Where to get in a quick and low-pressure 9
I belong to two 18-hole leagues and typically play 18 holes on vacations and outings. But every time I play a fun little par-3 course, I ask myself, “Why don’t I do this more often?” They make for good short-game practice for players of all levels, don’t require lugging a full bag of clubs and tend to have a casual, “what dress code?” vibe. Their biggest negative might be that the round is over all too soon!
Here are five public-access Colorado shorties well worth our time. Be sure to make a reservation or at least call before you drop in, because these tend to be popular for classes and groups of all ages and skill levels.
Cattail Creek (Loveland). At 1,426 yards from the back set of four tee options, this scenic layout can play as one of the longest fun little par-3s in Colorado. The 1991 Dick Phelps design has small greens, water features and bunkers to add challenge, so the pace of play leans closer to two hours here than one. There’s also a driving range, and the option to play just three holes, including clubs and balls, for $6. 831-1,426 yards, $10-$14 with replays $8-$10, $10 for cart.
CommonGround Short Course (Denver): “A place for all and all the game teaches” was the CGA’s hope for the Short Course, which Tom Doak designed with kids and newcomers in mind. So it’s free for juniors to play! But with holes ranging from 72 yards to 142 yards, and with the stellar work of award-winning CommonGround superintendent Mitch Savage’s crew behind it, the Short Course provides a nice little walk for the avid golfer in need of some practice. 997 yards, $10 for adults and free to players 18 and under. Walking only.
Green Valley Ranch Golf Club Par-3 Course (Denver). Described on the Green Valley Ranch website as “locally world famous,” this par-3 layout with undulating greens and plentiful bunkers benefits from its affiliation with one of the Front Range’s top daily fee courses. Like CommonGround, it gets championship-course care. And here’s one of the best-kept secrets in Colorado golf: Book a round on the GVR championship course and your par-3 course access is free! 818 yards, $15 for adult unlimited play day, $10 for junior, with $2 of each green fee benefitting First Tee. Walking only.
Harvard Gulch (Denver). A municipal treasure under a cooling canopy of trees, the Gulch is literally a walk in the park. Course conditions are typically outstanding, especially on the tiny greens, and the friendly vibe seems to breed patience and generosity among players, who appear to be in no rush to finish here. The $60 Night Golf events, with glo-balls and accessories, have proven so popular they’re scheduled for two weekend nights a month in-season. 872 yards, $7-$15, depending on age and day. Walking only.
North and South Courses, Hyland Hills (Westminster). The sprawling Greg Mastriona complex has 27 holes of championship golf but makes this list with two little but distinct nines. The older nine, the South, is designated “advanced.” At 1,060 yards, it features holes that are named for the challenge they represent. For instance, there’s No. 4, named Lochness for its lake, and No. 8, named Sunburst for its sand features. In 2009, Mastriona redesigned the North and designated it “beginner” to tailor expectations. At 853 yards, it’s walking only. Both courses are $6 for juniors to play, with adult fees up to $12 and $11 for a cart on the South.
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Veteran journalist Susan Fornoff has written about golf for publications including the San Francisco Chronicle, ColoradoBiz magazine and her own GottaGoGolf.com. She provides the voice of “Molly McMulligan,” the CGA’s on-course consultant on golf for fun. Email her at mollymcmulligan@gmail.com.
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