Colorado AvidGolfer 2022 Colorado Getaways

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GRAND COUNTY /// STEAMBOAT SPRINGS /// COLORADO SPRINGS /// RED FEATHER LAKES /// SOUTH FORK

Colorado Getaways

MAKE GRAND ELK YOUR HOME COURSE

Koelbel’s Grand County community puts mountain golf at your doorstep.

COLORADO SPRINGS The Best 99 Holes in Colorado Golf

HOLES ON THE RANGE Rollingstone Ranch & Haymaker

WEST SIDE STORIES Redlands Mesa & Rio Grande Club

Grand Elk PHOTO COURTESY OF KOELBEL

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GRAND COUNTY

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Rendezvous

Grand Elk

Rendezvous with a Grand Elk JUST AS THE pandemic created unprecedented

north of Winter Park Ski Resort in Fraser, the 565-

stories and custom lots winds seamlessly through

demand for golf, it also sparked a rise in mountain

home master-planned Rendezvous community

the rolling fairways of Grand Elk Golf Club with

home purchases. In 2020, 47 percent of Koelbel

delivers all that—plus groomed cross-country ski

stunning views of the Continental Divide.

& Co.’s residential sales were in its Grand Coun-

trails and access to complimentary lockers and ski

Koelbel is currently building two models for

ty communities of Rendezvous Colorado and

storage at Club Rendezvous at the base of Winter

its new Arrowhead Semi-Custom homes and has

Grand Elk—a trend that continued in 2021. After

Park Resort. Rendezevous properties range from

eight new Arrowhead homes under construction.

all, if you had to work from home, why not make it

townhomes and paired cabins to single-family

These occupy generously sized lots on the Craig

a glorious mountain residence with easy access to

cabins and custom homesites—all at a variety of

Stadler/Tripp Davis-designed golf course and come

a trout-rich river, four golf courses, infinite open

price points. Koelbel is developing an adjacent 600

in two floorplans—a 1,976-sq-ft ranch and 2,623-

space, snowcapped peaks and miles of hiking and

acres that lie within the Winter Park boundaries.

sq-ft two-story. Homes lie steps from hiking trails,

Northwest of Rendezvous in Granby, Koelbel’s

biking trails?

Set on 1,100 spectacular acres just 10 minutes

520-acre Grand Elk community of ranches, two-

a spa, outdoor pool and the rustic elegance of the Grand Elk clubhouse and Grille. koelbelco.com

INSIDER INSIGHT

THE GOLF

Grand Elk is one of four Grand County courses.

The others are Pole Creek Golf Club, Granby Ranch Golf Club and Grand Lake Golf Course. Learn more at golfgrandlinks.com

DON’T CONFUSE the Rendezvous Center (left) with the Rendezvous Event Center (right). The former houses Rendezvous Colorado’s Residences, real-estate sales office and the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce; the latter, the product of a partnership between Koelbel and Winter Park, is a permanent stage and event area in Hideaway Park that hosts art and cultural events events such as Blues from the Top (June 24-26), Winter Park Jazz Festival (July 16-17) and many others. playwinterpark.com.

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GRAND COUNTY/STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

A Tale of Two Nines

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True West FOR ALL ITS champagne powder and the upscale trappings of its Mountain Village, Steamboat Springs remains an authentic Western town.

Its rich cowboy heritage coexists with the town’s century-old skiing legacy and endures in the form of an annual summerlong rodeo, dozens of working ranches and a Main Street—Lincoln Avenue—wide enough to drive

LAST MAY the entire Granby Ranch Ski and Golf property sold for $29

cattle down and cool enough to sport

million to Missouri-based GR Terra, which “has invested heavily in our

western haberdasheries.

maintenance budget and equipment upgrades,” says General Manager

Steamboat’s pride in authenticity

and Head PGA Professional Jeff Wilcinski, who has worked at the course

also expresses itself in Haymaker

for eight years. “Our cultural practices have gotten much better, especially

Golf Course, regarded as one of Colo-

around the greens. The course came out of winter looking great.” Situated

rado’s top municipal layouts. Although

across U.S. 40 from Grand Elk, the 7,123-yard, par-72 Granby Ranch Golf

it only opened in 1997, the 7,308-yard

Course opened all 18 holes 20 years ago with a layout by Seattle-based

Keith Foster design blends seamlessly

architect Mike Asmundson. Renovations by Nicklaus Design followed. The

into a lush, 233-acre valley five miles

nines could not be more different: The front navigates native grasses and

south of downtown. Nary a home lines

wetlands along the meandering Fraser River, while the back tightropes

the fairways—just the occasional stone

the ridgeline of the property’s ski resort, featuring precipitous elevation

wall and haybale.

changes and abundant wildlife. golfgranbyrgranbyranch.com

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JUNE 2022

Haymaker sports few trees. Particu-

larly on the outward nine, the course truly does suggest a traditional links— albeit one not near an ocean, but surrounded by Mount Werner, Flat Tops Wilderness and Rabbit Ears Pass.

“That Scottish-style links is unique in the mountains,” says PGA Professional Cody Hasten. “You get those fun bounces, and each hole looks and plays differently from every tee box.” Savor a glorious sunset from the Haymaker Patio Grill patio with a pint and take in the long shadows before heading into the unpretentious town that owns the course. haymakergolf.com

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STEAMBOAT SPRINGS/RED FEATHER LAKES

Roll the Stone

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This Fox Rocks DEVELOPED BY Ray Stenzel with a course designed by fellow Colorado Golf Hall of Famer John Cochran, The Golf Club at Fox Acres encompasses more than 450 acres in Red Feather Lakes, a 75-minute drive northwest from Fort Collins. You’ll find the 6,500-yard course, which sits 3,000 feet above Denver, a blissfully hermetic experience. It threads through the pine forests and around many of the property’s 15 fishing lakes. Grab a bite at the Fox Grille, bed

TUMBLING DOWN the flanks of Mount Werner, Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club has set the standard for mountain golf since it debuted as the Sheraton Steamboat Golf Club in 1974. Open to the public, the spectacular 6,920-yard course remains an amenity of the Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas. The course’s Fish Creek Grill is the perfect après-golf spot, or try the Saddles Bar and Grille at the Sheraton. Starting June 30, you can ride Steamboat Ski Resort’s eight-passenger gondola to the top of Mt. Werner. The gondola runs 9-5 daily through Aug. 27, and on weekends through Sept. 24. rollingstoneranchgolf.com

down in one of 16 Stay & Play club rooms, and then take an early-morning hike through a flowering meadow where deer graze. Consider catch-and-releasing trout on-property or simply bask in the idyllic splendors of nature.

Off-property, head to the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest or the Cache de Poudre Wilderness. Both boast some of the most scenic and accessible hiking trails in the area. Roosevelt favorites include Dowdy Lake (2.3 miles), Blue Lake (10.3), and North Lone Pine (8.9). Mt. Margaret (7.2) tops the list of Cache de Poudre trails, followed by Lady Moon and Molly Moon

(6.5). After an afternoon of forest bathing, visit one the of the area’s most serene and impressive structures, the 108-foot-tall Great Stupa of Dharmakaya. which rises above wooded hillsides to crown a meadow at the Shambhala Mountain Center. golfclubatfoxacres.com

DISCOV ER

rollingstone ranch golf club

A spectacular 18-hole course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, features

To experience Rollingstone

incredible views of the Yampa Valley, while Fish Creek winds its way through

Ranch Golf Club, please visit

seven of the holes. The 66 bunkers and large, undulating bent grass greens make

RollingstoneRanchGolf.com

this a truly championship-caliber course to be enjoyed by players of all skill levels.

or call 970.879.1391.

Year-over-year, Rollingstone Ranch has received multiple CAGGY awards from Colorado AvidGolfer, including “Best Mountain Course.”

S T E A M B O AT S P R I N G S , C O | 9 7 0 . 8 7 9.13 9 1 | R O L L I N G S T O N E R A N C H G O L F.C O M

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COLORADO SPRINGS

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COURTESY PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

June 26 marks the 100th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), brought to you by Gran Turismo—a 12.42-mile race of 156 turns and 4,720 feet of elevation gain to the top of “America’s Mountain” that France’s Romain Dumas covered in less than eight minutes in 2018. Learn the colorful history of the “Race to the Clouds” at The Broadmoor’s Penrose Heritage Museum. ppihc.com; elpomar.org

An Icon in Our Midst NOW IN ITS second century of providing impec-

beat the Sunday brunch, the spa treatments,

cable service, unparalleled luxury and unique

the pools, the art collection, the 10-zip-line Soar-

guest expereicnes, The Broadmoor consistently

ing Adventure, falconry, tennis and pickleball

and justifably earns five stars from Forbes and

courts, bowling and, of course, the yards of ale at

five diamonds from AAA. With two courses de-

the Golden Bee. Did we mention the 360-degree

signed by Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones,

views at Cloud Camp, which sits 3,000 feet above

it’s no wonder Golf and Golf Digest have also

The Broadmoor? Or the Will Rogers Shrine of the

ranked it as the top golf resort in the U.S. The

Sun? The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo? Seven Falls?

renowned Penrose Room, Ristorante del Lago

There’s even a Wild West Experience so you can

and Summit represent just three of the dozen-

sharpen your bow-hunting, tomahawk-throwing

plus distinctive dining experiences. You can’t

and pellet-gun-shooting skills. broadmoor.com

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway has been climbing Pikes Peak since 1891, and thanks to a four-year $100 million renovation, it repoened last summer with new tracks, new trains new depot and a new cog. The three-hour round trip on the world’s highest cog railroad includes time at the new Pikes Peak Summit House. cograilway.com COURTESY COG RAILWAY

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Just up the mountain from The Broadmoor, sits The Ranch at Emerald Valley, a luxurious 13-cabin enclave surrounded by more than 100,000 acres of national forest. Fly-fish in mountain lakes, ride horses and hike along scenic trails. Then unwind in a hot tub while a Broadmoor chef prepares your five-star meal. broadmoor.com

A private, five-mile stretch of the famed Tarryall River located 75 minutes west of the resort in the Lost Creek Wilderness serves as home to The Broadmoor Fly Fishing Camp. Expert guides, comfortable lodging in seven guest cabins, stellar cuisine and wilderness hikes enhance the angling experience. broadmoor.com

PLAY WHERE

THE LEGENDS PLAY.

The Broadmoor Golf Club has hosted some of the greatest golf legends of all time. Join the ranks on two iconic, championship courses then relax each night with The Broadmoor’s unmatched hospitality and spirit of the American West.

UNLIMITED GOLF PACKAGE • Classic accommodations (upgrade options available) • Unlimited golf for each person on the package, including cart rental • Personal locker, club storage and range balls • Suites available at 25% off of published rates • Rate starts at $795 per night, based on double occupancy

Visit broadmoor.com to plan your trip.

Offer valid May 1 – October 31, 2022. Limited availability. Not applicable to groups. Rates do not include applicable taxes and fees. Available for Sunday - Wednesday nights.

855.319.5588

BROADMOOR.COM

COLORADO SPRINGS

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Come fall, the luxe Lodge at Flying Horse will have 56 additional guest rooms, conference spaces and a new resort dining facility. Located immediately east of the existing lodge, the new structure will bring the total number of rooms and villas to 104. lodgeatflyinghorsecom

Twice the Golf WITH ITS PALATIAL Tuscan-style clubhouse, refined steakhouse, sprawling aquatic complex, views of Pikes Peak and expansive spa

Flying Horse’s 55,000-square-foot Athletic Center & Spa features multiple indoor and outdoor pools, indoor basketball and volleyball courts, indoor red-clay tennis courts, outdoor tennis courts, acres of athletic equipment, a spa, studios and more. lodgeatflyinghorse.com

and athletic facility, The Club at Flying Horse remains one of Colorado’s most impressive private enclaves. In 2020, its 17-year-old Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course—7,301 yards of split fairways, inventive bunkering, water and multitiered greens on sloping, tree-lined terrain—was joined by the 7,100-yard Flying Horse North (above).

Located in the Black Forest, six miles northeast of the original course, and designed by former Weiskopf associate Phil Smith, the newer course roller coasters dramatically through

SHOOTING 99

Two courses apiece at Flying Horse and The Broadmoor plus three nines at The Garden of the Gods adds up to more golf than one back can possibly handle.

stands of ponderosa pines, with four holes spilling into the prairie on the other side of the Palmer Divide before returning to the trees. A par-3 19th hole provides a bet-settling finishing note. Guests staying in the luxurious Lodge at Flying Horse or its four resort Villas can make tee times at both courses. The two courses counterpoint each other beautifully, providing utterly different but equally enjoyable playing experiences. flyinghorseclub.com

The open-to-the-public, top-rated steakhouse in the Springs, The Steakhouse at Flying Horse pairs swoon-worthy steaks, seafood and sides with sophisticated décor, glorious mountain views and award-winning selection of wines housed in a multistory, glass-enclosed, spiral-staircased turret. flyinghorsesteakhouse.com

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ONE LUXURIOUS RESORT TWO CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES ut of the heart of a legendary landscape comes a champion— Flying Horse, featuring two private 18-hole golf courses, one designed by the legendary golfer, Tom Weiskopf, and the other by renowned golf course architect, Phil Smith.

Flying Horse offers the ultimate Colorado golf experience with luxuriously appointed guest rooms, a European-inspired clubhouse and athletic club & spa, world-class dining, and Southern Colorado's only Golf Channel Academy golf instruction facility.

Lodge Reservations: 844-768-2684 - LodgeAtFlyingHorse.com Membership Opportunities: 719-487-2660 - FlyingHorseClub.com Golf Academy Lessons: 719-201-0240 - FlyingHorseGolfAcademy.com 1 8 8 0

W E I S K O P F

P O I N T,

C O L O R A D O

S P R I N G S ,

C O

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COLORADO SPRINGS

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Named for one of the iconic sandstone formations in the Garden of the Gods Park, Kissing Camels Golf Club spans 27 holes of mature pine-lined fairways and fiddly greens set against a backdrop of roseate foothills. Colorado Golf Hall of Famer Press Maxwell designed the first 18 in 1961; Mark Rathert added nine in 1998. Any 18-hole combination can stretch to 7,000 yards. gardenofthegodsclub.com

Strata Strategy INSPIRED BY THE powerful beauty of the surrounding environment, the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club encourages guests to maximize their own wellbeing. The Fitness Center offers group and individual exercise classes featuring everything from yoga, Pilates, Nia and Zumba to aquatic moves, TRX and more. The resort’s Strata Integrated Wellness Spa takes that commitment to wellness to another level, restoring your mind, body, and spirit balance—layer by layer.

The staff achieves this through the integration of modern and healing medicine, innovative functional fitness and a luxurious spa to create immersive, memorable, high-touch

HISTORY LESSON

Kissing Camels Golf Club came along 10 years after Garden of the Gods Club opened in 1951. In 1982, the course hosted the USGA Senior Women’s Amateur, won

by Edean Ihlanfeldt.

Whether you’re savoring an impeccable Double Bone-In Pork Chop in the Grand View Dining Room or tapas in The Rocks Bar & Lounge, a meal at the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club comes with a rocking view. gardenofthegodsclub.com

concierge experiences for every patient. Strata’s personnel are experts in medicine, exercise physiology, nutrition, spirituality and other wellness specialties from both Eastern and Western disciplines.

Using advanced diagnostics and exhaustive patient assessment, Strata’s expert team of physicians, nurses and clinicians collaborate to deliver cutting-edge treatments and design personalized healthy living plans.

Strata serves Garden of the Gods Resort and Club guests and the public by appointment. gardenofthegodsclub.com

Each of the 56 Club Rooms and Suites in the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club’s main building offer breathtaking front-row views of the Garden of the Gods Park with its spectacular natural formations, sheer cliffs, abrupt towers, balancing rocks, and oak-covered valleys — all framed by snow-capped Pikes Peak. gardenofthegodsclub.com

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EXCLUSIVITY at its FINEST!

Discover the Be nefits of Me mbership More than ever, life is not meant to be rushed. It is something to savor. To sip. To enjoy.

We invite you to claim your home-away-from-home with a Garden of the Gods Club Membership. Choose a membership category fit just for you. Enjoy world-class activities, amenities, social calendar of events and parties, luxury accommodations, and countless other exclusive benefits including STRATA Integrative Wellness and Spa. Garden of the Gods Resort and Club was built surrounded by natural wonders in a one-of-a-kind setting providing for the senses while inviting you to become part of our social community.

O UR MEMB ER SH IP T EAM IS HE RE FO R YO U. PL E AS E CO N TACT US AT 7 1 9-520 -4980 OR MEMBE RS HI P@ G A RD E N O F THE G O DS RE S O RT.CO M 3320

Mesa Road

Colorado Springs

CO

80904

|

gardenofthegodsresort.com

GRAND JUNCTION

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Grand Junction’s Grandest EVER WONDER WHAT it would be like to play golf along the bottom of the Grand Canyon or in the Garden of the Gods? The opportunity awaits at The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa. Using the maPHOTO BY DICK DURRANCE

jestic Colorado National Monument as a backdrop, Golf course architect Jim Engh seemingly painted this surreal 7,007-yard layout onto a vertiginous high-desert canvas of jagged buttes and sandstone formations south of Grand Junction. Redlands Mesa earned Golf Digest’s Best New Course of

She’s accomplished this by moving the golf

cent to the clubhouse, expanded event lawn,

2001, and it remains one of the foremost courses

shop from the clubhouse into its own building

alfresco dining, golf simulators and an overall

in the state and country. Sandra Weckerly, who

“with a better view of the first tee,” and completly

upgrade in the level of service. The Weckerlys

owns the course with her husband David and has

renovating the dining area. The result, Ocotillo

also plan to build on-premises lodging for their

been its general manager for the last five years,

—an “upscale casual dining experience” with

many destination golfers, but for now, stay-and-

has helped polish this jewel by making “it feel like

white-linen tablecloths and a wide-ranging menu

play deals with local hotels help keep the tee

a vacation resort experience whether you’re a lo-

—has proved wildly popular with both golf-

sheets full—as do the brisk home sales in the sur-

cal or visitor,” she says.

ers and nongolfers. So has the new pool adja-

rounding enclave. redlandsmesa.com

INSIDER INSIGHT

A SMOOTH 84

The 84th Sinclair Rocky Mountain Open, Colorado’s oldest open championship, takes place Aug.25-27 at Grand Junction’s Tiara Rado Golf Course. rmogolf. golfgenius.com

THE GRAND JUNCTION area deserves its stellar reputation for hiking, camping, mountain biking and wine making. It’s also the home to some memorable craft breweries (Kannah Creek and Gemini among many), distilleries (Highland, Peach Street), restaurants (Ocotillo The Winery, Citrolas, Bin 707) and the inimitable Kulina Lani Organic Sourdough bakery. visitgrandjunction.com

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SOUTH FORK

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Rio Grande’s golf course is open for public play, but the club’s pool, tennis and pickleball courts and a fishing lodge are only available to members and their guests. However, if you stay in one of the 24 riverfront townhomes owned by a member, you assume the renter’s membership status (golf, angling and sport, or social) or can pay extra for the “Rio Grande Club Experience” package. riverclubvacationrentals.com

Its Name Is Rio

are a couple of ‘angler beware’ holes,” superin-

the semi-private Rio Grande Club and Resort

tendent Bill Tanner jokes, singling out the par-3

in tiny South Fork. The former activity takes

sixth, which requires a long-iron carry over the

place on more than a mile of private Gold Med-

rushing waters. The layout shifts from riparian

al waters near where the Rio Grande and South

to alpine as it climbs a verdant ridgeline on the

Fork rivers meet; the latter on a 7,155-yard

back nine. Plunging tee shots await on the par-4

course designed by Ric Buckton and Jay Benson

11th, par-3 12th and drivable par-4 17th. All of it

of Redstone Golf. Framed by ponderosa pines,

foreshadows the 200-foot drop from tee to fair-

scrub oak and aspen, Rio Grande’s front nine

way on the long, par-5 18th that curls sinisterly

flows along and across the club’s trout-filled

around the lake fronting the clubhouse.

namesake on holes three through eight. “There

riograndeclubandresort.com

COURTESY OF RIO GRANDE CLUB & RESORT

FLY-FISHING AND GOLF take center stage at

The Rio Grande Club and South Fork are located beautifully along a 20-mile section of the Rio Grande between Creede and Del Norte that is the longest stretch of Gold Medal fly-fishing waters in Colorado. This designation from the Colorado Division of Wildlife means the best chance for catching—and releasing—a trophy trout. riograndeclubandresort.com/fishing

RGC&R’s 25,000-square-foot clubhouse gives diners in the Big River Grille (lunch) and The Timbers Restaurant (dinner) big views of the San Juans and the Rio Grande National Forest. Big River Grille serves straightforward fare, but The Timbers pulls out the stops with a mouthwatering array of specialties, ranging from ahi nachos to chicken-fried steak to ancho salmon, shrimp risotto and hand-cut grilled ribeye. riograndeclubandresort.com

South Fork makes a great basecamp for adventures like horseback rides into the Rio Grande Forest or day trips to the cool mining (and theater) town of Creede; the spires of the Wheeler Geologic Area and drifts of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument; Pagosa Springs; the 1874 Distillery in Del Norte; or any number of trails climb into the San Juans. southfork.org

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VAIL VALLEY /// EAGLE /// KEYSTONE /// BRECKENRIDGE /// ROARING FORK VALLEY

Colorado Getaways SUMMIT COUNTY Staying and playing in Keystone and Breck CORDILLERA Four courses, one membership

RED SKY GOLF CLUB

CARBONDALE Distilling the spirit of golf and good times

MARKS 20 YEARS OF THE TURNING THE DOUBLE PLAY NEAR VAIL

Red Sky Golf Club PHOTO COURTESY OF TKKK

SPONSORED BY

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VAIL VALLEY

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A world-class golf facility deserves a world-class instructor. One of the finest short-game players and teachers of his generation, former PGA TOUR player Larry Rinker runs the Red Sky Golf Academy. The academy features a golf-fitness center, private video analysis room complete with Flight Scope and a shaded outdoor practice tee and an elaborate short-game area to work on every scoring shot. redskygolfclub.com

20 Years Young OF A PIECE WITH the historic ranchlands, aspen groves and scenic ridgelines just west of Vail and Beaver Creek, Red Sky Golf Club debuted in 2002 with its 7,116-yard Tom Fazio layout and opened its 7,580‑yard Greg Norman-designed course a year later. The pair have consistently earned national accolades ever since. A private membership club with a separate resort golf operation, Red Sky Golf Club allows members and guests each to enjoy their own clubhouse (members at the Norman Course; guests at the Fazio), with play alternating daily between the courses. The Fazio Course sits lower in elevation, and weaves through open sage covered

HISTORY LESSON

Built on land once ranched by the Jouflas family, Red Sky perches south of I-70, across the highway from the private Eagle Springs Golf Club, a 1995 Jay Morrish/Tom Wesikopf design.

A Red Sky Golf Club membership—$140,000/ $10,761 dues—includes access to the lavish members clubhouse and Silver Sage Restaurant, fitness center, outdoor pool, clay tennis courts and mountains of programming. redskygolfclub.com

hills, a dense aspen forest and around a highland lake. The more rugged Norman layout climbs through outcroppings, twisted knots of scrub oak, rugged gulches and wildflower meadows, offering panoramic views from a number of greens Situated just 20 minutes from the Vail/Eagle County Airport, the courses serve as centerpieces to the exclusive 780-acre Red Sky Ranch community. Three dozen luxury COURTESY RITZ CARLTON

resort properties in the Vail/Beaver Creek nexus offer stay-and-play arragements at this stunning facility. redskygolfclub.com

Partner resorts offering stay and play options at Red Sky include such standouts as the Ritz Carlton– Bachelor Gulch, Pines Lodge and Park Hyatt in Beaver Creek; Arrabelle, Sebastian and Sonnenalp in Vail and 30 others. redskygolfclub.com

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PHOTO BY BRENDAN CAFFREY

Experience Red Sky Golf Club – ONE OF AMERICA’S TOP MOUNTAIN GOLF DESTINATIONS In the heart of the Colorado Rockies, both the Tom Fazio and Greg Norman designed courses are consistently ranked in Golfweek and Golf Digest’s top courses you can play. Enjoy a round at Red Sky Golf Club, coupled with lodging at Beaver Creek or Vail, two iconic mountain villages. redskygolfclub.com | 1.866.293.4818

VAIL

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A 4-Season, 4-Course Club COVERING MORE THAN 7,000 acres and 2,000

tion—and cuisine, as each of the 18-hole courses

feet in elevation gain, The Club at Cordillera

features its own clubhouse and restaurant. The

When the snow flies, so do Cordiller’as mem-

affords opportunities for heartpumping hikes,

Valley has TimberHearth, the Mountain has the

bers—down the slopes of nearby Vail and Beaver

jaw-dropping views and championship golf at

Chaparral Grille and Summit boasts the epony-

Creek. The Club at Cordillera also boasts an out-

three distinct altitudes: The Tom Fazio-designed

mous Summit Grille.

door ice-skating rink, as well as a groomed track

the three-million acre White River National Forest.

Valley Course alights at 7,200 feet above sea level;

Golf isn’t Cordillera’s only summer activity.

for sledding, tubing, snowshoeing and cross-coun-

the nine-hole par-3 Dave Pelz Short Course perch-

There are Pickleball and tennis courts, and the club

try skiing on seven miles encompassing the Moun-

es at roughly the same elevation (8,126 feet), as the

owns fishing rights on 1.3 miles of the Eagle River,

tain Course, whose clubhouse serves as the Nordic

Hale Irwin-designed Mountain Course (8,250 feet)

and anglers can also cast into five trout-stocked

Center and restaurant provides the perfect après-

and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Summit Course

ponds. Spring, summer and fall bring hikes and

ski family atmosphere. While private, Cordille-

crowns the quartet at 9,200 feet. That equals 63

rides atop mountain bikes and horsebacks along

ra’s courses welcome Troon Privé members and

holes of changes in climate, topography, club selec-

the club’s 31-mile trail network that extends into

guests of select hotel partners. cordillera-vail.com

INSIDER INSIGHT BETTY FORD ALPINE GARDENS

HISTORY LESSON

As Vail Golf Club, the area’s oldest course, turns 60 this year, Cordillera’s Mountain course hasn’t hit 30, the Summit is barely 21, and the Valley and Short courses turn 25.

MOUNT OF THE HOLY CROSS

COURTESY OF THE BETTY FORD ALPINE GARDEN

PHOTO BY JEREMIAH LAROCCO/COURTESY WIKIPEDIA COMMONS

OUTSIDE AND IN: Endless outdoor options await in the Vail Valley. Instead of spending four hours chasing a white ball, hike to Gore Lake, Pitkin Lake or Lost Lake. Better yet, spend a half-hour viewing the Mount of the Holy Cross and the Gore Range via the Eagle’s Loop. You’ll never regret visting the thousands of plants and wildflowers at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, nor singing “Wagon Wheel” with Old Crow Medicine Show (July 24) at the Vilar Performing Arts Center—where Kenny G., Shakey Graves and Kristin Chenoweth (accompanied by the the Colorado Symphony) will also perform this summer. vilarpac.org

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JULY 2022

EAGLE COUNTY

Special Advertising Section

Scoring in Eagle NOW IN ITS 22ND season, Eagle Ranch Golf

native grasses along its wide, mounded fairways.

Club has firmly established itself as one of the

Water—in the form of two ponds and the sinu-

best and most affordable courses in golf-rich Ea-

ous Brush Creek—comes into play on 10 holes,

gle County. The anchor of a residential community

creating numerous risk-reward options. Sitting

that has grown up 30 minutes west of Vail in the

at “only” 6,600 feet, the course opened in March

quaint town of Eagle, this Arnold Palmer Signature

and usually remains that way until Thanksgiving.

Design spans 5,423 to 7,461 yards, reflecting Pal-

High-season rates just recently cracked the cen-

mer’s belief that courses be enjoyable for every-

tury mark, but twilight golfers still can get a full

one and competitive enough for the pros (and Col-

18 for $75. The eminently walkable course boasts

orado Open qualifiers). More of a links-style than

generous greens and views of the Sawatch Range,

a mountain layout, Eagle Ranch features long

Flat Tops and Castle Peak. eagleranchgolf.com

The 14th Annual Eagle Mushroom & Wild Food Festival (Aug. 5-7) turns the tiny town of Eagle into a big mycology mixer. Learn from experts about wild-food foraging, cuisine, cultivation, preservation and adventuring. Cooking classes, live music and a special dinner at TiAmo highlight a full menu of events. eaglemushroomfest.com

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The first course in the Vail Valley remains its most popular. Currently its 60th season, the 6,766-yard Vail Golf Club layout sits at 8,200 feet, with views of the Gore Range and Gore Creek on most holes.

This month brings an end to the the second phase of a greens reconstruction project that will finish this time next year. “The greens were basically the same as they were when we opened in 1963,” Director of Golf Alice Plain says. To improve the drainage and overall health of the putting surfaces, Vail is building sand-based “Californiastyle” greens and carpeting them with dominator bentgrass, which will survive the winters better. In addition to course conditions, Vail has improved its already impressive pace of play by spacing teetime intervals from 10 to 12 minutes. “If it wasn’t for the pandemic, we never would have done it,” Plain says. “We lost one tee time per hour, but we didn’t lose any revenue. People are still playing in 4:07, but they’re happier and enjoying themselves more.” Other Eagle County courses, such as Eagle Ranch and Gypsum Creek have also shifted to 12-minute intevals. vailrec.com

As an international resort town, Vail oozes with excellent restaurants, including Sweet Basil, Mountain Standard and Mastuhisa. But there’s also Grill on the Gore, located in the clubhouse at Vail Golf Club, which doubles as a Nordic Center in winter. The seven-year-old restaurant features upgraded golfer comfort food accompanied by an awesome cocktail menu and specatular views of the golf course and mountains. vailrec.com

Mountain Golf at its Level Best

Eagle Ranch Golf Club is located in the beautiful small town of Eagle, Colorado, just 30 minutes from Vail. The majestic Colorado Rocky Mountains provide a spectacular setting for this Arnold Palmer Signature Design Course. The course opened in 2001 as part of the master-planned residential community Eagle Ranch. Our unique Western golf club features an 18-hole course, including a terrific practice facility, grille and patio.

For golfers also interested in dining at the Eagle Ranch Grille, ask about our $85 golf and lunch special for tee times booked after 12:00 noon. For more information, visit us online at EagleRanchGolf.com to book a tee time or call 970.328.2882.

0050 Lime Park Drive | Eagle, CO 81631 | 970.328.2882 | EagleRanchGolf.com

SUMMIT COUNTY

Special Advertising Section

This summer’s Keystone Festivals include the Keystone Wine and Jazz Festival (July 16-17), River Run Village Art Festival (July 23-24), Keystone Bluegrass and Beer Festival (Aug. 6-7), Mountain Town Music Festival (Aug. 13 & 20) and Oktoberfest (Sept. 3). keystonefestivals.com

THE 36 STUNNING HOLES at Keystone Ranch Golf Club and The

River Course at Keystone offer dramatically different interpretations of mountain golf. Set among the original homestead and barns from an early 1900s lettuce and dairy farm, the older Ranch course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, weaves through parkland, sage meadows, pine forests and around a 9-acre lake. Four sets of tees ranging from 5,041 to 7,017 yards—as well as a orange short-course orange tees at only 2,635 yards—give golfers of every level a chance. So do the 2,561-yard orange tees that complement the five other teeing areas (4,748 to 6,886 yards) at the Hurdzan/Fry-designed

COURTESY VAIL RESORTS/ JEFF ANDREW

COURTESY VAIL RESORTS/ JEFF ANDREW

Keystone Combo

Keystone Resort prides itself on being the ultimate summer destination for the whole family, offering mountain-top hiking, lift-accessed mountain biking, fishing the Snake River, horseback riding, paddle boating on Keystone Lake, relaxing at the spa, enjoying a festival in the village and much more. keystoneresort.com

ADVENTURE PASS Booking two or more nights of lodging directly with Keystone gets you free golf on your arrival day, free evening golf for kids and unlimited same-day play.

River Course. Here, from elevated tees, shots float against bluebird-sky backdrops featuring the Continental Divide, Soda Creek Valley and Lake Dillon. The front nine holes play around the path of the Snake River and the back nine holes wind up and down through a lodgepole pine forest. Both courses offer a fully stocked golf shop, with the Ranch featuring the AAA Four-Diamond Keystone Ranch restaurant, a Wine Spectator DiRoNa winner, and has been named by the prestigious Zagat Survey as Colorado’s best restaurant. golfkeystone.com

Surrounded by mountain views, shops and restaurants, the five-acre Keystone Lake provides a postcard-like setting at the heart of Keystone’s Lakeside Village. Rent paddle boats, kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddle boards at Keystone Adventure Center. Or ride along the path that runs through the entire valley. keystoneresort.com

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Colorado's Best 36 Holes

GOLF WITH ALTITUDE

Keystone offers 36 holes of Rocky Mountain golf at one incredible mountain resort starting at $205 per player. Golf fees include your golf car use, practice facility access, and practice balls.

Journey up and down through pine forests & sage meadows, over the river and around a lake as you experience two distinct golf courses, Keystone Ranch & The River Course. Enjoy panoramic views and exceptional service.

Bring your group for an unforgettable day or take advantage of free day of arrival golf & unlimited same-day play when you stay & play.

GolfKeystone.com

(970) 496-1520

SUMMIT COUNTY

Special Advertising Section

Grand Elk

Beavering Away in Breck IDEALLY SITUATED at the base of Breckenridge

Elk nines all rise to 9,300 feet above sea level. You

country trails. If you’re feeling strong, consider

Ski Resort’s Peak 9, Beaver Run Resort and Con-

can also try to get on the scenic Hurdzan/Fry/

summiting 14,184 Quandary Peak—the “easiest”

ference Center features 535 rooms and suites,

Tom Lehman-designed Raven at Three Peaks in

14er. The trail to the top starts 15 minutes south.

affording summer access to miles of mountainside

Silverthorne.

Fly-fishing on the Blue River never gets old; nor

hiking trails. A short stroll gets you downtown,

The hotel can arrange whitewater rafting trips

does floating down in a pontoon boat. For a feel of

or you can take the free shuttle. The resort boasts

through Performance Tours, and Breck Sports—

the old west, have the concierge arrange a horse-

swimming, hot tubs, fitness, tennis, spa services

which has a store at Beaver Run—can rent you

back ride through Breckenridge Stables and spend

and Spencer’s restaurant, making it the ideal base

bikes for rides to Vail, around much of Lake Dillon

approximately 90 minutes exploring the beautiful

for adventures.

and even to Keystone or Leadville.

Breckenridge scenery between Peaks 9 and 10 on

Those can start with a round (and a half) at

Within five minutes of the resort lie the trail-

the Ten Mile range. Alternatively, you can also just

Breckenridge Golf Club, one of Jack Nicklaus’s

heads for the Burro, Illinois and Sawmill trails, all

stroll into the lively downtown, where the Breck-

few 27-hole public courses. The Bear, Beaver and

of which connect to vast networks of other back-

enridge Arts District awaits. beaverrun.com.

INSIDER INSIGHT

HAPPY HOUR

Breckenridge Distillery’s eye-popping entrees come with eye-popping prices.

Instead of paying $150 for a Kobe steak, go between 3 and 5 pm when the Kobe steakburger is $12.

COURTESY OF MIMO FANCY TAPAS

BEER LOVERS will be pleased to know Breckenridge Brewery still pours Avalanche at its original downtown location.

For less pubby fare, however, head to the Breckenridge Distillery. The artisan whiskeys, vodkas and other “awardwinning hooch” pairs well with upscale menu items such as a 20-ounce Kobe New York Strip and Hazelnut Finished Pork. Other recommendations include the exquisite tapas at Mimo and the artistic aliments at the Ember, Relish, Aurum and Twist; and if you’re into rib-sticking starts to your day, hit the Columbine Cafe and order a smothered breakfast burrito. gobreck.com

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ROARING FORK VALLEY

Special Advertising Section

A FourCourse Feast WHETHER YOU’RE talking about the Maroon PHOTO COURTESY OF ASPEN PARKS AND RECREATION

Bells or celebrity residents like Kate Hudson, the Aspen area abounds in beauty. This includes its golf courses. While some of that splendor remains exclusive to the eyes of dues-paying members at Maroon Creek, Roaring Fork, Snowmass Club and Aspen Glen, the following four courses share their magnificence with everyone.

Architect Dick Phelps completed work on Aspen Golf Club’s walkable, tree-lined parkland layout in

River Valley Ranch Golf Club, a 7,348-yard Jay

wood perches north of I-70, offering stunning

1978. At 7,136 yards, it’s one of the longest municipal

Morrish gem that opened in 1997 along the banks

views of the Roaring Fork Valley. Ironbridge opened

courses in the state, but multiple teeing areas give

of the Crystal River. The river crosses or borders

50 years later with a stirring but stern Arthur Hills

all a chance. Water—in the form of ponds, creeks

about half of the holes, and RVR’s final four rank

layout that Tom Lehman “softened” in 2014. Leh-

and irrigation ditches—factors into nearly every

as one of Colorado golf’s finest closing sequences.

man removed 34 bunkers, but none of the views of

hole, as do views of Pyramid Peak. Tip: Aspen’s

Glenwood Springs features the nine-hole Glen-

Mount Sopris. The four-hole “Lost Horizon” stretch

lickety-split greens always break toward the valley.

wood Springs Golf Club and 18-hole Ironbridge

that starts the back nine remains a true feast for the

In Carbondale, mighty Mount Sopris looms over

Golf Club. Built in 1953 by Henry Hughes, Glen-

eyes, but now it’s less of a beast for the scorecard.

INSIDER INSIGHT

GOLF GRUB

In a restaurant-rich region, Ironbridge (The Kitchen), River Valley Ranch (Homestead Grill) and Aspen Golf Club (Red Mountain Grill) more than hold their own, with nongolfers regularly filling the tables.

A COMMITMENT TO sustainability and craftsmanship has propelled Carbondale’s Marble Distillery to the forefront of the handcrafted spirits field. At the company’s Distillery Inn, you can sample the creations right where they are made in a refined tasting room featuring a bar made from genuine Yule Marble quarried 30 miles away. You can then sleep off the effects of Hoover’s Revenge whiskey on premises in one of five plush rooms featuring sustainable materials, sophisticated finishes and ubercomfortable beds. A lodging component also figures in the Marble Bar Aspen, a tasting room with another custom Yule marble bar located the Hyatt Residence Club Grand Aspen. marbledistilling.com

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