Aspen CO Golf Weekend

Aspen.com 5/09

Aspen Golf: A Guide to the Golf Courses of Aspen, Colorado
Submitted by Brandon Wenerd on Tue, 05/12/2009

In the last twenty years, the golf scene in the Roaring Fork Valley has gained nationwide prominence with the addition of exciting new courses with provocative challenges. However, this was not always the situation. There was a time in the 1970s and 1980s when the only course in Aspen was the Aspen Golf Club, notoriously frequented by a rowdy crowd more focused on imbibing adult beverages than chalking in a serious round. That era has passed, to some degree. Nowadays Carbondale and Glenwood Springs have attracted affluent retirees from around the country for private golf and fly fishing clubs, rustic residential communities, and an active four-season lifestyle of Rocky Mountain fun. Arnold Palmer is known to spend Christmas skiing at Snowmass, so the region can stake claim to some sort of atmospheric magnetism for golfers.

The golf season in Colorado is much shorter compared to other golf destinations like Florida, Arizona, California, South Carolina, and Georgia because of the snowy weather, the elevation, and course conditions. Nonetheless, there are a consortium of world-class champion golf courses scattered throughout the immediate Aspen vicinity and the Roaring Fork Valley, including three Jack Nicklaus-designed courses that have popped up in the valley in recent years.

Golfing at an elevation of 8,000 feet in the dry, windy, and thin air can present its own set of rewards and challenges. High altitude golf in Colorado means drives fly higher and further, decreasing the aerodynamic drag on the ball and potentially putting you closer to the pin. On the other hand, thin air also means hooks and shanks are to the extreme, so sea level golfers should be prepared for the occasional mulligan. The high country links are often characterized by long drives, narrow fairways, short approaches, and playing amidst some of the most spectacular mountain topography in the country. Lining up a drive with the peak of Mt. Sopris, Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak, or the Roaring Fork River is a memorable experience in itself whether you’re a newcomer to the game or a trophy-clinging professional.

While many courses in the immediate Aspen area are exclusive and private, some golf gems like the acclaimed Snowmass Club allow occasional public play. Call in advance for tee-times and to see if arrangements for play are possible with existing club memberships outside the Roaring Fork Valley. Here at Aspen.com, we’ve rounded up a list of the best places around the Roaring Fork Valley to tee-up.

Glenwood Springs Golf Club
193 Sunny Acres Rd
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
(970) 945-7086
www.glenwoodgolf.com

This simple, nine-hole executive course in Glenwood Springs overlooks the Colorado River and I-70. Glenwood Springs Golf Club is a public course highlighted by a 4000-foot ridge that towers above the tree-lined fairways.

Ranch at the Roaring Fork
14913 Hwy 82
Carbondale, CO 81623
(970) 963-4410‎
www.ranchatroaringfork.com

Located just past El Jebel between Basalat and Carbondale, The Ranch At the Roaring Fork golf course is oldest golf course in the mid-valley region. Public, relaxed, and downright cheap, The Ranch at the Roaring Fork course is a simple, nine-hole, par 3 chip-and-putt. It is great for a beginner getting acquainted with the game. Be sure to soak in the views of Mt. Sopris and the rocky ridges of the Crystal River Valley.

River Valley Ranch
303 River Valley Ranch Rd.
Carbondale, CO 81623
(970) 963-3625
www.rvrgolf.com

Located immediately south of downtown Carbondale in the shadows of Mt. Sopris, Rver Valley Ranch is a scenic, 520-acre residential public course owned and operated by Crown Golf, the same management company operating the Snowmass Club. The down valley trip from Aspen is a quick 40-minute drive into the breathtaking Crystal River Valley. Opened in July 1998, the River Valley Ranch has received acclaim from Golf magazine as “The new Crown Jewel of the Rockies” and greens fees remain highly affordable compared to more exclusive Aspen courses. The 18-hole, par 72 course hugs the Crystal River with wide, gently rolling greens and challenging water features. With spectacular views of Mt. Sopris, the clubhouse patio is one of the best in Colorado for après golf.

Aspen Golf Club
39551 Highway 82
Aspen, CO 81611
(970) 925-2145
www.aspenrecreation.com

The Aspen Golf Club’s long 400 and 500-yard fairways may be featureless and relatively Spartan, but the club gets nods for convenience to the downtown Aspen and public accessibility. Owned and operated by The City of Aspen’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Aspen Golf Club is an 18-hole course with sweeping views of the Roaring Fork Valley, Buttermilk, Mount Hayden, the Hunter Creek Valley, and Pyramid Peak. Greens fees at the Aspen Golf Club are relatively affordable. Playing this course is a great introduction to refining your technique in the high country before tackling more challenging courses like the Snowmass Club or the Roaring Fork Club.

The Snowmass Club
0239 Snowmass Club Circle
Snowmass Village
(970) 923-5600
www.snowmassclub.com

What once was ranchland for Colorado beef cattle is now an award-winning private golf club at the base of a breathtaking mountainscape. Architect James J. Engh designed the 18-hole course in the style of a traditional Irish links. The course boasts elevated tees with a full panorama of the snowcapped ridges and passes in the area. Expect dramatic rolling fairways, steep bunkers, and water hazards. Along with surreal views of the Elk Mountains, the Snowmass Club offers some of the best greens within the immediate Aspen area. Limited public play opportunities are available after 1:00pm. Additionally, the Club offers all the features of a world-class resort, including tennis, a spa, and sophisticated clubhouse dining.

Lakota Canyon Ranch
1000 Club House Drive
New Castle, Colorado 81647
970.984.9700
www.lakotacanyonranch.com

Though it is a day trip to get to Lakota Canyon Ranch from Aspen, it’s well worth the hike for the discerning golfer looking for a scenic and challenging high altitude course. This 18-hole public course is located west of Glenwood Springs in the I-70 corridor below the vast the Flat Tops Wilderness area, surrounded by canyons, mesas, and buttes. Opened in 2004, Lakota Canyon Ranch is one of the newest courses in Colorado’s Western Slope.

"Off-Season" Perks  This is a ski town first and foremost, so golfers are in the unusual position of coming to town during warm sunny weather perfect for golf without Aspen's usual winter ski crowds and without premium pricing.  May might be the best month of the year for great golf values in Aspen.  Average high temps in May hover around 60, perfect light jacket golfing weather.  But bring some extra layers for the evenings, as it still may dip below freezing overnight.  Hotel rates are the lowest of the year, so visitors can have their pick of premium lodging accommodations at desirable prices. Additionally, prix fix dinners at world-class eateries remain a popular and affordable gourmet dining option through the end of May, particularly at restaurants like Social, Lulu Wilson, and Rustique.  Gold medal Oylmpic snowboarder Shawn White named his latest trick after the 30-oz. American Kobe beef "Tomahawk" rib-eye steak at JimmyAspen (www.jimmyaspen.com).  Those looking for a relaxing spring spa getaway will find the Aspen Club an enticing and affordable oasis for mind and body rejuvenation. The Aspen Club is currently advertising a 50-minute massage for the low price of 99 dollars or a 80 minute massage for only 140 dollars, nearly 50 dollars off the regular season price.

Zane Lamprey's Drinking Made Easy Guide To Aspen, 2012

Aspen is an illustrious ski resort located within the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and is often visited for its simple luxury, beautiful scenery, and great slopes. Aspen is known as a prominent winter vacation spot for many celebrities and high-society, and now it is getting a visit from Zane Lamprey and Mr. Dumbbeard, Steve McKenna. We hope Aspen is ready, because Drinking Made Easy is coming to hit the slopes, hit the bars, and see what Aspen has too offer! Air Date: April 4th, 2012.

WHERE WE WENT

• Ajax Tavern: Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, the sun-drenched, mountainside patio is the idyllic place for lunch, apres ski and dinner. This ski-bar serves up some great drinks to warm you up after a long day of hitting the slopes and also offers a great dinning experience. 685 East Durant Avenue Aspen, CO 81611 (970) 920-6334
• J-Bar at Hotel Jerome: Aspen’s favorite watering hole for well over a century, the J-Bar—with its authentic saloon ambiance and lively yet casual atmosphere—offers a wide selection of draft and bottled beer, vintage-inspired cocktails and light dining fare. J-Bar was also the favorite bar of writer Hunter S. Thompson. Hotel Jerome, 330 East Main Street Aspen, CO 81611 Tel 800 331 7213
• Su Casa: This Mexican restaurant and bar serves some tasty Mexican classics with a tasty signature margarita along with other great cocktails. Enjoy an indoor pub crawl with the 3 other bars connected to Su Casa. 315 East Hyman Aspen Colorado 1 (970) 920-1488
• Eric’s Bar: Also apart of the indoor pub crawl. Eric’s Bar offers up a great environment for some classy drinking. With a modern decor and stylish clientele, Eric’s Bar gives a great drinking experience for the fine selection of single-malt Scotches and small batch bourbons. 315 East Hyman Aspen Colorado 1 (970) 920-1488
• Aspen Billiards: This old fashion billiards hall offers 8 immaculate billiards tables with a classic billiards vibe that accentuates the prestige of the game. 315 East Hyman Aspen Colorado 1 (970) 920-1488
• The Cigar Bar: Aspen’s only public smoking lounge, The Cigar Bar, makes the perfect place to sit back and relax with a nice stogie and a good drink. This lounge is really made for lounging with modern furniture and sectioned areas where you can hold a nice conversation and enjoy yourself. 315 East Hyman Aspen Colorado 1 (970) 920-1488
• Aspen Brewing Company: This native brewing company was started by two college roomates who gained a passion for Colorado’s craft beer. They began their hands-on education through frequent trips to other local breweries before eventually opening their own in 2007. They now have 6-7 regular brews that they produce along with different limited-edition batches. #B, 304 East Hopkins Avenue Aspen, CO 81611 (970) 920-2739
• Jimmy’s: Recently named one of the top 50 bars in the US, Jimmy’s offers great food, a nice environmental, and exceptional drinks. They also have salsa dancing with spicy Latin music to compliment their list of 100 different Mezcals and Tequilas. 205 S Mill St # 2 Aspen, CO 81611 (970) 925-6020

WHAT WE DRANK

Ajax Apple Recipe Recipe

Hot Drunken Pumpkin Recipe

Aspen Crud Recipe

The Faceplant Recipe

Su Signature Margarita Recipe

Dolce Caliente Recipe

What We Featured

• Stranahan’s Whiskey
• Van Gogh’s Espresso Vodka
• 90 Shilling Ale