Denver at Denver Country Club

Denver Country Club is where Denver's elite have teed it up since the city's boomtown days, a verdant oasis nestled just east of Cherry Creek. The parkland layout, originally designed by Arthur Nichols in 1903, meanders through mature trees, a welcome contrast to the mountain views in the distance. It’s a strategic course with subtle elevation changes and well-guarded greens, demanding thoughtful approaches more than brute power. The fairways, while generous in spots, reward accuracy, and well-placed bunkers penalize the errant shot.

Donald Ross touched the course early in its history, refining the greens and adding his signature strategic bunkering. More recently, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw were called in to restore the course to a more Golden Age-inspired aesthetic, emphasizing natural contours and classic design principles. While not a regular stop on the professional circuit, Denver Country Club hosted the 1941 PGA Championship won by Vic Ghezzi, a testament to its enduring challenge.

Though known for its exclusivity, the Club's atmosphere is far from stuffy. The membership, a blend of old Denver money and newer entrepreneurial success, shares a deep appreciation for the game and the Club's history. And while many clubs boast a signature dish, Denver Country Club is particularly known for its prime rib, a post-round ritual enjoyed by generations of members.