kucsanta

I may be biased, but you Colorado has more to offer than you'd expect. When you aren't able to play golf during the winter (which you have plenty of 50-60 degree days), you can head to the slopes and take in a different thrilling activity, skiing. For some reason, skiing and golfing go perfect together, but are polar opposites in terms of time that you are able to do them. In either case, Colorado is home to many of the best known golf architects (Dye's entire family, Jim Eng, Dick Phelps design team, and more). Given that - there must be something attractive about the state. On another note - none of the posts above talk about pricing. I think that is a very important factor for most individuals out there looking at these posts. Colorado has favorable demographics, housing prices and many great championship courses. The good things it there are usually so many other activities, that if the spouse doesn't play golf, he/she will have plenty to do.

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: Best competitive golf event (amateur level) Best combined practice facility/golf course) Best neighborhood to live in for golfing Best value for a round of golf and the experience in the location Why do top designers like to call Colorado home (Dye Designs, Eng Designs, Phelps Designs) Best Value Membership in Colorado (public, semi-private or private) Given the change in seasons, what do you to practice when there is snow on the ground? Best time of the day to play? Now that I've posed some questions, here are a few of my answers Golf Channel Am Tour - consistent golf course, consistent players and well-run Ridge at Castle Pines, but a close second is probably Green Valley ranch because they have such a good facility there. 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) 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... They come because of the beauty and great landscapes we have, and the ease of access to worldwide destinations via DIA. Public - Green Valley Ranch or Ridge at castle pines (you get carts in your membership). Private, probably Cherry Creek CC I take half swings in my basement since my ceiling heights are only 8 feet. I also try and putt. During a Broncos Sunday home game, in the late afternoon when its 65 degrees out and the sun is setting...

The "Am Tour" as the people here locally call it seems to have some great benefits to it, but i'm sure it has drawbacks too, just like every other amateur tour that has been created. In either case, there are 6 different 'flights' based on handicaps (0-3.9, 4-7.9, 8-11.9, 12-15.9, 16-19.9, 20+). You play 'gross' within the flight you are placed into. I would say the courses that you play are above average courses, but the best part is that you get to play in an event similar to what the top amateur golfers and top professionals get to experience. There is a starter, rules officials and a scoring system/point system that enables you to qualify for Nationals (PGA West/TPC Sawgrass). Good people, but I think the hardest part of the Am Tour is the attempt to cater to ALL golfers. Let's be honest, there is a reason that a majority of people play with a similar group each time they play - it's because they all know each other's habits, leeway in rules and enjoy their company. The Am Tour in a sense forces you out of your comfort level by playing with people you dont know, having to play by the rules of the game and putt everything out, take every penalty, etc. I was previously a competitive golfer in the sense that I thought I was a scratch golfer - I then played the Am Tour and learned I wasn't a scratch golfer...but the Am Tour sure did help me in the sense that i was able to improve my way to be a scratch golfer. Now that i've 'proved' myself on that level, i've moved up to play more state amateur events and hopefully the US Amateur someday.

If you've ever competed before at a high level, you know the hell that nerves can play on your game.... I've played with and known guys (now on the PGA Tour) that smoke the night before to calm the nerves and thoughts. I've also played with some caddies who SAY their pro has smoked the morning of an afternoon round. Just offering an opinion that weed isn't nearly as bad as most of these claim on here. It may have side effects, long term effects, other health effects, etc., but hey, so does alcohol and it's legal but has studies that prove it to be far far more harmful and addictive than marijuana.