HAHA ...Don ...great experience! I understand from my friends that live in Denver that the effects there are even more pronounced. Cherry Hills would be a great place to play a few rounds for not only the elevation difference, but the historical significance of the 1960 US Open, etc.

I imagine though that while Wisconsin may not have the elevations of the mountainous regions in the west, it is a fair bit above sea level nonetheless. I play on the West Coast (Pacific Northwest) and I notice the difference from playing at sea level and travelling up to play in the mountains!

All the best Don ...D

Yes it is. Great confidence booster. I live in Denver actually went to elementary school right across the street from Cherry Hills Country Club. Some of my personal favorites out here are Welshire golf course Its an original Donald Ross design and its a municipal course owned by the city and county of Denver, Fossil Trace in Golden, Riverdale Dunes in Brighton, Murphy Creek by the airport and Green Valley Ranch located 10 minutes from Denver International Airport and also the host of the 2016 NCAA division 2 mens national championship and Common Grounds Host of the AJGA Hale Irwin and The NCAA womans division 2 national championship thats in aurora. But hitting a 5 iron from 215 yards out is amazing. Hope to see you up here soon. 

                               ALL THE BEST 

               HAYS NASH 

Dino   I have played Cherry Hills four times now and it gets better every time I play it!!! I live in the northeast and hitting the ball in the Denver area is great, my brother and sister live in Denver so I get to go there often.. If you ever get the chance go for it  

One of my favorite places to play is at the Taos Country Club outside of Taos, New Mexico.  Absolutely awesome course and views of the surrounding mountains by Taos.  The course is spread out in the high sagebrush desert at 7,000 feet elevation.  You can really hit some nice shots there!  Plus, your spouse will encourage you to go back there to play golf after enjoying the great dining and shopping in Taos!  Don't forget your Titleist clubs!

Was just there a couple of weeks ago - my inlaws live near the course. Had a great time, it's a beautiful course, and THE BALL TRAVELS FOREVER! Will definitely be back.

Don--  Those of us who live here are trying to keep how great Colorado golf is a secret, so if you could refrain from saying anything else about the joys of "driving at elevation:, we'd greatly appreciate it. :)

If you ever get out here (and kidding aside, recommend you do), be sure to get up to the mountains for even more altitude, and plenty of architecture that lets you drive off huge elevation drops etc.  That's super fun can be a blast.  And, while the rack rates and most of the nicer mountain courses are typically pretty expensive, if your visiting, there's typically plenty of reasonably priced stay and play deals to be found.

The only downside is this thing called winter.  It cuts a good 6 months out of our season.  I'd give up that extra 10-15% distance in a heartbeat if it meant I'd never have to shovel snow out of my driveway again.

Tee shots at the edge of a cliff make me uncomfortable.

Wish I knew how to overcome this!

I'll be in Vail this coming summer.  Any recommendations for public courses in Vail or Denver?  Website pics and commentary can be fluffed up at times, personal recommendations are much more preferred!

thanks!

Pete, I played Raccoon Creek this fall and summer its in terrible shape and I love the facility.

In edwards theres Cordiarra the mountain course is a Jack Nicklus Design? Keystone ranch is really nice from what I hear, Eagle Valley is Nice thats were 3A boys state was this past fall. But you can't go wrong anywhere really there all nice courses but expect to pay up for a round. 

Michael, there are many great courses around Denver. Legacy Ridge is about 20 minutes north of Denver and features a great track at reasonable prices. They are always in fabulous shape and you get some excellent views of the snow capped mountain peaks. Another great course is Green Valley Ranch in Aurora. This course hosts the Colorado Open every year and has arguably three of the most challenging final holes in the area. An up and coming course is Thorncreek right off I-25, this course has under gone a lot of positive changes in the past few years and has really blossomed under its new management. Not only is it one of the funnest tracks around, it is also a great value. I'm sure others will chime in with other recommendations, but you can't go wrong with these three I mentioned. 

Be sure to get out to CommonGround in Aurora. It is an amazing course. If you can get out more towards Boulder, stop by Indian Peaks Golf Course. It is a beautiful, cheap, Hale Irwin design. You may even be able to see some kids hacking it up :)

You must live north and by the ski areas cause down toward Pueblo you paly all year.

I used to live in Keystone CO, at about 9,000 feet.  I used to think I was a long hitter... not so much now that I live at sea level.  It's always fun to go back and blast some tee shots.

Telluride Golf Club is a blast on a warm summer afternoon.

WW

lived and played in Colorado Springs for the past 3 1/2 years. Got to agree the ball absolutely flies there.  Tee shots there I avg around 265/270.   6100 ft above sea level. 6 irons around 185.  Better than that I could play every month of the year.

You may want to "rethink".....I had the opportunity to spent time in Boise....what a great city.  But if you want to retire and play golf....you may want to rethink.  I've played Quail Hollow, thoroughly enjoyed it.  And while Boise may not be "the frozen tundra" of which you speak....they do have a real winter when you can't play golf.  Snow, ice and cold are around in abundance.  I suggest that if golf is a priority in your retirement, you look further south.  Like I said, Boise is a truly neat city....but only if you can put up with winter and time without golf.

Colorado is overrated!  Lived there for 6 years.  The courses are very average and the distance gained is over estimated.  Wisconsin courses are flat out better then anything CO has to offer.  The CO conditions are thin and tight which may explain why you think you hit the ball longer.

Wow!  Thanks to all who have chimed in on the Denver/Vail area courses.  I will definitely have to check them out via the web and make a travel plan from there. 

As for the 5i from 215 and the 6i from 185......doesn't everyone hit that at sea level??? :)

M

Hey Don O,

Darin M. here. I live in Boise, ID and was in the men's association there at Quail Hollow GC a few years ago. You are absolutely right about the yardage difference. I have been privileged enough to be able to play at my best friends club, California Golf Club in San Francisco, CA. It's a 25-30 yd. difference in driving distance. All the best Don!

Oh and one more. Get out to Heritage at Westmoor. It is amazing and cheap. Trust me.