Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains of Colorado, there is no more pristine environment to play a few rounds of golf than Winter Park. The name is fitting for the area because Winter Park is the most magical of playgrounds, offering as much fun during the summer as during the winter. Boating, fishing, biking and hiking are all popular activities for summertime enjoyment. But, let's face it: If you're coming to the beautiful mountains of Colorado, you couldn't pick a better place for sending a ball through the mile-high air than Winter Park.
Pole Creek Golf Club
Located between Granby and Fraser on the outskirts of a small mountain town called Tabernash, you'll find Pole Creek Golf Club. Pole Creek brings to life the Colorado mountain golf experience with fairways deep in blue spruce and aspen. There used to be considerable amounts of lodgepole pine as well, but the pine beetle has had its way with the population of trees in the Winter Park area, as it has everywhere in the Colorado Rockies. But that doesn't take away from the unlimited playing adventure of this 27-hole championship course.
Pole Creek Golf Club
6827 County Road 51
Tabernash, Colorado 80478
(800) 511-5076
http://polecreekgolf.com/
Headwater Golf Course
At the base of Sol Vista ski area sits a unmarred diamond of immaculate fairways, soft greens and gorgeous mountain woodlands. The course has been updated and renovated by Nicholas Golf Design Group, with 18 holes that will challenge your game but may make you take your eyes off the ball--to take in the natural beauty of the area. The course is set out flat, so many of the holes are wide open, imposing only because of the distance and water features that surround it.
Headwaters Golf Course
63331 U.S. Highway 40
Granby, Colorado 80446
(970) 887-2709
http://granbyranch.com/golf/index_golf.asp
Grand Lake Municipal Golf Course
Even a muni course in the mountains of Colorado is an experience that can curl the toes of an average golfer. Grand Lake Municipal Golf Course is a Dick Phelps designed masterpiece. Sitting at a little less than 8,500 feet in altitude, with mountain views from every tee box, you may find it hard to focus on your golf game. And, even though you can't see them most of the time, you have a gallery of fox, elk, mule deer and the occasional bear.
Grand Lake Municipal Golf Course
1415 County Road 48
Grand Lake, Colorado 80447
(970) 627-8008
http://grandlakerecreation.com/
Non-Golfing Activites
Now, there may be days when you don't feel like hitting the mountain links. Probably not but just the same, there are plenty of other things to keep you entertained. Grand Lake is a hot spot for boating and fishing. You can also try your luck on the white water through one of the many rafting excursion companies located in the area. Winter Park Ski Area offers chairlifts to the top of the mountain and you bring a bike to ride back down. Hiking the trails that wind up the mountains and through the woods are other popular things to do.
About The Author
Patrick Cameron is a freelance writer with 10 years of diverse experience in consumer goods branding, promotions and retail communications. He works out of his home in Denver, Colo. He received his Bachelor of Arts in mass communication from the University of Minnesota.
