Inverness is above average course, but over-priced as a public

By Jamie Dawson
Rockies Golf Daily Staff Editor

Inverness Review

Many things make Inverness Golf Club unique, and none of them have much to do with golf. The golf course winds through an office park, and is close to Centennial Airport. If you don't get caught up in the airplanes taking off and landing through the day, you run the risk of seeing somebody in an office actually working. When you are trying to enjoy a round of golf, this can be more disturbing than you think.

The golf course itself was designed in 1973 by local architect Press Maxwell. Maxwell, who along with his father Perry, designed many of the best golf courses in Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Quite naturally, Inverness has its share of good holes. Probably the best hole on the front nine is the second hole.

This hole has a slight double-dogleg to it. With out of bounds and a bunker to the left, players tend to miss their shots out to the right. This is a safe play, and will result in an easy par. But with some daring, a tee shot down the left side will let the longer hitter go for the green in two shots. If you can't go at the green on your second shot, the layup shot is fun. There is water and tree to the right, so play well to the left. This will leave about 100 yards in. The green is well bunkered, so you can't count on a roller to reach the green.

The signature hole on the golf course is number 13, although it is probably the weakest hole on the nine. It is a dogleg left with a tee shot that forces the player to carry the ball about 175 yards over water. My only advice on this hole is to take it much farther left than you think you can. The second shot is also over water. Avoid the tree overhanging the water. It has a noose dangling from high limb, and you will sentence your ball to that fate if you hit the tree. Be glad you don't have to play this hole very often.

Inverness is not a great golf course for high-handicappers or beginners. Too often it requires long carries over water or into greens. The greens can be tricky for even the best putter. A good rule of thumb to remember is that everything breaks toward the creek that runs through the middle of the course.

From 1992 until last summer, Inverness hosted the Colorado Open. Its location and setup made it an attractive choice to host the event, which regularly attracted some of the regions top professionals. But Inverness is part of a hotel, and the hotel could not afford to give away the golf course for a week each year during the summer. The clubhouse is the hotel, which is a nice place to eat after your round. That won't stop you from playing it should you desire a round on a above-average course. The course is now affiliated with the hotel, but has room for the public. The fee is $77, which is far to great a price to pay with so many better courses in the area charging half that much. If you still wish to play, call 799-9660.

Inverness is easy to get to. Look for the big water tower. From I-25 take the County Line exit east, and make the first left (north), or take Dry Creek exit, go east, and make the first right (south).

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.

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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