Best Public Golf Courses in Denver, Colorado
You don't need a membership to play great golf in Denver. From resort courses to municipal gems, here are the best public and semi-private courses in the area — ranked by design quality, conditioning, and value.
Denver, Colorado · Robert Trent Jones Jr. (1972) · 18 holes · Par 70 · 6,682 yards
Set among the same dramatic 300-million-year-old red rock formations as nearby Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Arrowhead is one of the most visually stunning public courses in the world. RTJ Jr.'s layout winds through towering sandstone spires with panoramic mountain views.
Denver, Colorado · Tom Doak (2009) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,336 yards
A Tom Doak municipal design in Aurora, CommonGround proves that world-class golf architecture and public accessibility are not mutually exclusive. The links-influenced layout features firm, fast conditions, creative green complexes, and Front Range mountain views — all at municipal pricing.
Denver, Colorado · Keith Foster (2003) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,750 yards
At 7,750 yards from the tips (playing shorter at altitude), Bear Dance in Larkspur is one of the longest courses in Colorado. Keith Foster's design uses dramatic elevation changes through scrub oak and ponderosa pine with panoramic Front Range views on nearly every hole.
Denver, Colorado · Jim Engh (2003) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,831 yards
Built on a former clay mine in Golden, Fossil Trace features exposed 65-million-year-old fossils, dinosaur tracks, and leaf imprints throughout the layout. Jim Engh's creative design incorporates the geological features while delivering a quality golf experience with Table Mountain views.
Larkspur, Colorado · Keith Foster (2003) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,516 yards
A Keith Foster design south of Denver in Larkspur, Bear Dance is consistently ranked the top public course in Colorado. The dramatic 7,516-yard layout through scrub oak foothills features significant elevation changes, spectacular Front Range views, and a rugged mountain character that evokes Colorado golf at its finest.
Golden, Colorado · Jim Engh (2003) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,831 yards
A Jim Engh design in Golden where real dinosaur footprints and leaf fossils are embedded in exposed rock formations on several holes, Fossil Trace is one of the most unique golf courses in America. The creative layout against the Front Range foothills blends geological wonder with challenging golf and stunning mountain views.
Best Time to Play
May through October is the primary season. June and September typically offer the best conditions. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer but usually pass quickly. The altitude means strong UV — sunscreen is essential.
Booking Tips
For the best rates, book tee times midweek or during shoulder seasons. Many courses offer twilight rates for afternoon rounds. Resort courses often bundle with hotel stays for significant savings.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is 25 miles northeast of downtown. Most courses are south and west of the city along the Front Range. Arrowhead and Fossil Trace are in the foothills; Cherry Hills and Castle Pines are south along I-25.
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