Red Hawk Ridge

Jim Engh is well known for his adventurous golf courses...couple that tendency with the mountainous terrain around Castle Rock, south of Denver, and you’ve got a fine public counterpoint to the region’s many acclaimed private clubs.

The architect is clearly hankering for the everyman to enjoy themselves at Red Hawk Ridge, as right out of the gate is a downhill par five, playing just 508 yards from the backs tees; at altitude, the distance won’t be an issue for many, but maneuvering around the large fairway bunker ahead of the green may be.

It’s interesting to note that this par five is the exact same length from the tips as No. 13, a par four that features the highest handicap index at the course. Still, the downhill nature of the hole will give you a chance at survival. Even the longest hole on the course, a 650-yard par five, seems manageable thanks to both thin air and gravity.

This is not a walker’s course, however many of the uphill moments come between holes, without requiring players to play up crazy slopes. Perhaps the most ascendant hole is No. 8, a par four that plays just 310 yards, so that no approach shots (even at that short yardage, driving this green is wishful thinking) are too uncomfortable.