Riverdale (Dunes)

Riverdale features two 18-hole golf courses on the northeast side of Denver, but the lion’s share of the acclaim goes to the Dunes course, which was designed by Pete Dye with his son Perry.

You’re far too far from Ballyneal to get any true “dunes” effect, but the well-travelled Dye went into his bag to recreate some linksland elements, such as numerous pot bunkers and even a few blinded shots, such as what will happen if you want the best angle into the short par five at No. 9.

Being a mid-’80s Dye design, there is much more water than one would expect at a links establishment. Although the property sits very near the Platte River, all the wet hazards at Riverdale come from a range of fill ponds sprinkled across the property. Nos. 8 and 15 will feature water all along their left sides.

Riverdale Golf Course also offers more than a fun route for those truly passionate for their home state’s history in the sport. The clubhouse houses the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame, where one can peruse the state’s accomplished golf figures, including three-time U.S. Open-winner Hale Irwin.