The event was scheduled for August 9, 1953 – it did not take place. This was part of the information Greg, the head pro at Glenwood, wanted to share with me after my round. As I left the clubhouse, he imparted these five words of wisdom…
“Everything Breaks toward the (Colorado) River!”
In 2001, the course on “the hill” was voted by the Colorado Golf Association as the best 9 hole course in Colorado. Holes #3 and #4 are back-to-back uphill par 3’s. The unique tee shot at #3 flies over a road, so getting it airborne is a must. Take more club on both holes. I surveyed my putt on the third green and surmised that it was going to break from right to left. I watched as it broke to the right (toward the river) and settled comfortably off the green. Yes Greg, next time I will take your advise to heart.
The fifth hole is the number one handicap with a fairway that slopes drastically to the left. Since you won’t have a level lie for your approach shot, you need to stay down to make solid contact – I speak from experience. Check your scorecard at #8 before you tee it up. What appears to be two innocent bunkers fronting the green are actually two bunker-shaped ponds of water. My ball was resting in one of them.
The aforementioned event was the grand opening of the Glenwood nine. Greg had just obtained the original 1953 Glenwood Post newspaper article describing that because of heavy rain, this gala event was delayed a week. The article stated, “the events are for members only but area residents are invited to inspect the golf course site and see the members in action”. In other words – You can look but please don’t touch! Just so it’s clear, this is a public course today.
To reach Glenwood Springs Golf Course, take highway 6-24 west to fish Hatchery Road. Of course these directions are 60 years old, so I’m not sure if the Fish Hatchery Road still exists. Today it is easier to take exit 116 from I-70, turn left on Sixth Street and follow the signs to the course.
Glenwood Springs offers a wide variety of adventures for the entire family. Whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fly fishing and Glenwood Caverns are just a few. It’s also home to the world’s largest hot springs pool which was just the post golfing respite I needed.
Birdie: Golf in the morning – hot springs in the afternoon – Life is Good.
193 Sunny Acres Rd, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601; 970-945-7086; www.glenwoodgolf.com
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
