Murphy Creek

Murphy Creek is the crown jewel in Aurora, Colorado’s municipal collection, and architect Ken Kavanaugh designed it to prove a test for even the biggest hitters. Granted, the air is thinner in these parts, but Murphy Lake lacks any significant altitude change to help you on your way to the 7,550-yard final tally.

It would have been polite, perhaps, for Kavanaugh to stow the biggest monsters until late in the round but players who need a minute to get up to speed are out of luck. The second hole is a par four tipping out at 495 yards and that appetizer is immediately followed by a 640-yard par five (another 600-yard long will come later in the round).

This course is hardly just a test of brawn, however (although a little brawn will go a long way for players). Many of the holes will open up for those willing to take risks, such as the 470-yard par four closer, where those who challenge the bunkers along the right fairway will be rewarded with a clean line into the bunker, and a scoring opportunity.

There are some scenes of pure adventure as well: No. 9 is designed to appear like you can go straight over a hazard valley into the green, despite being 350 yards. Achievable at this altitude? You try it first.