Colorado Golf

[kucsanta]

I moved to Colorado several years ago. At the time, I was not playing much golf as I focused on work. The last year or so, the golf bug has hit me hard and I'm getting more and more into it (hence, visiting and starting a thread here). Anyway, I wanted to reach out to golfers in the Colorado region (or anyone who has played here more than 1 time). Does anyone have thoughts on the following:

1. Best competitive golf event (amateur level)
2. Best combined practice facility/golf course)
3. Best neighborhood to live in for golfing
4. Best value for a round of golf and the experience in the location
5. Why do top designers like to call Colorado home (Dye Designs, Eng Designs, Phelps Designs)
6. Best Value Membership in Colorado (public, semi-private or private)
7. Given the change in seasons, what do you to practice when there is snow on the ground?
8. Best time of the day to play?

Now that I've posed some questions, here are a few of my answers

1. Golf Channel Am Tour - consistent golf course, consistent players and well-run
2. Ridge at Castle Pines, but a close second is probably Green Valley ranch because they have such a good facility there.
3. Not sure - maybe somewhere in Aurora which has 5 quality courses within 10 minutes, or smack dab in the middle of Red Sky Ranch (oh wait...i dont have $2 million in the bank to buy property there)
4. Keystone Ranch/River was a great experience, but I have yet to go to Ballyneal in Holyoke, CO or Cherry Hills, or Country club of Castle Pines...
5. They come because of the beauty and great landscapes we have, and the ease of access to worldwide destinations via DIA.
6. Public - Green Valley Ranch or Ridge at castle pines (you get carts in your membership). Private, probably Cherry Creek CC
7. I take half swings in my basement since my ceiling heights are only 8 feet. I also try and putt.
8. During a Broncos Sunday home game, in the late afternoon when its 65 degrees out and the sun is setting...

[uttexas]

Played several times in Colorado. Grand Elk Golf course in Granby (near WinterPark) has to be the best value around Denver. Really high altitude, almost a mountain Links type course on a high mountain valley. [URL]http://grandelk.com/course[/URL]

[walk18]

If you can get on Colorado springs cc, I'd highly recommend it.