Dunn
Historically, it has been said that when you enter the world of golf, you willingly enter an unrequited love affair. No matter how much you pine for the game, it refuses to love you back; it is the sports world’s most fantastic love affair. Yet, those 18 trysts of either victory or heartache can be unparalleled, especially when the romantic vacation brings you to the mountains of Colorado.
The ski towns of Aspen and Vail have long been the de rigeur see-and-be-seen habitats of the winter jet set, though not as well known are the opportunities to extend your stay into spring/summer with the magnificent golf oases of the Alpine valleys.
The verdant courses with backdrops of glistening peak vistas and snow-melt rivers are relentless in distracting you from your scorecard. The aim of golf is to concentrate on swinging through the ball, but no shame will be given to most of us who find it nearly impossible to keep our heads down and “be the ball” when surrounded by such captivating terrain.
Dunn
The following courses will keep the “inevitable upsets” alive and well for you, but they will also give birth to a rewarding, ever-renewing experience where anything is possible.
Built in 1978 by Frank Hummel, the club is just a short jaunt from the center of town. Once ensconced within the Audubon Certified Sanctuary, you will be captivated by the beauty of the natural terrain and inspired to play your best round.
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Fortunately, the municipality’s abundance is not limited to Pitkin County. The Vail Golf Club, built in 1962 by Ben Krueger, is a Par 71 course with 2023 Warren Smith Golf Pro Award Winner Alice Plain at the helm. The achingly gorgeous Gore Range serves as the consolation prize for the day.
Miller
Golfing on the Beaver Creek course is challenging. In 1982, designer Robert Trent Jones built a course in the slot canyon of Bachelor Gulch and we were given a chance to uplevel our game to a point where you may have to channel your best inner Caddyshack mantra, “Cinderella Story. Out of Nowhere…”
Designer Jim Engh has built an impeccable links course beneath the 13,323-ft. tall Mt. Daly. The Roaring Fork River provides a serene soundtrack to muffle your celebratory sounds of delight or frustrated demise. The best advice is to aim for the cone of Mt. Daly and pray for the best outcome.
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Aspen/Snowmass
Hotel:
In the town of cowboys and barons, why not stay at the elegant watering hole of both? Plus, you will feel like you are living a Ralph Lauren daydream while discussing the merits of a nine-iron.
Dining:
Nicole Franzen
With a cafe, restaurant, bar, and rooftop terrace, you can choose your setting to nosh, nibble, and, nay say the doubters of your short game.
Wellness:
Courtesy of O2
It’s all in the hips, the knees and the feet. That being the soreness. O2 can assist with those needs with ample massage options, yoga and pilates.
Vail/Beaver Creek
Hotel:
F. Scott Fitzgerald famously wrote the short story “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz,” and you may wish there was a golf ball just as large to make driving down the large fairway easier. Don’t worry, though—the rooms are just as enormous and luxurious.
Courtesy of the Ritz Carlton
Dining:
Hovey and Harrison have Fresh, local and organic food. The quaint bakery attracts happy, generous, and kind people. This restaurant is the hotspot for tired, hungry, and motivated golfers.
Wellness:
The Recovery Lab Lion’s Head has IV therapy, compression boots, localized cryo inflammation treatment, an oxygen bar and many more amenities to indulge in after a long day on the course.
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