The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary sits in the high country near Sedalia, Colorado, roughly midway between Denver and Colorado Springs along the Front Range. Designed by Jim Engh and opened in the late 1990s, the course occupies dramatic terrain characterized by significant elevation changes, rock outcroppings, and native scrubland vegetation typical of Colorado's transitional zone between plains and mountains. Engh, known for his bold and theatrical design style, routed the layout to maximize the natural topography, creating a visually striking experience with forced carries, severe contours, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The course plays through a mix of open meadows and tighter corridors framed by rock formations and native grasses. Several holes feature pronounced elevation shifts—both uphill and downhill—that affect club selection and strategy. Water hazards appear on multiple holes, often positioned to challenge approach shots or create risk-reward scenarios. The green complexes tend toward the dramatic, with significant undulation and falloffs that demand precision and local knowledge. The Sanctuary operates as a private club and reflects Engh's signature aesthetic of integrating golf into rugged, photogenic settings. The high-altitude environment—above 6,000 feet—means the ball travels farther than at sea level, a factor that influences how the course plays relative to its measured yardage. The property offers a secluded mountain atmosphere while remaining accessible to the Denver metropolitan area.