Best Public Golf Courses in Colorado Springs, Colorado

If you’ve read our course guide about public golf in Colorado, you know I absolutely love this state and all that it has to offer.  From hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and just general exploring, the outdoor recreation possibilities are endless. 

One of our writers is partial to Denver, both for the golf and everything else that the city has to offer.   He’s there frequently as that’s where his sister lives. 

But he’s also spent some time in Colorado Springs, which is just 60 miles south of Denver.  Home to the Airforce Academy, there’s a lot going on here.  And that includes some great public golf.  I’ve been fortunate to play here too.    

With his help, and that of our readers, we’ve come up with our list of the best public tracks you can play.

Residents say Antler Creek is one of the finest public courses in all of El Paso County. 

Designed by Rick Phelps and opened in 2004, this course offers six sets of tees making it both fun and challenging for everyone. 

Wide fairways allow you to be liberal off the tee.  However, beware of the 73 bunkers and three lakes which can prove penal if you hit it in the wrong spot. 

I’m told that playing here in the morning is optimal.  Not only is the course beautiful this time of day, breakfast in the Creekview Grill is delectable. A great value and exceptional experience, it’s easy to see why Antler Creek was voted “Best New Course” by Colorado Avid Golfer in 2004.

The Broadmoor Resort is one of the most iconic properties in the American West.  It’s rich with the history of luminaries from decades past, and a lot of great golf.

The West Course is a formidable test to say the least.  Rolling fairways and dangerous hazards abound.  This is a ball strikers test.  The good thing is the course sits at 6,800 feet so the ball travels a long way.

A classic Donald Ross design, don’t let the spectacular mountain views distract you at the West Course.

The East Course at the Broadmoor is considerably more user friendly than the West Course.  The fairways are generous and the greens sizable.  With that being said, they can be difficult to read.  As a general rule of thumb, putts tend to break away from the mountains. 

This track’s accolades include a “Five-Star Rating” from Golf Digest, and a “Top 25 Resort Course in the World” by Links Magazine, among others.

Not the cheapest round of golf you’ll ever play, but one you certainly won’t forget.

When you visit Colorado Springs, a day exploring Pike’s Peak and the Garden of the Gods is a must.  The geologic formations and scenery have to be seen to be believed. 

I’ve taken my family here and I’m always happy to send my wife and kids on a hike.  Been there, done that.  I head straight to the first tee at Kissing Camels Golf Club.

Part of the larger Garden of the Gods Resort, this course again offers 27 holes of outstanding golf designed by J. Press Maxwell and Mark Rathert. 

All three nines are the epitome of classic mountain designs with tree-lined fairways and small greens.  Keep it in play and you’ll be fine.

The amenities are first-class too.  From the practice facilities to the clubhouse, no detail is overlooked.  And the best part?  The views are so stunning, they’ll bring tears to your eyes.

There’s a lot going on at Silver Spruce Golf Course.  Not only is the 18-hole course open year around and always in great shape, the nine-hole par three course is perfect for families and beginners. 

The Championship Course will make you think.  Narrow fairways and precisely placed hazards demand optimal strategy if you’re going to score. 

You’ll use every club in your bag here so make sure you get a solid warmup in before you play. 

When you’re done with your round, the Greenside Grill and Smokehouse is the perfect place to gather.  The food is outstanding, and the prices are some of the most reasonable you’ll find anywhere. 

There’s no such thing as a bad day at Silver Spruce.

The third oldest golf course west of the Mississippi world is Patty Jewett Golf Course.  It opened in 1898.  Since 1919, it’s been owned and operated by the city of Colorado Springs. 

Golfers have 27 holes of classic golf to choose from here.  All three nines offer their own unique sets of challenges, but expect to keep the ball in play above all else.  Centuries old trees line the fairways and can block your approaches to greens if you’re not in the fairway. 

The greens can be difficult to read too.  The breaks are subtle and take some getting used to.

For as old as Patty Jewett is, it’s more than stood the test of time.

A theme in Colorado Springs is facilities with 27 holes.  Just like Silver Spruce, you can choose between a championship 18-hole course and a nine-hole par three course.

The regulation course is short and somewhat straightforward, but plain fun to play.  Fairways are generous and you’ll have a lot of short clubs into greens if you drive it well.  Make a few putts and birdies can be found.

If your wedges and short irons need some work before you tackle the big course, the par three course is the perfect place to do it.  Holes measure between 90 and 180 yards. 

Both courses are known for being in good shape for as much play as they get, and you can’t beat the price.

As its name suggests, Cheyenne Shadows sits at the base of Cheyenne Mountain. 

Even though this course was built for the Cheyenne Mountain Space Force, it’s open to the public and civilians are welcomed with open arms, so long as you can pass a background check. 

The course is known for always being well-kept and the layout is fun to play.  A wide variety of holes allow you to hit a plethora of different shots and use every club in your bag. 

Even for civilians, this is one of the best values you’ll find anywhere.

Shining Mountain just sounds like a happy place to be.  I can personally attest that it is. 

Set in the community of Woodland Park, this is a classic mountain design that meanders through alpine meadows while affording spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. 

Even though the layout appears wide-open at first glance, there’s a premium placed on ball striking due to the plentiful penalty areas that can be found on most holes. 

Along with a great layout, the staff here are some of the friendliest folks you’ll ever meet.  No matter how busy they are, they’re happy to answer all your questions and genuinely want to hear about where you’re from and your experience.  These folks care and it shows.

Eisenhower Golf Club is the home facility for the Airforce Academy. 

These are big courses that ask a lot of your game from tee to green.  Drive is straight and long, and pick your clubs into greens wisely. 

The Blue Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and measures 7,300 yards from the back tees. 

Even though the Silver Course is significantly shorter, it demands just as much from your full clubs. 

Whichever course you decide to play, one thing is certain, the Rocky Mountain panoramas make it hard to concentrate.

Conclusion

Colorado Springs is a happening place.  Whether you find yourself here serving our country, or want to pursue outdoor recreation in any capacity, this is a great place to be.

While Denver receives a lot of attention for its tremendous golf scene, the quality of golf in Colorado Springs is equally as noteworthy.

I’m fortunate to have played a number of the courses on this list and along with our readers, I have nothing but positive things to say.

For those of you that so kindly shared your thoughts about golf in Colorado Springs, my sincerest thanks.  If you have any additional words of wisdom to add, drop us a note in the comments below.