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Number of Golf Courses in Colorado

ByThe Golfer

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Quick Answer

  • Colorado is home to a substantial number of golf courses, easily exceeding 250, though the precise count is always a bit fluid.
  • You’ll find a healthy mix of public daily-fee courses and more exclusive private clubs spread across the state’s diverse landscapes.
  • For the most up-to-date figures and to plan your next round, consulting official state tourism and golf association resources is your best bet.

Who This Is For

  • Golfers planning a trip to Colorado and looking to book tee times at some of the state’s fantastic courses.
  • Anyone interested in the growth and development of the golf industry within Colorado, from enthusiasts to industry professionals.

How Many Golf Courses in Colorado: What to Check First

Before you start packing your clubs for a Colorado golf adventure, let’s get a handle on the lay of the land. Knowing the approximate number of courses helps set expectations and guides your search. It’s not just about finding a course, but finding the right course for your game and your budget.

  • Official State Tourism Data: Your first stop should be the Colorado Tourism Office website. They often have curated lists or links to recreational resources, including golf. This is usually a reliable starting point for an official overview.
  • Colorado Golf Association (CGA) Resources: The CGA is the governing body for amateur golf in the state. Their website is a treasure trove of information, often featuring comprehensive course directories, handicapping services, and event schedules. This is a crucial resource for understanding the organized golf landscape.
  • Major Golf Directory Websites: Don’t underestimate the power of national platforms like GolfLink, The Golf Channel’s course finder, or GolfNow. These sites aggregate data from thousands of courses and can give you a broad overview, though it’s always wise to cross-reference.
  • Recent Golf Industry News: The golf world, like any industry, sees changes. A quick search for recent news about new course openings, significant renovations, or even course closures can provide valuable context and help you avoid outdated information. It’s good to know if a course you’ve heard about is still in play.

Step-by-Step Plan to Determine How Many Golf Courses in Colorado

Let’s dive a little deeper and get a more precise picture of Colorado’s golf course inventory. This isn’t just about a number; it’s about understanding the scope of options available for every type of golfer.

1. Action: Explore the Colorado Tourism Office website.

  • What to look for: Navigate to their “Things to Do” or “Outdoor Recreation” sections. Look for any dedicated golf pages or links to state-wide golf trail information. Official numbers or a link to an endorsed directory are your prime targets here.
  • Mistake to avoid: Don’t rely on outdated print brochures or a quick Google image search that might show old promotional materials. The digital footprint is usually more current.

2. Action: Visit the Colorado Golf Association (CGA) website.

  • What to look for: Seek out their “Find a Course” or “Course Directory” section. They typically list member courses, which represent a significant portion of the state’s golfing facilities. Pay attention to any disclaimers about whether this list is exhaustive.
  • Mistake to avoid: Be aware that the CGA list might not include every single standalone, non-member course. It’s a strong indicator, but not necessarily the absolute final tally of all golf courses.

3. Action: Utilize national golf course directory and booking sites.

  • What to look for: Use filters for “Colorado” on sites like GolfLink, The Golf Channel, or GolfNow. Note the total number of listings that appear for 18-hole and 9-hole regulation courses. This gives a broad, aggregated view.
  • Mistake to avoid: Critically assess the “last updated” date for their Colorado listings. Data can lag, so a number from five years ago isn’t as useful as one from the current year. Sometimes these sites will even show courses that have been closed for years.

4. Action: Search for recent news and golf development reports.

  • What to look for: Perform targeted searches like “new golf courses Colorado 2023,” “Colorado golf course openings,” or “Colorado golf course closures.” Look for reputable golf publications or local news outlets reporting on the industry.
  • Mistake to avoid: Don’t get caught up in speculative articles or forum discussions. Stick to verified news sources and official announcements to confirm openings and closures. A rumor about a new course doesn’t count until it’s officially open.

5. Action: Cross-reference data from multiple sources.

  • What to look for: Compare the numbers and specific course names you find from the CGA, tourism sites, and national directories. Look for consensus and identify any significant discrepancies.
  • Mistake to avoid: Accepting the first number you see without verifying it. Different sources might use slightly different criteria (e.g., including executive courses or not), leading to variations.

6. Action: Consider the type of courses being counted.

  • What to look for: Differentiate between full 18-hole championship courses, 9-hole courses, executive courses, and dedicated practice facilities or driving ranges. Most official counts focus on regulation 18 or 9-hole layouts.
  • Mistake to avoid: Inflating the number by including facilities that aren’t full golf courses. If you’re planning a traditional round, you need to know how many actual courses are available.

Navigating Colorado’s Golf Landscape: Course Conditions and Strategy

Colorado’s golf courses offer a unique set of challenges and rewards, heavily influenced by the state’s high elevation, varied terrain, and often dramatic weather. Understanding these factors is key to both enjoying your round and making smart strategic decisions on the course. When you’re looking at how many golf courses in Colorado exist, remember that each one presents its own set of strategic considerations.

  • Elevation Impact: The thin air at Colorado’s mile-high (and higher) elevations means the ball travels significantly farther – estimates range from 5-10% extra distance. This affects club selection on approach shots and tee shots alike. A 7-iron might fly like an 8-iron, and a driver might go much further than you’re used to.
  • Course Conditions: Fairways can range from impeccably manicured zoysia or bentgrass to more rustic, drought-tolerant grasses, especially at higher elevations or on municipal courses. Greens can be fast and firm, especially during dry spells, demanding precise approach shots and excellent touch on the greens. Be prepared for potential wind, which can be a significant factor on exposed courses, particularly in the foothills.
  • Strategic Choices: Many Colorado courses are designed to take advantage of the natural topography. This means you might encounter elevated tees, challenging doglegs routed around natural hazards, and greens with subtle breaks influenced by the surrounding landscape. Don’t be afraid to play conservatively off the tee if a hazard (water, canyon, out-of-bounds) is looming. Sometimes laying back and hitting a more controlled second shot is the smartest play.
  • Pace of Play: Colorado courses can get busy, especially during peak season (late spring through early fall). Understand course etiquette, be ready to play when it’s your turn, and keep up with the group ahead. Many courses have marshals who help maintain pace, but it’s a collective effort. Some courses, particularly those at higher elevations, might play a bit slower due to players adjusting to the altitude or the unique playing conditions.

Common Mistakes When Researching Colorado Golf Courses

When you’re trying to get a handle on the golf scene, it’s easy to fall into a few traps. Avoiding these will give you a much clearer and more accurate picture.

  • Mistake: Relying on outdated statistics.
  • Why it matters: The number of golf courses isn’t static. New ones pop up, and unfortunately, some close down due to economic factors or development. Using old data gives you a skewed perspective of current availability.
  • Fix: Always check the publication date of any article, report, or directory listing. Prioritize information from the last 1-2 years for the most relevant numbers.
  • Mistake: Including driving ranges, pitch-and-putt courses, or executive courses in a count of full-length courses.
  • Why it matters: This significantly inflates the number of options for playing a regulation round of golf. While these facilities are valuable, they don’t represent the same golfing experience.
  • Fix: When looking at numbers, clarify if the count refers to 18-hole or 9-hole courses with full-sized greens and fairways. Filter your searches accordingly.
  • Mistake: Not accounting for course closures.
  • Why it matters: A course that’s no longer in operation will still appear on many older online listings. This leads to an overestimation of the active golf facilities.
  • Fix: Perform specific searches for “Colorado golf course closures” or check recent news from local golf associations or newspapers. It’s good practice to quickly verify a course’s status if it’s not one you’re familiar with.
  • Mistake: Treating all “golf courses” as equally accessible or priced.
  • Why it matters: Colorado has a wide spectrum, from high-end private clubs requiring membership or significant guest fees to affordable municipal courses. A raw number doesn’t tell you about accessibility or cost.
  • Fix: When researching, pay close attention to whether a course is listed as “public,” “daily fee,” or “private.” Check green fee ranges for public courses to align with your budget.
  • Mistake: Overlooking the impact of seasonal play.
  • Why it matters: While Colorado has year-round golf in some lower-elevation areas, many mountain courses are seasonal, typically open from late spring to early fall. A “total number” might include courses that are only playable for part of the year.
  • Fix: When planning a trip, especially outside the peak summer months, verify the operating season for courses in your desired region. Mountain courses can be blanketed in snow for a good chunk of the year.

FAQ

  • What is the approximate total number of golf courses in Colorado?

Colorado is home to well over 250 golf courses, with numbers fluctuating slightly year to year due to new openings and occasional closures. This includes a mix of 18-hole and 9-hole regulation courses.

  • Are most golf courses in Colorado publicly accessible?

Yes, a significant majority of golf courses in Colorado are public or daily-fee facilities, meaning they are open to anyone who wants to book a tee time, making the state very accessible for visiting golfers.

  • How often does the number of golf courses in Colorado change?

The golf landscape is dynamic. You can expect minor changes annually. New courses may open, and unfortunately, some may close due to economic reasons, development pressures, or other factors. It’s always wise to check recent data.

  • Where can I find a comprehensive list of golf courses in Colorado?

For the most reliable and up-to-date information, start with the Colorado Golf Association (CGA) website, which often features a course directory. The Colorado Tourism Office website and major online golf course directories (like GolfLink or GolfNow) are also excellent resources.

  • How does the high elevation in Colorado affect my golf game?

The thinner air at Colorado’s high altitudes means the golf ball travels significantly farther – typically an extra 5-10% distance compared to sea level. This requires adjustments in club selection, especially on longer shots.

  • What are the typical course conditions like on Colorado golf courses?

Conditions vary widely. You’ll find beautifully manicured courses with lush fairways and fast greens, as well as more rustic, links-style layouts suited to the arid climate. Wind can be a significant factor on many courses, particularly those in open or elevated areas.

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