Buffalo Run: Scenic, First-Class Golf in the Industrial Wasteland of Commerce City

By Jamie Dawson
Rockies Golf Daily Course Reviewer

If your impression of Commerce City is industrial wasteland and weeds growing through potholes in the street, playing Buffalo Run will completely reverse your opinion.

Buffalo Run is scenic, a demanding and fair test of golf, and a first-class facility. Green fees are about half what comparable courses charge.

And it was built by Commerce City.

Designed by renowned architect Keith Foster, Buffalo Run opened for play in 1996. The course is links style, which is a perfect match for the rolling prairie near DIA. The monumental statue of a buffalo greets golfers as they arrive from the parking lot, and reminds them that the land on which they are about to play golf saw buffalo herds stampeding across the plains in the past.

Buffalo Run has received many accolades already. It has hosted the 1997 State Stroke Play Championship, and the 1997 Colorado Open qualifier. If not for its location, this course was a front runner to be the permanent host of the Colorado Open.

As you play the first few holes, keep in mind that links-style courses set up mischievously. Often there is more room thank it appears and the fairways at this course are generally pretty wide. The greens receive run-up shots well, which makes the course play well for higher handicappers. When the wind blows, and it often does out there, run-up shots are the only way to hit the green.

The par-3 fourth hole is the signature hole of the course. There is a creek running the length of the hole along the left side, and winds through the various tee boxes. The creek itself is not really in play, but is nicely stacked with rocks to give it a wonderful visual appeal. The hole plays with the predominant wind at your back, so landing it short of the green will usually be a safe play, as the ball will bounce onto the green. If you hit it in a bunker, play conservative, as the green is somewhat severe.

The most memorable holes on the course will be thirteen and fourteen. Thirteen is a long par 3. If you play from the back tees, you will hit driver, since it tips out at 265 yards. The green is no bargain either, with a carry over the left side nearly to the green. Here is my advice: Play it like a short par 4, and try to make a birdie or eagle. There is plenty of room short right, and it is easy to save par. If you run it up on the green from the right side, it will feed to the left, giving you a birdie putt.

Fourteen is a par 4 that is only a few yards longer than the previous hole. It makes a dogleg around some bunkers about 200 yards from the tee. Anything in these bunkers will be potential disaster, so don't be greedy. However, if you are downwind, the best play is to try to drive the green. If you miss the green, you will have an easier shot than if you lay up. The green is small and severe. Respect this hole. It gives you many options. What is smart one day is stupid the next.

No matter how you play, make a point of spending some time in the clubhouse. It is one of the finest public clubhouses in the country. Settle your bets over a beer and the buffalo burger beside the fireplace. You will have plenty of money to spend in the clubhouse since the weekday fee at Buffalo Run is only $21. This is the best bargain in the state.

To get to Buffalo Run from I-70, take the Tower Rd. exit north, left on 104th Ave., right on Chambers, right on 112th to the course. If you are coming from I-76 take the 120th Ave. exit east, turn right on Chambers, left on 112th.

Call 289-1500 for more information.

RATINGS: (out of five)
Condition: ****
Pace: ****
Clubhouse: *****
Playability, 36 handicap or more: ****
Playability, 10-36: *****
Playability, 0-10: *****

The "Playability" categories are based on enjoyment. It measures how much we think you'll enjoy playing this course with your current handicap.

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