Devil's Thumb

The devil has a reputation for temptation, and the Devil’s Thumb will certainly pull the trigger for many vacationing near the Gunnison Gorge. Rick Phelps has created several par fours that, at altitude, are more tantalizing than they might be closer to sea level.

The first comes early, at No. 3, where even at 342 yards, the downhill (or “down mountain,” if we’re being accurate) tee shot offers a go at the green. That said, common sense should still have some sway: Even if you’re getting help with the distance, you’ll need paramount accuracy to work the ball from right-to-left and around fronting bunkers.

The No. 13 par four seems even more ludicrous. There are two options from the tee: Play to the higher fairway and then face a blind approach (the result of a significant drop)...or simply go for the small strip of fairway that’s sticking out in front of the green. The distance seems absurd — 414 yards from the back tees — but the club insists it’s possible for big hitters.

Not sure...we may rather take our chances on the skydiving operation next door to the course than try to bomb these greens!