Story and photos by Scott Kendall (unless otherwise indicated)
Fossil Trace: The “Must Play” Golf Club in Colorado
Follow in the steps of ancient dinosaurs, where 64 million years ago, triceratops and other prehistoric giants roamed this area. See ancient traces of dinosaurs, palm leaves, and other signs of its storied past.
And then play a round of golf at one of Colorado’s “Must Play” courses, beautiful Fossil Trace Golf Club in the historic city of Golden.
Dinosaurs Roamed the Hills of Fossil Trace
Fast forward 64 million years, and what used to be a playground for the dinosaurs is now one of the premier golf courses in Colorado. Designed by Jim Engh, this former mining pit is now a pristine golf course that attracts golfers from around the world.
Holes range in length from the 95 yard par 3 on hole #5 to the extremely long and challenging 659 yard par 5 on hole #9.
Fossil Trace Keeps the Fun in Golf
Jim Hajek, PGA, has been the Head Golf Professional at Fossil Trace since it opened in 2003. Jim says “It is truly a remarkable property with a great variety of holes, each with amazing views. Golf is a game, and we play games to have fun. The best compliment we ever received may have been the gentleman who said it was the most fun he had playing golf in 50 years! Although we are trying, how can we ever top that?”
Start and Finish With the Best
Start the fun at Hole #1, voted the number one starting hole in Colorado many times since the course opened in 2003. Be sure to avoid the chimney incinerator in the middle of the fairway leading up to the narrow opening to the green protected by a deep bunker and cottonwood trees.
You will also encounter other reminders that this land used to be the site of a huge mining operation, like several pieces of mining equipment once used to excavate the tan clay from the landscape.
Say Hi to the Friendly Neighbors at Coors
On the 13thhole, if you look carefully on your left, you can just make out the letters C-O-O-R-S on the red and white sign in the distance. Yes, this is the legendary Coors Brewery in Golden, Colorado.
Make time before or after your round to tour this American icon, the largest single-site brewery in the world! After this challenging hole with its over the green dead spot and undulating green, you may need a cold one!
Finish on the Famous 18th
Test your skills on the famous 18th hole, voted one of the best finishing holes in Colorado. A dog-leg to the right, with the green protected by a large lake in front and deep bunkers on the left and right, will challenge even the best golfer. Do I go straight for the flag, or do I play to the left of the hole for a somewhat safer shot?
You decide.
Fossil Trace is Only 20 Minutes from Denver
Because of its popularity, be aware that it can be hard to get a tee time at Fossil Trace. You may have to book weeks or even months in advance to secure your place. The course is only 20 minutes west of Denver, an easy commute from downtown. It is also a destination course, and draws players from all 50 states and many other countries.
