The Best Golf Courses in Denver: Top 10 Publicly-Accessible Courses

City Park Golf Course, photo credit

There's something magical about golfing in Colorado – the crisp mountain air, stunning views, and over 300 days of sunshine make it a golfer's paradise. Whether you're visiting Denver for a golf trip or you're a local looking to explore new courses, we've compiled the ultimate guide to the best public golf courses in Denver. We’ve also included some great courses around the Mile High City. After a challenging round on the links, nothing beats soaking in a therapeutic herbal beer bath in the hydrotherapy tubs at Oakwell Beer Spa where the natural ingredients help soothe tired muscles and rejuvenate your body for another day on the course.

Golf Courses Within Denver City Limits

Denver's public golf scene offers something for every player, from historic layouts that have challenged golfers for nearly a century to modern designs that showcase the city's commitment to accessible, quality golf. These courses within city limits provide the perfect opportunity to squeeze in a round without having to venture far.

City Park Golf Course

3181 E 23rd Ave, Denver, CO 80205

One of the best known golf courses in Denver, City Park Golf Course holds a special place in the hearts of local golfers and visitors alike. This historic 18-hole championship layout opened in 1913 and has been meticulously maintained and thoughtfully updated over the decades. The tree-lined fairways create natural corridors that guide your shots while demanding accuracy, and the well-manicured greens roll true despite seeing heavy play throughout the season. What truly sets City Park apart are the spectacular views – on clear days, you'll enjoy panoramic vistas of both the Rocky Mountains to the west and the downtown Denver skyline to the south. Recent renovations have enhanced its timeless design, adding modern amenities and improved drainage while preserving the classic character that makes this course a must-play. The central location, just minutes from downtown, makes it perfect for fitting in a morning round.

Green Valley Ranch Golf Club

4900 Himalaya Rd, Denver, CO 80249

This championship course in northeast Denver provides a completely different experience from the city's tree-lined classics. Opened in 2001, Green Valley Ranch sprawls across wide-open terrain that allows the famous Colorado wind to become a major factor in club selection and shot strategy. The course features dramatic bunkering, with over 80 sand traps strategically placed to challenge players from tee to green. Despite its links-style design, the course maintains lush conditions throughout the season, with bentgrass greens that roll fast and true. The five sets of tees range from 5,100 to 7,300 yards, ensuring players of all abilities can find an appropriate challenge. After your round, the modern clubhouse offers a full restaurant and bar where you can grab a bite. Green Valley Ranch is a semi-private golf club, which means they offer public play along with a variety of membership options.

Wellshire Golf Course

3333 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80222

Step back in time at Wellshire Golf Course, a Donald Ross masterpiece that has been challenging Denver golfers since 1926. This traditional parkland-style course exemplifies Ross's design philosophy with its small, elevated greens, subtle slopes, and strategic bunkering that rewards thoughtful shot placement over raw power. Mature cottonwoods, elms, and evergreens line the fairways, creating a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy Colorado Boulevard just beyond the property line. The historic Tudor-style clubhouse, complete with its original architectural details, adds to the nostalgic charm and has hosted countless celebrations and events over its nearly 100-year history. While the course plays just over 6,500 yards from the tips, don't let the modest length fool you – the small greens and tight fairways demand precision on every shot. Wellshire underwent a careful restoration in recent years that returned many holes to their original Ross designs while adding modern irrigation and drainage systems to ensure year-round playability.

Overland Park Golf Course

1801 S Huron St, Denver, CO 80223

Overland Park Golf Course stands as one of Denver's most historic golfing venues, having served the community since 1895. As one of the oldest public courses west of the Mississippi, Overland Park has witnessed over a century of golf history while continuously evolving to meet modern standards. This classic 18-hole regulation layout features traditional tree-lined fairways, well-positioned bunkers, and small greens that reward accurate approach shots. While not as long or challenging as some of Denver's championship layouts, Overland Park provides genuine shot value and requires thoughtful course management to score well. The mature trees throughout the property create distinct playing corridors and add strategic elements to many holes, particularly on the back nine where accuracy becomes paramount. The course's location in southwest Denver makes it easily accessible from downtown.

Willis Case Golf Course

4999 Vrain St, Denver, CO 80212

Located in north Denver's Berkeley neighborhood just seven minutes from downtown, Willis Case Golf Course has been challenging golfers since 1928. The course is renowned for its spectacular panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, particularly from the clubhouse deck and first tee – many consider these the best mountain vistas of any Denver municipal course. The layout features narrow, sloping fairways that wind through mature stands of trees, demanding accuracy off the tee and smart course management. Small, subtle greens add to the challenge, requiring precise approach shots and a deft touch with the putter. While the front nine is widely regarded as the stronger of the two, featuring more thoughtful design elements and memorable holes including a beast of a 230-yard par 3, the back nine still provides enjoyable golf despite its reputation as more of an afterthought. The course relies on strategic bunkering rather than water hazards to defend par, with several holes featuring deep bunkers that punish wayward shots.

Kennedy Golf Course

10500 E. Hampden Ave., Denver, CO 80014

With 27 holes of golf spread across three distinct nines, Kennedy Golf Course in southeast Denver offers variety that keeps regular players coming back week after week. The Creek, West, and Babe nines each have their own character. This flexibility allows the course to accommodate large tournaments while still providing good availability for daily play. Wide fairways and generous landing areas make Kennedy particularly appealing to high handicappers and those still developing their games. The practice facilities include a large driving range, putting green, and short game area where you can warm up properly before your round. They also have a 9-hole par-3 course where you can play conventional golf or FootGolf, just like golf but with a soccer ball.

Golf Courses Near Denver

Just beyond Denver's city limits, you'll discover some of Colorado's most spectacular golf experiences. These courses take advantage of the dramatic terrain, elevation changes, and natural beauty that make Colorado golf truly special. While they require a bit more travel time, each offers unique challenges and memorable moments that justify the journey.

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Fossil Trace Golf Club

3050 Illinois St, Golden, CO 80401

Fossil Trace stands as one of the most visually striking and uniquely challenging courses in America. Jim Engh's award-winning design embraces the site's past, incorporating massive rock walls, ancient fossil formations, and dramatic elevation changes into a layout that's as beautiful as it is demanding. The course's signature features include 12-foot-deep bunkers carved from the quarry walls, fairways that snake between towering pillars of sandstone, and greens tucked into natural amphitheaters. The iconic par-5 12th hole features sandstone pillars in the middle of the fairway, providing one of golf's most intimidating and exhilarating tee shots. Despite its challenging nature, Fossil Trace offers multiple tee options that make it playable for a wide range of skill levels. Located just 20 minutes west of Denver in Golden, the course makes for a perfect day trip.

CommonGround Golf Course

10300 E Golfers Wy, Aurora, CO 80010

Tom Doak's minimalist masterpiece at CommonGround proves that great golf doesn't require elaborate features or manufactured difficulty. This collaborative effort between Doak and the Colorado Golf Association focuses on strategic design and shot-making options that engage players' minds as much as their swings. The wide fairways accommodate players of all skill levels, but the large, undulating greens with their subtle breaks and multiple pin positions create scoring challenges that reveal themselves over multiple plays. Natural bunkers blend seamlessly into the prairie landscape, and native areas frame holes without creating excessive penalties for wayward shots. What makes CommonGround special is its commitment to pure golf – there are no houses lining the fairways, no forced carries over decorative water features, just honest golf holes that reward good shots and provide recovery options for poor ones. The walking-friendly layout encourages players to experience the course as Doak intended. Colorado Golf Association members get discounted rates and advanced tee time registrations.

TPC Colorado

2375 TPC Pkwy, Berthoud, CO 80513

As the newest addition to the prestigious TPC Network, TPC Colorado represents a high point of golf in the region. Designed specifically to host PGA Tour events, the course offers Tour-level conditions and amenities for daily fee players. The championship layout stretches to over 7,500 yards from the professional tees, but multiple tee options ensure playability for amateurs. Expansive views of the Rocky Mountains provide a stunning backdrop, while the expertly maintained conditions showcase bent grass from tee to green. The course features dramatic bunkering, strategic water hazards, and large, undulating greens that create scoring opportunities for those who position themselves correctly. Located about 45 minutes north of Denver near Loveland, TPC Colorado makes for an excellent day trip destination for serious golfers seeking a Tour-quality experience. TPC Colorado is a semi-private golf course with limited tee times for the public.

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Arrowhead Golf Club

10850 W Sundown Trail, Littleton, CO 80125

Set against a backdrop of towering red rock formations that rival Arizona's finest desert courses, Arrowhead Golf Club offers Colorado's most photogenic golf experience. Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s masterful routing takes full advantage of the spectacular setting, with nearly every hole framed by dramatic sandstone spires and outcroppings that glow brilliantly in the morning and evening light. The course winds through stands of scrub oak, pine, and native grasses, with elevation changes that create stunning vistas and challenging shot values. The signature par-3 13th hole, with its fairway threading between massive red rocks and over a ravine to a well-guarded green, has graced countless magazine covers and remains one of the most photographed holes in golf. While the scenery might distract you, the course demands your full attention – accurate shot-making is essential to navigate the numerous hazards and elevation changes. The practice facility, carved from the same red rock formations, provides an equally stunning warm-up venue that sets the tone for your round.

The Perfect 19th Hole

After exploring these incredible courses, there's no better way to recover than with a visit to Oakwell Beer Spa. Beer bath hydrotherapy combines the therapeutic benefits of warm water with the natural ingredients found in beer – hops, barley, and herbs – which help soothe sore muscles, moisturize skin, and promote overall relaxation. Best of all Oakwell has a taproom so you can enjoy local craft beer while relaxing at the spa. Book your tee time at one of these fantastic courses, then reserve your private spa suite for the ultimate Denver golf experience.

Conclusion: The Best Golf Courses in Denver

Denver's golf scene truly offers something for every player, from century-old municipal treasures to modern championship layouts that rival any in the country. The combination of 300+ days of sunshine, stunning mountain backdrops, and the unique playing conditions at altitude make golfing in the Mile High City an unforgettable experience. The city's commitment to maintaining quality municipal courses at affordable prices means you don't have to break the bank to enjoy great golf, while the nearby premium daily-fee courses provide bucket-list experiences worth the splurge. Add in the friendly Colorado hospitality, well-maintained conditions despite heavy play, and the sheer variety of layouts available within a short drive, and it's clear why Denver has become a must-visit golf destination.

Ready to plan your golf and spa adventure? Book your relaxing post-round spa session at Oakwell today!