FOSSIL TRACE GOLF CLUB (303-277-8750)
Colorado Golf Course Review
Fossil Trace in Golden Colorado, in our opinion - is the MUST PLAY course in the Denver region. Jim Engh deserves credit for coming up with a gorgeous design but he had
some top rate golf property to work with. Named as the 2nd Best New Affordable Course in America by Golf Digest in 2003 and nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountain's front
range, this course simply put is one of the most interesting layouts we have encountered anywhere!
Fossil Trace has been honored as a 4-1/2 star course by Golf Digest Places to Play since 2006, and was also named the Best Course in Denver by ESPN.com from 2006 to the
present. With rates topping out at around $75 prime time including cart (residents have discounted rates), this also is one of the best golf values in the country. The property is
also home to the Fossil Trace Golf Academy, with a great variety of lessons, clinics and golf schools available. The Junior and Family golf programs are some of the best the state
has to offer.
On property is a clubhouse with pro shop and restaurant/lounge serving breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. The outdoor patio features spectacular vistas of the golf course and
surrounding area, and there also are separate outing/event facilities. Visage GPS is standard on all carts, but the course is also well marked with yardage stones measured to the
front, middle and back of the green from 75 yards out to 275 yards out.
There are 7 sets of tees that play to distances of 6831, 6577, 6241, 5933, 5559, 5197 and 4681 with slopes ranging from 117 to 138 and ratings from 66.5 to 72.3. Golfers familiar
with Engh designs will be accustomed to the long, deep, penal, intricately designed soft sand bunkers that highlight his layouts - and they are plentiful on this beautiful course.
There are just 37 sand traps located along the fairways or situated greenside, but the strategic placing and length of the designs truly make these bunkers hazardous.
Players will find the 12th hole memorable - with stunning red rock outcroppings and formations situated in the middle of the fairway and greenside. Another unique characteristic
is the frequent occurrence of bowl effect fairways and slopes greenside that feed the ball towards the hole. The opening hole is also a stunner - as the approach plays downhill
over or around a unique chimney rock formation that is situated in the center of the fairway. Several holes play from elevated tees, and most of the green complexes are protected
by sand traps, mounds and swales forming collection areas that create challenging up and down situations. The putting surfaces are often multi tiered and very undulating.
The water features are spectacular, and affect the tee shots or approaches on 7 of the holes, including the beautiful finishing hole, which is highlighted by a lake that runs the
length of the hole and demands an accurate approach to small sloping green. Practice facilities on property include a targeted grass range, short game area with sand bunker
plus large putting green. PLAY THIS COURSE! For more info, visit our page for Fossil Trace, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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