Indian Tree: a course for
beginners and players who don't play much golf

By Jamie Dawson
Rockies Golf Daily Staff Editor

Indian Tree: The best way to describe Indian Tree is to state what it is. Indian Tree is a muni. Like other munis, it has a few decent holes, a few stupid holes, and a host of average holes. The clubhouse, built along with the course in 1970, is in need of a facelift. Indian Tree is the state leader in miles of chain-link fence.

However, it would be unfair to give any reason not to play Indian Tree. It has a great view of the Rockies to the west, and Wadsworth Boulevard to the east. Be sure to stop by the Boston Market for lunch after your round. I would not recommend the clubhouse hot dogs, unless you have a fetish for bad gas.

As you enter the grounds, do not be alarmed. The course you see on the right is a par 3 course. You do not have to play this course unless you want to. Go into the clubhouse to check in. As you make your way through the clubhouse, be sure to spend a moment taking in the atmosphere in the bar. Indian Tree has one of those clubhouse bars that do not need the golf course. Day or night, winter or summer, you will find the same group of codgers sitting around drinking scotch and playing gin. It has its own special charm.

The golf course itself is rather non-descript. Don’t expect the sort of world-class conditions you have grown to expect in Colorado. The priority here is not on maintaining a golf course, but on giving the citizens of Arvada a recreational opportunity. The front nine is on the north, and the back nine winds its way on the hillside on the south side of the course. Although Indian Tree has developed several of the top players in the state, better players may want to go elsewhere. This is a course for beginners and people who don’t play much golf. It has earned a reputation for having one of the best junior programs in the state.

Indian Tree was built by Dick Phelps, who has a reputation as a local golf course architect who doesn’t play much golf. As a result, the longer holes are chintzy, and the shorter holes have no point. Experienced players will learn to use the chain link fences to their advantage, to help keep the ball in play.

Keep the ball below the hole on this golf course. Since it was built in a valley, many of the greens are on a severe incline. This is a problem on most golf courses, but you will find the greens slow enough to minimize the problems of severity.

The fees at Indian Tree are reasonable if you just want to play golf. You pay $18 anytime for 18 holes. Call 423-3450 for information.

To get to Indian Tree, go north on Wadsworth from I-70, or south from US 36. You will see it on the west side of the road, at 7550 Wadsworth. These are all the directions you need.

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.

What do you think? Join our golf forums and post your thoughts!