SITE FEATURELetters to the RockiesGolf.com EditorLake
Estes Could Use a Few Upgrades Frankly, we were unimpressed with this course. There are elk droppings all over it, although they can't be restricted, and they do seem to keep them off the greens. However, the greens were in terrible shape. Almost all of them had large patches (10-16 inches across) with no grass at all. The fairways were not too bad, and the tee boxes were fine. It was astonishing how many maintenance people they had working but the greens were still so bad. The mower was out at one point too, and we had to wait for him to clear off before we could hit. Several holes are over water; a fairly wide (20 feet or so) river which can be intimidating for unexperienced golfers. Other than that, the course is relatively uninteresting with most of the holes quite straight and not much in the way of hills. The course does not offer electric carts but does have one for use by handicapped golfers. My husband is an amputee and was provided with a cart but we were told repeatedly, both times, that only HE was allowed to ride in it. We were not offered the option of paying for two riders, I was simply told I was not allowed in the cart. They did, however, acquiesce to allowing me to strap my clubs on it. As a consequence, there was quite a delay for us and the folks behind us when my husband, who is the better golfer and hits farther, had to wait for me to walk to the next spot. I'm not averse to walking, particularly a compact course such as that, but it seemed just silly to me to have to hold things up in that manner. We both decided we wouldn't play the course again since it was, on the whole, an unrewarding experience. Michelle Cole Fairway Pines Falls Short of ExpectationsJuly 20, 2001 Big Disappointment. We had heard good reviews about this Course. We drove 140 miles to find the fairways Brown and the greens like concrete. The course may not last the summer. Play was slow, 5 1/2 hours. Ranger did nothing to speed up play. The staff should have alerted us of the condition. Price was high for the condition. I don't think we will go back. Alan Richards Woodland Park Layout Makes a Change for the BetterJune 15, 2001 Woodland Park Fujiki in Woodland Park, Colorado was sold last year. The course is now called Shining Mountain Golf Club. When the course was Fujiki it was in very bad shape and a lot of people stopped playing there. I was hoping that your staff would perform a new course review to let people know that the ownership has changed and that the course conditions have indeed improved. Shelley Hedwall Buffalo Run Leaves Him GuessingApril 27, 2001 Have you ever wanted to bang you head against a wall because what seems so clear to you isn't to someone else? That's exactly how I felt after playing the Buffalo Run Golf Course last fall. First, let me say that the condition of the course was great, the layout is nice and the finishing holes, especially 17 and 18, provide a stiff challenge for anyone trying to preserve a good round. HOWEVER, have you ever noticed how the course doesn't indicate where the pin is cut on the greens? This practice was not lost on me so I inquired about it in the clubhouse. I was told by a worker that it was because the course is suppose to remind one of British Open style golf and apparently overseas in Ireland, Scotland and Great Britain they don't indicate where the pin is cut. Sounds logical but there is only one problem: we are not in Scotland or Ireland and the course sure doesn't play like the courses I've seen on TV. Sure the wind can blow out by Denver Int'l Airport but the number of times I've played Buffalo Run I haven't had to hit too many knockdown shots or run up 8 and 7 irons to a green from 100 yards out. Buffalo Run plays like Riverdale Dunes, Canteberry and most other Colorado golf courses. The courses overseas play like they do because that's the best way to play the courses. As far as I'm concerned, the best way to play Buffalo Run is much like you play other area courses. The course is succeptiable to high irons, the greens hold approach shots and every so often you have to knockdown a shot because of the wind. Being a golf fanatic, I knew that Buffalo Run had hosted many CGA qualifying events so I asked the Pro Shop attendant if during those tournaments the players were given the location of the pins. Believe it or not the answer was yes they were. Now I'm starting to get a little agitated. I asked if the professionals and amateurs that compete in those tournament's get pin sheets why don't golfers like myself. Of course I did not get a reasonable or sufficient answer. It's too bad that such a nice course has such a misguided view of what their course represents. I don't think that just because I'm not competing in a sanctioned event or qualifyer I should be penalized. In the whole sceme of things I know my complaint is minor but if given the choice of having a tee time at Buffalo Run or another course, I think in the future I'll choose the latter. Eric Christensen Doing Hard Time at FoothillsRegarding your recent review of the Foothills Golf Club in Denver: This course actually borders on a prison. Mark Myers Rudeness Reigns at Saddle RockI enjoy the Saddle Rock layout immensely, but have come to a crossroads about whether or not I will continue to play there. I had a conversation with the Head Professional, Mickey Byrne, yesterday regarding some instances of poor service I had encountered over the past month while playing. The conversation did not go well, as I was treated disrespectfully, with apathy, and with sarcasm. To quote Mr. Byrne directly, " I don't care what you think, and I don't care what your opinion is. We have 33,000 other golfers who haven't complained, so why should I worry?" Frightening to note that I have to pay $38.00 to be trated as such..... In today's golf marketplace, I find it difficult to believe that type of attitude will last, and hope actions are taken to rectify and improve the service level at Saddle Rock. Seamus McDuff High Marks for Omni Interlocken ResortMy wife and I played this course on the 13th and 14th of May. We were very impressed with the clubhouse, the staff, the course ambassadors and the course. It is rather expensive, but resort courses are. Due to it being so new, we could not drive the carts on the course, but we still enjoyed it a great deal. The greens we fast and true, the fairways were like carpet and even though there are some final touches being done around the course, we would rate the experience very high. Darwin McClung Arrowhead - Denver's most disappointing courseI've played Arrowhead this spring and what a painful experience. It took us 6 hours to finish the round and the greens really left something to be desired. American Golf has really let down Denver golf as Arrowhead is a course of splendid beauty. There are few courses in this country that can match Arrowhead's scenic landscape. But they care little about quality golf as the driving range is a joke - you cannot hit balls more than 160 yards. Arrowhead is American Golf's bad sister that is merely around to extract as much profit from Colorado golfers. George Damon, DDS Hyland Hills DebacleOur group was very disappointed in the way hyland hills played on 4-6-00. 7 groups on 2 holes, we got in 6 holes and called it quits. we all got a rain check but sadly to say we won't be back until things improve. my advice to the course management is to inform players that play is very slow before they tee off. Applewood Golf Course in Rough ShapeI've recently played applewood g. c. $19.95 w/cart not bad, but course is in poor shape. Keeping Canterberry a SecretUnless the course layout has changed since I last played it in October and when I worked there the summer of 1999, they only par three with a water carry is fourteen. The only hole with the ravine cutting in front of the green is six. Am happy that Canterberry isn't highly recommended in this review. It is a course that the "average" golfer shouldn't play. Many can't reach the many fairways that require "carry". The four par threes are amoung the most demanding I have played. The intimidation of the ravines and water and length on seven and sixteen whip most before they swing the club. I love the course. Don't tell anyone about it! Cheers, Boulder Creek Meets with ApprovalI have just golfed one of my favorite golf courses yet. It is called Boulder Creek. It is a fun and exciting course. It has 18 holes a banquet room and a resturant--and on the 18th hole you can order your food right from the tee box on a phone. I really enjoyed this course because of its fun and challenging holes. And they have a selections of things to buy in their club house. Tackey321@aol.com Fort Morgan: Price is RightThe Fort Morgan Golf Club is a short course. No sand traps, just a few pot bunkers slow country pace of play you can take your time because it's seldom crowded. Last time I played it was $35 with a power cart for unlimited play and that's the best reason to make the drive to this course. Also great food cheap. Watch out for snakes! If you would enjoy playing as much golf as possible cheap on a pretty nice course this is worth looking in to. Call first to check on unlimited golf because I think it's only certain times of the year. By the way, I read your review of the Mad Russian course and you have to be mad to play there. Fort Morgan Golf Club DELRREX@aol.com Please Close CanterberryNov. 16, 1999 The recent good news about Canterberry Golf Course is that on a Saturday morning (we played Nov. 13, a beautiful, warm, cloudless day), you basically can have the course to yourself. The bad news is that it's because nobody told you to stay away. Evidently, the owners of Canterberry must have forgotten that houses were going to be built all around the course, and failed to plan for dump truck traffic and assorted heavy machinery that make regular runs through the course's fairways. When we arrived at the Parker course, the pro gave us $10 discount, explaining that the course was being subjected to some construction, and that the fairways and greens hadn't been watered much lately. Had this been explained on the phone, we may not have made the drive from downtown Denver. Instead, we got a free cart that showed us exactly what "some construction" meant. Considering the condition of the course, they should have let me use my Jeep as a golf cart. I've got a better suspension. The fairways were harder than hardpan and the greens were browner than some of the houses that were being built. Attempting to take a divot could result in a sprained wrist and three-putting wasn't that unreasonable. I counted at least three holes where dump trucks and backhoes created their own paths through the fairways, and I remember three times where we played "chicken" with an oncoming dump truck between holes. It's quite possible that the owners may have to replace the greens because they seem to be completely dead. Maybe the owners have that in mind once the construction is done, but right now, as unsuspecting duffers continue to drive out to Parker, Canterberry is becoming an unplayable goat ranch. The owners of Canterberry should resist the urge of trying to milk these last few nice weeks in Denver, and risk losing several potential regular customers and shut their course down before they completely ruin their rep. In the meantime, don't waste your money at Canterberry. Karl Lueders Support the Mad RussianNov. 17, 1999 The Mad Russian Golf Course is the finest golf course in Colorado. A strong claim no doubt but playing it is such a breath of fresh air, I honestly believe it. In contrast to the innumerable Colorado golf courses that meander through houses with their perfect four "championship" tees, perfect "championship" (large) greens, perfect "championship" bunkers, and too often requiring you to use golf carts (bottom line you know), the Mad Russian offers an awkwardness, charm, and difficulty that make it beguiling and refreshingly different. Take the par four 4th, a 280-yard downhill fairway with a 20-yard opening to a small green surrounded by water. You can go for it with a 3-iron to 3 wood or lay up with a 5-iron, and still have an awkward pitch of 60 yards. The 5th is maybe the finest par 3 I've ever played. From the blue it's 200 yards to a small-elevated green with water on the right. It is difficult to get the tee shot on the green so you will miss it and be presented with an odd second shot. When you're on the green a two putt is no guarantee. I've played it over 20 times and parred it twice. I could talk of many of the other great holes, but essentially the beauty of the course is perhaps in its so-called imperfections. Nearly all the greens are small, tilted, and difficult to put on. The tees are small and not level. Water, hills, and hazards abound, but nevertheless on nearly any hole you can get a birdie. Or a 10. And that's the intrigue of the course. Alas, a new group of course managers come with money, unculture, greed, and devastation. They will Americanize the course with new holes through houses and revamp the rest of course. Shall we call it the Greedy Russian? I appeal for your support to save it. Peter DiLorenzo All Hail Pete DyeWe played Cottonwood Ranch in Gypsum, Colo., two weeks ago. It was an absolutely fantastic experience. Pete Dye has done a great job with each and every hole. We have never seen a course so beautifully set into its surroundings. One would not want to walk this course, but it is well suited to every level from intermediate through professional. It is one of the best kept secrets in Colorado. Sent via e-mail Reader Responds to the Anti-ProDear "Anti-Pro": I just read your Anti-Pro column, "Confusion Feeds the Golf Industry" in Rockiesgolf.com. What is the difference between people shelling out their hard earned dollars on a local pro or sending you their money on blind faith because you have a website and a video? Do you have them videotape their swings from 3 angles and send you a copy for your personal analysis? After 15 years of struggle, a local pro who refused to band-aid my problems rebuilt my swing in 6 lessons. I'm now shooting low 80's and dropping rapidly. How do you tell a 6' 6" golfer that they may need some equipment adjustments, or would you let them let them hit toe-deep pushes for the rest of their lives? Does your videotape stop you in mid-swing on the range and say "That position may feel good to you because you have swung like that for 12 years, but you really need to be in this position." I don't think so. Your "just swing the club" philosophy is great in theory, and now sounds easy to me after finding an simple, correct swing after 15 years of struggle, but as a young teen who was self-taught at a summer junior golf program (that if you were moving the club you received no attention from the pro) a horrible slice. I loved your article until I went to your website. You can't blast an industry for making money on the unknowing masses who are flocking to the courses, and then turn around and charge them for the "cure all" videotape. Last time I checked it was free to go see the Pope if he came to town. Scott Anderson Applewood has Lost its ShinePlayed there yesterday. They were sending out foursomes every 7 minutes and there were backups on every hole. The cost was $27 and not worth it. Many of the tee boxes are mostly sand, the fairways are green but dry and next to the fairway is hardpan. The two groups in front of us were very slow with an entire par 5 separating the front group from the rest of the world. Rangers were less than helpful and made excuses for our 5.75-hour round. They did nothing but make excuses. This appears to be a course where the almighty dollar is more important than the customer. Stay away...it's not worth $27 and you wait 15-20 minutes at each tee box. Sent via e-mail Applewood Golf Course Sharp Insights on the Showdown • Lewis: Made-for-TV Golf Worth Watching • Sharp: Format Appealing to Golf Purists Tell Lewis he's an idiot! Sharp has the right idea. Make it a home run derby event that dominated the airwaves in days of the past. Ed Juline We're Not in Kansas AnymoreRed Hawk Ridge (Castle Rock, Colo.) is the best course I have found since moving to Denver. Courses like this don't exist in Kansas City. The course is a beautiful, breathtaking experience. Don't miss the view from No. 14 tee box. In addition to an exceptional course at an outstanding price, the entire staff is professional and overly concerned about their clients and their golf outing. Michael Herrington Time for a Sterling CorrectionFor your information: I noticed that the golf course architect for Sterling Country Club was listed as unknown on the rockiesgolf.com web site. Having lived and played golf in Sterling twenty some odd years ago I can tell you with authority that Milo Luckett was the architect of Sterling Country Club as well as its long time golf professional. He designed a number of courses in eastern Colorado, western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming. He was quite a racantouer and I'm sure the many stories told about him have grown larger and more epochraphal over the years. Thanks for your consideration and please attempt to edit the information on your web site to give Milo his due. Sincerely, A Second Opinion on Hyland HillsTake that ridiculous article off your page about Hyland Hills! It is as enjoyable and scenic as reasonable priced golf gets in Denver. Have someone with some adult perspective re-review it. PLEASE. Thanks, Reviewer Paints a Brilliant PictureReally enjoyed Jeff Nobles' review on the Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club in Alabama. Hope I get to play the course someday; I enjoyed the mental description for starters. Keep up the wonderful work! Charlotte Keahey Reader Sounds Off on Ute CreekUte Creek is not crowded and there is fast play--good links golf experience. Nobody from the city administration (it is owned by the City of Longmont) must play golf, because they would never tolerate this tragic ruination of a great golf course. Matt Deal Mariana Butte Still Needs ImprovementManagement at Mariana Butte must be following your site, as they have apparantly resonded to the complaint about slow play. Last weekend a group of twelve of us played the course, and I agree that it is one of the most scenic that I've ever played. Unfortunately, one of my friends and his father were asked to quit play after nine holes because of slow play. They are beginners and shot a 56 and 61 on the front nine, but did it in about 2 1/2 hours. The only problem creating slow play was the lack of help at the clubhouse between the sides. It took us 20 minutes to get hot dogs and beers. We played the back nine (by far the nicest of the two) and realized that our group had dwindled. When we finished, there were no groups within two holes of us. It was dissapointing that the power hungry ranger felt it necessary to ask new players to leave the course when there was never a wait at any hole. The starter was the nicest that I've ever met, and she should give Ranger Rick some lessons on dealing with the public- and when that happens we will consider making the drive to play the course again. Brian Harper Praise for Hyland HillsThe south Par 3 at Hyland Hills is one of the best and most challenging Par 3's I've ever played. Terri Otley Legacy Ridge: Tough Course for HacksI read your article about the Legacy Ridge Golf Course in Westminster, Colo., and I agree with everything that you write about except for the breakdown of hole # 6. For those who play well and have not played the course yet, you may have not suggested that this hole can be reached in 2. Even with a well-placed tee shot, you still have to be about 295-plus of the box to attempt in 2. The smart play is to lay up to the flat. The second shot is not as blind as you think; better than negotiating the alligator pit in the fairway. This all comes if you play from the back two tee markers. For those who play the white or red, the possibility is there. amm Thorncreek Worth Another TryYour reviews are excellent. I'm glad someone shares my love of Buffalo Run. To think that people are packed to the gills on other, inferior courses every day while this great course is so easy to get on. Also, I'm a member at Throncreek, and everything you said is on the money. However, now would be a good time for you to try it again. Evidently they're having some U.S. Open qualifiers there soon. So the greens are in the best shape they've ever been in.
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