend the majority  😁

Edited July 14 by CDM

[pseudoswede]

2 hours ago, CDM said:

 

WOW have not played Foothills in a long time.  Used to play it a lot way back in the day when lived on that side of town.

 

Yeah. About 20 years ago, Qwest had multiple facilities at Hampden & Wadsworth, and they decided to move the majority of software development into one of the buildings. We'd play Foothills almost every week. One of my best drives ever was on #5 (downhill dogleg right par 4). Landed my drive square in the middle of the green.

[Dancin]

2 hours ago, CDM said:

 

The informed, only 12% of golfers keep HDCP's.  So 88% dont post so I try not to so not to offend the majority  😁

Those 88% don't play handicapped events