Cherry Creek

Colorado hosts a better cherry crop than many realize; although many are familiar with Cherry Hills, the existence of Cherry Creek Country Club adds another sweet taste of golf to the Denver suburbs.

Jack Nicklaus designed this course with the intention of creating a more natural layout within a residential setting. One of the keys to this concept is the existence of numerous sandy waste areas running between the holes, the most sizable of which sits at the southeast corner of the property. It begins by providing the longest forced carry of the day off of the tee at No. 4, and then creates a tight approach when coming back the other way for the following hole.

The route returns to the corner at No. 14, where the hazard flows like a creek stemming from the greater sand lake. The hole stretches an absurd 685 yards from its back tees; even with the light air of Denver, this may play as a realistic par six for the average player.

Still, Nicklaus takes steps to help members through local knowledge. There are a number of speed slots designed to boost the tee shots of those who can hit to correct location.