It’s been a pretty rough summer for me so far — if I hated golfing.
Our photographer, Justin Sagarsee, and myself came up with the idea several months ago to do a three-part series this summer on the top 18 public golf holes in our coverage area.
From June 9 to July 1 the two of us golfed Applewood Golf Course, Fossil Trace Golf Club, Foothills Golf Course, Fox Hollow Golf Course, The Homestead at Fox Hollow, Lake Arbor Golf Club, Indian Tree Golf Course and West Woods Golf Club.
The only causalities of golfing 162 holes in 23 days were a sprained ankle I suffered retrieving a wayward ball, and Sagarsee battling through a wrist injury. Both were an acceptable price to pay for the opportunity to play each of the public golf courses in Arvada, Golden and Lakewood.
After finishing our rounds, which we played with some of the professionals or superintendents of the courses, we compiled the top 18 holes. For the next three weeks, starting this week, the three-part series on the top 18 golf holes in Mile High Newspapers’ coverage will give readers a look at what choices and options are out there for everyone from the beginning golfer to the scratch golfer.
Without a doubt, there are a ton of opportunities and choices for golfers to make. One good sign we saw at each course was the conditions. Of the eight courses, all were in great playing shape.
Courses have recovered from the drought of 2002 that devastated the majority of public courses in Colorado. Six years ago many courses simply ran out of water to keep fairways and greens in tiptop shape.
My hope for the series is to make readers aware of the great golf courses and holes that are right in their backyard.