Best Public Golf Courses in Denver: A 2023 Review

Gather ‘round, golfers of Denver. The definitive list of the best courses in Denver has arrived.

We combed through over 57,000 online reviews of Denver golf courses to find the winners.

We ranked 40 courses on a scale of 1-100, based on the weighted average of their online reviews. We also compared each course’s green fees to the course quality to find the best value for your money.

Contents

1. The top 10 highest-rated courses
2. The best “bang-for-your-buck” courses
3. Bonus: Ranking each of Denver’s 6 muni courses

Also, check out our guides to the best courses in Colorado and the best mountain courses, if you want to broaden your golf horizons beyond Denver.

Summary

• 94.5 The Golf Club at Bear Dance: Highest rated public course
• 89.4 Murphy Creek Golf Course: Best municipal course
• 92.0 Red Hawk Ridge: Best course under $100
• 86.0 The Knolls at Riverdale Golf Club: Best course under $50
• 88.3 City Park Golf Course: Best Denver city course

Top 10 Public Golf Courses in Denver

10. Fox Hollow Golf Course

Photo courtesy of Fox Hollow Golf Course

With an average rating of 88.8 out of 100, Fox Hollow just cracks our top 10 list. It’s a beautiful and challenging course nestled in the foothills on the western edge of Lakewood. This 27-hole golf facility offers golfers a diverse experience with its Canyon, Meadow, and Links courses. Each course is designed to fit various skill levels and accommodate different playing preferences.

9. Murphy Creek Golf Course

Murphy Creek Golf Course is another fantastic course, coming in with a score of 89.4 overall. The unique prairie-links layout, Murphy Creek offers a tough but enjoyable experience. The course has played host to some prestigious tournaments, showcasing the quality and the difficulty.

8. The Ridge at Castle Pines North

Scoring an impressive 89.6 out of 100, The Ridge at Castle Pines North secures the eighth spot on our list. Designed by award-winning architect Tom Weiskopf, the course is challenging yet enjoyable, with a great balance between visual appeal and playability.

7. CommonGround Golf Course

Photo courtesy of CommonGround Golf Course

Just edging out the Ridge with a score of 89.7, CommonGround Golf Course takes the seventh spot on our list. Designed by Tom Doak, this course is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. The layout is both challenging and fair, with wide fairways and large, undulating greens that test every aspect of a golfer’s game.

6. Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Course

With a score of 89.9, Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Course claims the sixth spot on our list. This high-altitude haven offers panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and a challenging course layout that takes full advantage of the rolling Colorado terrain. The course’s diverse wildlife and meticulous maintenance make every round a memorable experience.

5. Arrowhead Golf Course

Coming in fifth with a score of 91.7, Arrowhead Golf Course is a true gem. Arrowhead is set in a stunning red rock landscape that creates a unique and breathtaking golf experience. Golfers will be captivated not only by the picturesque surroundings but also by the course’s challenging design and immaculate conditions.

4. Omni Interlocken Resort Golf Club

Photo courtesy of Omni Hotels

Scoring an impressive 91.8, Omni Interlocken Golf Course takes the fourth spot. With panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and high-end amenities, playing Omni Interlocken feels like a luxury golf vacation.

3. Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course

With a score of 92.0, Red Hawk Ridge earns the third spot on our list. Designed by Jim Engh, the course offers a challenging yet rewarding layout with dramatic elevation changes, expansive fairways, and large, undulating greens.

2. Fossil Trace Golf Club

Coming in second with an elite rating of 93.7, Fossil Trace is more than just a golf course - it’s a journey through prehistoric times. The course is built around and through areas of fossilized prehistoric plants and animals, offering a unique blend of history and sport. It’s simply a must-play for any golfer in the Denver area.

1. The Golf Club at Bear Dance

Photo courtesy of Bear Dance Golf

Topping our list with an outstanding score of 94.5, Bear Dance Golf is the highest rated golf course in the Denver area. With its combination of wild, natural beauty and challenging golf, Bear Dance is not only the best course in Denver but also one of the best in Colorado.

Best Bang for Your Buck

Our rankings are based on a weighted average of the course’s online reviews. However, we also wanted to consider the average green fee for each course to find the best value for your money. So, here are the top three courses that offer the best bang for your buck.

1. The Knolls at Riverdale Golf Club

The Knolls at Riverdale Golf Club is middle-of-the-pack in terms of ranking, with a score of 86.0 (#20 overall). However, it’s just ridiculously inexpensive. With a weekend green fee of $36 for 18 holes, it might be the best value for your money in the Denver area.

2. City Park Golf Course

Photo courtesy of City of Denver Golf

Newly remodeled City Park came in at #2 on our value index of quality vs cost. It’s the #11 ranked golf course in Denver. But the weekend green fees are a relatively reasonable $55 as of this writing.

3. Indian Tree Golf Course

Number 3 on the value index is Indian Tree in Arvada. It came in at #13 overall in the rankings with a score of 87.3. The weekend green fees are $52 as of this writing.

Bonus: Denver Municipal Course Rankings

The city of Denver boasts 6 regulation municipal courses. Here’s how they stack up against each other based on aggregated online reviews.

1. 88.3 City Park: No surprise here. The newly renovated gem in the heart of Denver takes the top spot.
2. 86.6 Willis Case: Ever popular. Willis Case’s rolling hills, mountain views, and central location make it a local favorite.
3. 85.6 Wellshire Golf Course: The historic former country club came in third.
4. 84.0 Kennedy Golf Course: A versatile course with three nine-hole courses and a par 3, Kennedy offers something for everyone.
5. 83.1 Evergreen Golf Course: Keep an eye out for elk. Nestled in the mountains, Evergreen is a unique high-altitude golfing experience.
6. 81.8 Overland Park: As Denver’s oldest running course, Overland Park offers a taste of golfing history.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, golfers. Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or just a great value, the courses listed here are the best of the best.

If you want to book a tee time at these or other great local courses, be sure to check out our guide on How to Book a Tee Time at Every Golf Course in Denver.