Golf in Centennial

Snow-capped peaks peer over Springs Ranch Golf Course, adding a scenic backdrop to a 7,107-yard layout that reflects the player-friendly design philosophy of course architect Richard M. Phelps. In a gesture of sympathy for golfers who crush seemingly perfect drives only to find their ball in the angry grip of a well-concealed bird watcher, Richard placed hazards in plainly visible locations with few to no blind spots. However, transparency doesn't always transfer to success on the course—Springs Ranch packs plenty of hazard-ridden holes that demand precise shots, including the 404-yard, par-4 third hole, where golfers must avoid a pond off of the tee and clear a waste bunker with their approach shot or a perfectly timed kick. Along with two ponds and a gauntlet of bunkers, tall grasses line the fairways, tempering aggressive play and adding an authentic, Scottish feel to the links-style layout.

Springs Ranch also offers a driving range, lessons, and clinics taught by resident aces. After a day at the links, golfers can revive muscles weary from bench-pressing golf carts with a burger, bratwurst, or platter of fish 'n' chips at the Springs Ranch Bar and Grill.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par-72 course
• Length of 7,107 yards from the farthest tees
• Course rating of 72.9 from the farthest tees
• Slope rating of 136 from the farthest tees
• Five tee options
• Scorecard

PGA Class-A professional and head of instruction Paul Surniak imparts hard-won golf wisdom accrued through 28 years of teaching experience to help his clients hunt birdies and evade mulligans. The six-time winner of the Colorado Long Drive Championship shares his knowledge through individualized lessons, while also utilizing advanced golf technology to develop consistent muscle memory and improve swing mechanics. During semiprivate lessons, Paul can address any aspect of the golf game, including short game, hitting off the tee, and golf-specific fitness. His video analysis and launch-monitor-assessment techniques also unveil whether players are using clubs that accommodate particular motions. In addition to physical guidance, Paul counsels students on the mental and strategic elements of the game, such as making swing adjustments on the fly and correctly answering the riddles of greenside gnomes.

Ten thousand railroad ties surround the par 3 12th green at Plum Creek Golf Club, bringing the contrast between Colorado’s rustic past and the course’s plush confines into stark relief. The course was once included on the prestigious list of TPC courses and hosted a Champions Tour event won by the legendary Gary Player. Today, golfers of all skill level navigate the same Pete Dye design played by past greats, culminating in the par 3 17th and its treacherous tee shot over water that prevents laying up or sneaking the golf ball aboard a passing golf-cart train.

Nestled in a gently rolling valley of the Rocky Mountain foothills, Raccoon Creek takes golfers meandering across 7,045 yards of fairways dotted with scenic water hazards. To compensate for its somewhat sparse tree lines, the course’s fairways and greens are flanked with a multitude of cavernous bunkers that—unlike guessing where the plumber hid the toilet seat—challenges players without sacrificing fun. Glassy waters and sprawling golf-ball beaches wreathe the green at the 17th hole, creating a daunting tee shot that earned it the distinction of the course’s signature hole. For those who prefer to cruise the links in a cozy conveyance, Raccoon Creek’s carts are all equipped with GPS technology, which keeps players abreast of the whereabouts of upcoming greens, intervening hazards, and heist-planning squirrels. A fully stocked pro shop, driving range, and scenic restaurant round out Raccoon Creek’s course-side facilities.

Course at a Glance: 18-hole, par-72 course Length of 7,045 yards from the farthest tees Course rating of 73.1 from the farthest tees Slope rating of 131 from the farthest tees Four tee options Link to scorecard