WESTERN SLOPE SHALE GOLF TRAIL
Battlement Mesa Golf Club: (Elev.: 5489), 18R, 5386-7254 Yds., Slope: 117-132, 1987, Architect: Finger/Dye. This course offers an authentic Western golf experience with awe-inspiring vista views from a high plains plateau or basalt-topped mesa overlooking the Colorado River. in the 1980's this area was a 'boom town' in that oil companies mined the shale, hence giving this Colorado Golf Trails its name, the Western Slope Shale Golf Trail. In the early 1900's, Teddy Roosevelt once hunted here and a wild west gang pulled off a famous train robbery
Bridges Golf & Country Club: (Elev.: 5806), Semi-Private,18R, 5134-7036 Yds., Slope: 128-147, 2005, Architect: Nicklaus Design. This course has a number of bridges throughout this Jack Nicklaus Designed course to help you visually gauge landing areas, deep sand bunkers (a Nicklaus trademark), and snow-capped mountain views from most of the holes. After your round, enjoy an 'adult beverage' at tRemington's, a casual atmosphere in the 29,000 sq. ft. clubhouse.
Cobble Creek, The Links at: (Elev.: 5806), 18R, 4936-6851 Yds., Slope: 108-133, 2001, Architect: Craig Cherry Inc. and Pinnacle Golf Group. Just 75 minutes from Telluride, this links style layout offers majestic views of and a beautiful backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. With (10) lakes and creeks that meander through the entire golf course, landing your ball in the fairway is a must to avoid a high score. Also, with undulating greens, hitting your ball on the correct side of the flag makes for easier birdie and par putts. The Links at Cobble Creek is a wonderful test of golf and you'll enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Deercreek Village Golf Club: (Elev.: 6230), 18R, 5106-6449 Yds., Slope: 115-134, 1992, Architect: Unknown. A unique, 18 hole challenge awaits you in this beautiful town in Cedaredge, Colorado. With two, distinct nines and (4) tee boxes, you can choose your difficulty of play. At a cooler altitude in the summer and abundant in trees and water, you will experience near the Grand Mesa of the western slope of Colorado.
Devil's Thumb Golf Club: (Elev.: 4953), 18R, 5039-7176 Yds., Slope: 102-140, Architect: Rick Phelps. Located in the foothills north of Delta, Colorado, on the Western Slope, this layout is a 'prairie style' course, according to the Designer. More than 60 sand bunkers and 3 lakes frame this course. With some split fairways and well-placed bunkers, this course will challenge even the most low handicap player. For a variety of scenery, you're surrounded by the Grand Mesa to the north and the San Juan Mountains, the West Elks, Black Canyon and Uncompahgre Plateau to the south.
Divide Ranch & Club: (Elev.: 6985), Semi-Private, 18R, 5317-6855 Yds., Slope: 113-144, 1993, Architect: Coker. After teeing off at the foot of the San Juan Mountains, you'll see Mount Sneffels rising in magnificence to the south. Hopefully, the specatucular view won't distract you as you drive onto a flat top mesa, where juniper, pinon and ponderosa pine line the holes. After golf, head 45 minutes to Telluride, a world-class ski area and enjoy walking the streets of this former silver mining mecca and now, an exclusive enclave for the wealthy who crave privacy amongst the box canyon.
Lakota Canyon Ranch Golf Club: (Elev.: 5597), 18R, 4713-7048 Yds., Slope: 110-145, 2004, Architect: Jim Engh. This unique layout, cut through canyons and natural elevation changes, will challenge you to drive the fairways and land your approach shots on the right side of the hole; otherwise, you'll be pressed to shoot a good score. Jim Engh's courses are women-friendly and this is reflected in the placement of tee boxes in relation to clearing ravines on one's drive. Situated in a microclimate, this allows Lakota Canyon to have a golf season of 9 months!
Redlands Mesa Golf Club: (Elev.: 4593), 18R, 4916-7000 Yds., Slope: 118-148, 2001, Architect: Jim Engh. This course, nestled between towering red rock formations and beautiful, lush mountain ranges, is ranked #2 by GOLFWEEK and is Colorado's top public golf course. Situated in the Grand Valley near Grand Junction, playing this course will make you feel as though you are on an oasis in the desert!
