Haymaker at Haymaker Golf Club

Haymaker Golf Club, carved into the sprawling Yampa Valley of Steamboat Springs, is a monument to mountain golf, where the scale of the surrounding landscape is matched only by the width of its fairways. Designed in the modern era by Keith Foster, Haymaker embraces its agrarian roots, its generous corridors a nod to the open ranchland that once defined this valley. The course unfolds across seemingly limitless terrain, playing firm and fast in the high altitude air, rewarding those who can control their ball flight with remarkable distance. It's not a course of hidden tricks, but rather, one that demands strategic shot-making and an appreciation for the natural contours of the land.

While Haymaker hasn't played host to major championships, its layout has challenged players of all skill levels. Its wide fairways and forgiving rough make it accessible for newcomers to the game, while the well-defended greens and strategically placed bunkers provide a stern test for seasoned veterans. A local's course through and through.

Beyond the golf itself, Haymaker is a place where the community comes together, drawn by the relaxed atmosphere and stunning mountain views. Stories are shared over post-round beers at the clubhouse, the air filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses. And while the course may not be steeped in the same lore as some of the nation's most storied layouts, it holds a special place in the hearts of those who call Steamboat Springs home. This is a public course, built for the people.

Perhaps one of the more interesting nuances of the Haymaker, is the views from the course of the Steamboat Ski Resort, an ironic contrast to the courses summer inhabitants. The resort is typically the lifeblood of this mountain town, but in the summers, the golfers take over.