Whether you're a scratch golfer looking for a championship-level challenge or a weekend warrior just trying to break 100, living in or near our Glendale apartments puts you within easy reach of some pretty exceptional golf courses!
Whatever your preference or skill level may be, the Glendale area offers everything from historic layouts that have hosted major championships to affordable municipal courses perfect for a quick nine after work. Here's your comprehensive guide to the golf courses within a few miles of Glendale, covering both public and private options to help you find your next favorite set of links!
Golf Courses around Glendale
Denver Country Club (private)
Location: 2 miles northwest of Glendale
As the closest option to our Cherry Creek apartments, we’ve got a particular fondness for this all-encompassing golf spot.
With a history of sport and recreation dating all the way back to 1887, golfing at Denver Country Club really is THE golfing destination in the state. It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in the nation and, as a result, is also one of the most exclusive. Once you’re in, though, you have access to some truly premier tennis, golf, polo and a wide range of other recreation opportunities. Invite us along sometime, yeah?
Overland Park Golf Course (public)
Location: 3 miles west of Glendale
If you're interested in playing a piece of Denver golf history, Overland Park Golf Course should be at the top of your list!
This isn't just any municipal course, either. It's actually the oldest running course west of the Mississippi River and was actually the bona-fide original Denver Country Club! Located just minutes from downtown Denver, the course offers views of both the city skyline and the Rocky Mountains, giving you the best of both worlds as you navigate the layout.
The course features narrow fairways and small greens that are well-bunkered, providing a solid challenge for golfers of any skill level. Don't let that intimidate you if you're a beginner, though, because the course also has wide open fairways with minimal trouble spots, making it forgiving enough for those still learning the game. It's this balance of challenge and choice that makes Overland Park appealing to such a wide range of players!
For the time you’re looking to just practice rather than play, you'll find a large grass driving range and complete practice facilities that include chipping and putting greens — just note that the driving range transitions to mats-only practice for the winter months, so if you prefer hitting off grass, plan your practice sessions accordingly. The facility also includes a junior course for young golfers, too!
If you're looking to improve your game, First Tee programs are available for various age groups and skill levels. Rental equipment is available if needed, though rates and availability vary, so it's worth calling ahead if you don't have your own clubs. After your round, you can grab a bite at the on-site restaurant facilities. What more could you ask for?
Willis Case Golf Course (public)
Location: 5 miles northwest of Glendale
Just seven minutes northwest of downtown Denver, Willis Case Golf Course offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains you'll find at any Denver-area course!
The layout runs through full-grown stands of stunning trees, with narrow, sloping fairways and small, subtle greens that reward accuracy over strength and distance. Various holes are also well-bunkered, requiring some precise shot-making to score well.
This is definitely not a course for the faint of heart. The front nine alone features a challenging 230-yard par 3, four par 4s over 420 yards and a beast of a par 5 measuring around 570 yards. If you can survive that gauntlet, you've more than earned your post-round beverage.
The practice facilities include both a putting green and chipping green, both of which are perfect for warming up before your round or for working on your short game. For families, there's a 4-hole junior course that's ideal for introducing kids to the game.
Willis Case also offers instruction through First Tee programs and professional instructors if you're looking to improve your game. Club hire and carts are available for those traveling without their own equipment, and the on-site restaurant serves lunch with those famous oversized nachos that have become somewhat legendary among regular players.
Wellshire Golf Course (public)
Location: 4 miles south of Glendale
Wellshire Golf Course is something special, as it provides a country club atmosphere at municipal course prices while also holding the distinction of being the only public course west of the Mississippi that is a Donald Ross design.
Located in the University Hills neighborhood just southeast of the University of Denver, this classic tree-lined parkland layout has been previously selected by Golf Magazine as one of the most outstanding public golf courses in the United States! The historic clubhouse dates all the way back to 1926 when the facility was still a private country club; today, it houses not just the pro shop, but also the Golfers' Pub and Patio and the elegant Wellshire Inn restaurant. The facility also includes seven unique banquet rooms, making it a popular venue for events beyond a good ol’ game of golf.
While the driving range is currently closed indefinitely, the course still offers a putting green for practice and a 3-hole junior course perfect for beginners or a quick practice session. Professional instruction is available for those looking to improve their game, and equipment rental can be arranged through the pro shop.
CommonGround Golf Course (public)
Location: 5 miles east of Glendale
CommonGround Golf Course is owned by the Colorado Golf Association and was designed by world-renowned golf course architect Tom Doak specifically to serve as an affordable public golf facility that supports growth-of-the-game missions. The result is a beautiful parkland/links mixture that is both walkable and affordable, making golf accessible to a wider range of players.
The course has serious tournament credentials, too, having hosted many local and state championships and serving as the companion course for the 2012 U.S. Amateur. Despite this pedigree, it remains welcoming to golfers of all skill levels.
One of the most interesting features at CommonGround is the Solich Caddie & Leadership Academy, which offers free caddies to golfers (you only pay the tip). This unique program gives financially disadvantaged teenagers an opportunity to learn about golf while potentially earning college scholarships. The facility also includes a Junior Par-3 Course that measures 9 holes and 997 yards, perfect for young golfers or anyone wanting to work on their short game.
Practice facilities are pretty comprehensive here as well, with services including a driving range, a pitching/chipping area and a putting green. A teaching pro is available for some more one-on-one lessons, and club rentals can be arranged for those who need them. The clubhouse includes restaurant and bar facilities for post-round refreshments. As an added bonus, CGA Members save 25% off green fees all year long, making membership worth considering if you plan to play here regularly!
Cherry Hills Country Club (private)
Location: 5 miles south of Glendale
For those with the means and connections for private club membership, Cherry Hills Country Club stands as one of the most historic and prestigious golf courses in the nation!
Founded in 1922 on 272 acres south of Denver, the course was designed by renowned course architect William Flynn and has hosted a whopping 14 different national championships, including three U.S. Opens in 1938, 1960 and 1978.
The course holds a special place in golf history as the site of one of the most famous opening shots in championship golf — in the final round of the 1960 U.S. Open, Arnold Palmer drove the first green and went on to win the tournament. The course also features a unique figure-8 configuration where the front and back nines intersect, which is a pretty one-of-a-kind feature from a golf architectural standpoint. Neat, huh?
Course-wise, the facility includes both a championship 18-hole golf course and a 9-hole par-three course, along with full practice facilities. The recently renovated clubhouse includes a Hall of Champions and features 'Arnie's' restaurant on the second floor, complete with panoramic mountain views and a two-sided bar. While membership is required to play here, the club occasionally hosts charity events that might provide an opportunity for non-members to experience this historic layout.
Green Valley Ranch Golf Club (public)
Location: 6 miles northeast of Glendale
Conveniently located between downtown Denver and Denver International Airport, Green Valley Ranch Golf Club has established itself as a truly premier public facility. The course has some serious tournament credentials, too, having hosted all three Colorado Open Championships while sitting just 20 minutes from downtown Denver!
Green Valley Ranch features an award-winning 18-hole championship course, a 9-hole par-3 course and a full-range practice facility.
There’s also a unique feature that adds some lighthearted fun (and motivation!) to your round: make par or better on each of the last three holes and you'll earn a free drink at the restaurant! Given that the course's homestretch is considered one of the toughest in the state, that free beverage is well-earned.
If you’re a beginner looking to get started at an early age, Green Valley Ranch is also home to the First Tee of Green Valley Ranch, making it a great place for junior golf development. The McGetrick Golf Academy also provides instruction for players of all levels, and equipment rental is available for those who need it.
Additional municipal options
The Denver Golf system includes several other courses within reach of Glendale that are worth mentioning:
City Park Golf Course (4 miles north of Glendale) underwent a complete renovation and reopened in spring 2021. The revamped 18-hole, par-70 course was designed by renowned golfer Hale Irwin and features skyline and mountain views. The facility includes a state-of-the-art clubhouse, full-size driving range, large putting green, chipping green and junior course. A full-service restaurant and patio complete the amenities.
Kennedy Golf Course (5 miles southeast of Glendale) offers incredible variety with 27 holes of regulation golf, a 9-hole par 3 course and even a putt-putt course! Located across from Cherry Creek Reservoir in south Denver, it's a great venue for the whole family with options for every skill level. The facility includes a driving range, a snack bar and restaurant.
Harvard Gulch Golf Course (3 miles southwest of Glendale) is a 9-hole par 3 course that's perfect for beginners, juniors or anyone wanting to work on their short game. As part of Denver Golf's municipal course system, it offers affordable rates and First Tee programs.
Be-fore! you make your choice...
With so many options available within a short drive of Glendale, choosing where to play might seem overwhelming. If you're looking for history and tradition at an affordable price, Overland Park and Wellshire offer Donald Ross-level designs at municipal rates. For those wanting modern amenities and tournament-caliber conditions, CommonGround and Green Valley Ranch provide excellent value. Willis Case offers those stunning mountain views, while the various Denver Golf facilities provide affordable options for every skill level.
Consider factors like your skill level, budget and what type of experience you're seeking. Are you looking for a quick nine after work? Harvard Gulch or the par-3 courses at Kennedy or Green Valley Ranch might be perfect. Want to challenge yourself on a championship layout? CommonGround or Green Valley Ranch will test your game. Looking for family-friendly options? Kennedy's variety of courses has something for everyone. Honestly, you’re sure to find something somewhere near any of our luxury Denver apartments.
Most importantly, take advantage of living in an area with such diverse golfing options. Whether you're working on breaking par or just trying to make solid contact, there's a course near Glendale that's perfect for your game, so get out there and enjoy what Denver golf has to offer.
Have fun!
Pin it!
Featured photo by Dan Congdon on Unsplash
Second photo by Courtney Cook on Unsplash
Third photo by Bryce Wendler on Unsplash
Fourth photo by Mick De Paola on Unsplash
Fifth photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash
The AMLI Editorial Team consists of a team of writers and editors who work together on blog articles, and may occasionally employ AI tools to assist in developing content.
View All Posts by AMLI Editorial Team