by Craig Lemley | Dec 11, 2017 | Golf Courses, Reviews
Overland Park Golf Club, courtesy GolfNow.
1895 America: Prohibition is in its infancy, the venerable “America the Beautiful” is published for the first time, and golf makes its debut in Colorado.
Overland Country Club, the original Denver Country Club now known as Overland Park Golf Club (1801 S. Huron St., Denver), began as a horse racing, sporting and a nine-hole golf retreat for the area’s wealthy in 1895. Now a Denver Golf municipal property, the oldest operating course west of the Mississippi is home to a unique Colorado golf experience. Located close to downtown Denver, the property is home to an 18-hole William H. Tucker design, water and traditional driving ranges, and a 36-hole miniature course named Aqua Golf boarding Overland Lake.
Big, beautiful, menacing trees and narrow fairways will cause you the most trouble on this par 72 track, accuracy from the tee being paramount. But the Overland’s predominantly parallel fairway layout makes scrambling a little easier. Enjoy the downtown Denver skyline throughout your round, and beautiful autumn hues as the leaves change color each fall on Colorado’s oldest course.
A snow-capped Pikes Peak overlooks the bridge to the 9-hole 7th fairway at Patty Jewett in Colorado Springs.
A mere three years younger than its northern counterpart — and a short commute from Overland — Patty Jewett Golf Course (900 East Española Street, Colorado Springs) holds the title of the third oldest golf course operating west of the Mississippi, second oldest in the state. The course has grown 18-holes larger since debuting nine holes in 1898, the Willie Campbell design is now played as a par 72 18-hole or par 36 nine-hole. A Springs’ municipal property, minuets away from downtown, Patty’s rich history is apparent the moment you enter the gate. A long driveway under a canopy of 100-plus-year-old trees leads to the impressive clubhouse, seeping with history itself and home to one of the best dining patios in the city.
Each of Patty’s courses has its own personality, challenging enough for average golfers but ripe with scoring opportunities in another wooded, country club-like layout. The famous Pikes Peak, “America’s Mountain,” dominates your view to the west, unobstructed by any urban skyline and often framed perfectly from western facing fairways. Patty does have its flaws, as we’ve noted in a previous review, but this track remains one of CGB’s go-to rounds.
Aside from their history, both Overland Park and Patty Jewett showcase the quality of Colorado municipal properties. County club-like conditions peak in the late spring and summer months and carry into the region’s famously colorful fall, when trees show a range of reds, oranges and yellows. Winter golf in Colorado is an experience all its own, and both Overland and Patty are open year-round.
Courses like Overland Park and Patty Jewett have witnessed the game of golf change through generations of players, and will continue to for the foreseeable future. Visiting one of the country’s oldest courses isn’t something an average golfer gets to do very often, let alone playing two easily over a weekend. A round at Patty Jewett and Overland Park is an act of historic preservation a golfer won’t soon forget.
A version of this article first appeared on GolfNow‘s blog The Daily Tee, to which CGB is a contributor.
by Craig Lemley | Dec 8, 2017 | 19th Hole, News
It’s easy to get used to the city life at City Park Golf Course
Golfers paid a final tribute to Denver’s City Park Golf Course on November 4, bidding a fond farewell to the historic municipal track. After hosting a final day of tee times for social media contest winners and local officials, City Park pulled the pins one last time to make way for the construction zone set to dominate the property for the next year-plus.
The course redesign, which will see a stormwater detention area integrated into the property, a new, relocated clubhouse, additional yardage and larger practice facilities, is part of the city of Denver’s larger $300 million stormwater system plan. And not without controversy.
The extensive project calls for dramatic changes to the 100+-year-old property including the removal of more than 250 trees which brought a group of protesters to the course on its final day. ( A number of those uprooted trees are supposed to be replanted, and the city says the property will have more than trees than it had before with completion of the redesign.) The plan also faced backlash and legal battles since it was announced in April 2016. In November, a judge ruled against plaintiffs arguing the plan violates the city charter while the city continued putting the pieces in place to ready for the scheduled closure, maintaining that the project is vital to address Denver’s stormwater issues now and into the future.
“City Park Golf Course is one of the city’s most beloved and enjoyable golf courses,” said Happy Haynes, Executive Director of Denver Parks and Recreation, in a January news release. At the time, the city was looking for a contractor to “… ensure that City Park Golf Course continues to be one of Denver’s crown jewels for years to come.” It made its choice in July, awarding Saunders Construction, iConGolf Studio with Hale Irwin Golf Design the course redesign project and tapping architect Johnson Nathan Strohe for the new clubhouse. The $40 million project was approved by the Denver city council in August.
CGB played the historic Thomas Bendelow design in the summer of 2017 at a media event. Though it’s not the state’s most notable course, City Park is a gem of a municipal track, and boasts some of the best views of downtown Denver in the area. Its proximity to residential areas, the Denver Zoo and the city center makes City Park even more fun — a little sliver of Colorado golf history completely surrounded but a bustling modern age. And while the location won’t change, we can only hope Saunders and company pay homage to City Park of old and give the community something to gather around once again.
Denver Golf posts regular updates on the City Park project and expects to debut the redesign summer 2019.
by Craig Lemley | Dec 4, 2017 | Golf clubs, Reviews
It’s not often an audible “wow” is heard while opening packages at the CGB headquarters, but the sleek design and stunning finish on the new C300 driver from Wilson Staff stopped us in our tracks.
Last year’s offerings from Wilson proved the company is serious about staying at the top of any golfer’s wish list — the D300 driver was awarded “silver” on Golf Digest‘s 2017 “Hot List,” and the Triton driver made history as the inaugural winner of Golf Channel’s “Driver vs Driver.” The C300 carries that momentum.
The wows continue on the course — the C300’s design delivering surprising distance and accuracy. CGB’s home course, King’s Deer Golf Club, is a long, 6,100-yard links track that proves a real test for smaller/shorter hitters like myself. I’ve had a Cobra King LTD driver in my bag for a couple of seasons now, growing comfortable with a lower ball flight to offset my fade in the Deer’s usually windy-conditions at the expense of 10-20 yards distance. As they say, it’s not the club, it’s the player, but there have always been a handful of holes at the Deer where I could really use extra yardage to avoid working with make-or-break landing areas from the tee and hail Mary second shots. With the C300, though, my home track seems a whole lot shorter.
The club used for this review was set at the standard 10.5-degree loft — the C300 allows for loft adjustments from 9.5 to 12 — equipped with a Fujikura Speeder Pro shaft.
The C300 is the company’s first driver using Wilson LABS “FLX Face” technology, also found in some Wilson Staff irons, that adds the forgiveness average players need while promoting the distance they want. From the first tee my ball flight was higher, straighter, and farther — to the point of me needing to stop compensating for my fade and start looking for landing areas I’ve never even considered before, without changing my swing. This new-found distance and accuracy opens up a world of opportunities for me on the Deer’s longer par 4s and 5s, reducing the need for my long irons and allowing me to think about scoring instead of damage control throughout the round. If that’s not what you want from a club, I don’t know what is.
My one minor complaint with the C300 — and I’m being picky — is the loud “Ping” noise at impact. Much like a softball bat, or a blacksmith putting a hammer to anvil, everyone in the surrounding area will know when you’ve squared one up. Though sometimes the sound adds a little more swagger to a crushed tee shot, it’s not always warranted. That said, though, the C300 is still much quieter than the D300 driver, and it’s nothing new among modern driver designs.
Other improvements include the C300’s appearance. A stunning, satin maroon/red finish is unblemished by the “Micro Vortex Generators” — the little nodes on the top of the D300 driver that sort of resemble reptile skin — though the “Power holes,” part of the FLX Face design, are hit or miss depending on who you ask. But the visible slots on the topside are no more an annoyance than they are a way to frame the club’s sweet spot, and it’s hard to argue with the results.
There’s something very special in unveiling a brand new driver, much like ripping the wrapping paper off your very first holiday gift. That feeling is followed by another of equal pleasure when you stripe one down the fairway for the first time. You’ll experience both when you get your hands on the Wilson Staff C300 driver, with the added joy of better distance and accuracy from the tee.
Wilson’s given us a gift that keeps on giving.
ColoradoGolfBlog, in some cases, receives a small commission when you purchase items from these links. CGB has endorsed all advertisers, products and services and advertising does not influence editorial decisions or content.
by Craig Lemley | Dec 3, 2017 | 19th Hole, Apparel, Products, Reviews
Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday have been long been the majors, so to speak, of the holiday shopping season. But not everyone makes that weekend cut.
If bowling over grandmothers (or vice versa) isn’t your idea of nice afternoon out, and if those cyber deals pass you by, you’re often left with the anxiety of tackling your holiday shopping list before the big day(s) without seeming like you just grabbed the last items on the shelf. But if you’re looking to go beyond a tacky novelty gift for the golfer on your list — and we know there’s at least or you wouldn’t be reading this — fret no more.
Our inaugural Gift Guide highlights a collection of CGB-trusted companies covering just about everything on your golfer’s wishlist, and often for less than your high-priced, major brand offerings. It’s difficult (at least for us) to pick just one item from these product lines, so you’ll still need to do a little browsing for the best fit. But from shoes, clothing and accessories to tech, putters and more, any of the following brands will help the golfer on your list look and act like they know what they’re doing.
Skramble Clothes
You can’t go wrong with the gift of a membership to one of the Internet’s most famous golf groups. OK, it’s not really a membership as much as a badge of honor, and it’s more of a “Skuad” than it is just another golf group. However you see it, anything emblazoned with the Skramble Clothes logo is sure to be noticed by others in the know with a head nod or a fist bump. With t-shirts, polos, outwear, hats and more, Skramble has everything your recipient will need to strut the course in style, and finally meet those “Skuad Goals.”
Atlas Premier
High performance golf attire is beginning to move away from the mainstream, and companies like Atlas Premier are leading that charge. With hats, tops, bottoms, outerwear and more, Atlas is creating functional lines for golfers on and off the course. The breathable material and sturdy build make Atlas products a go-to in all weather conditions — cooling in the summer months and a comfortable layer in colder temps — and the seams and cuts don’t impede flexibility. You’ll be pressed to find a design that doesn’t fit the golfer on your list, and after a few rounds they’ll have a new favorite performance clothing line.
2 UNDR
Golf and … underwear? Stick with us, this isn’t the underwear your parents stuffed in your stockings. 2UNDR drawers, for men, feature what the company calls the “Joey Pouch,” which keeps the other stick and balls from unwanted skin contact — meaning less chaffing and a more comfortable feel. 2UNDR offers a variety of lines and styles to make sure your golfer looks and feels great on the course, at work or at home. If you’re one for a little man eye-candy yourself, you won’t be disappointed by the Joey Pouch, either (*wink).
36 Golf
It’s easy to see why 36 Golf made this year’s list, they’re just like us — unabashed lovers of the sport looking to make the game a little more fun for everyone. 36’s simple, minimal designs run throughout the company’s offerings, including hats, shirts, fleeces and accessories, and suit just about any kind of golfer regardless of style. No matter how bad your recipient’s swing is, 36 golf will make sure they look good doing it. And there’s no shame in that.
Weekend Warrior
Weekend Warrior is a staple in the novelty golf clothing and performance polo game, and should have a place in every golfer’s wardrobe. Make your first stop to at the premium tees page, rife with some of the best prints in the game — and grab a CGB logo t-shirt while you’re there. WW’s performance polos deliver subtle yet unique designs in a range of colors and styles, and hoodies and long sleeves will round out any outfit. With a Weekend Warrior label, everyone will know where to find your recipient between Friday and Monday.
True Links
There’s a reason True Links is the sole shoe company to make our list this year — and it’s because we wanted to use that pun. Joking aside, the company makes some of the best and most comfortable golf shoes we’ve slipped our feet into. True Links’ outlet lets you shop from a number of lines suited for golfers of any style, from classic and contemporary to more colorful and eye-catching designs. Browse the Outsider and Original lines for even more form and function on the course. True Links is one of the few companies with shoes your golfer can and may actually want to wear off the course, too. And when they realize just how much these shoes can impact their game — a solid swing starts with a stable stance — they won’t want to take them off.
Electric Golf
Sunglasses are a must on the course, and not just to add a finishing touch on an outfit. Average golfers spend A LOT of time looking for their ball — because golf is hard — and squinting in the sunlight or battling glare from cheap lenses doesn’t make it any easier. Electric sunglasses‘ new golf offerings deliver two-fold, with the OEM+ lenses blocking UV and HEV blue light for crisp, crystal clear vision, and designs suited for any occasion. Electric’s designs rest comfortably over the ears even with a hat — an issue we’ve had with other companies — while staying snug and stable during even the most violent swings.
Asher Golf
Golf gloves don’t get their fair share of attention, which is why we should be thankful for companies like Asher Golf who pay respect where it’s due. Elevate your recipient’s glove game with one of Asher’s colorful or flashy designs — always an added statement to any outfit. It’s not just about the looks, though, Asher gloves are built to withstand swing after swing after swing after swing, with a lesser chance of cracking, tears or holes, unlike some of those mainstream brands. “Make golf gloves great again.” — Asher golf (probably).
Birdicorn
The divot tool to end all divot tools. That’s because Birdicorn‘s is a ball mark holder, putter holder, stencil, bottle opener, alignment aid and divot tool all in one. Get one in every color of the rainbow and trust the sturdy design to withstand everyday wear and tear. As if that isn’t enough, the company also offers matching ball markers, golf towels with scrub patches, hats, and fun t-shirt designs to compliment that green-side swagger.
Hissalot
It’s always nice to have some comedic relief ready for when the bogeys are racking up and tempers start flaring. Enter Sir Hissalot, a toy snake and Instagram’s favorite golf prank. There’s no secret to how it works: you set Hissalot down in the path of your target, scare the pants off them and everyone around points and laughs hysterically. The trick is getting it all on camera. Nothing on the golf course will ever be as funny as a perfectly played Hissalot prank, and few things are more memorable.
Cut Golf
Without a doubt your golfer can always use golf balls, and, thankfully, you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for something they’re bound to lose at some point anymore. Cut Golf is a direct-to-consumer ball company, cutting as many costs as possible in the production process to make its 2- 3- and 4-piece balls affordable for everyone. The company cuts costs, not corners, meaning these golf balls are on par with mainstream brands, touting comparable distance, spin, response and green-side control players expect.
OnCore
OnCore Golf, meanwhile, is on a mission to change the game with its cutting edge golf balls. It all started with the company’s Caliber ball, sporting a hollow metal core that combats wayward ball flight and improves roll off the face of the putter. Among OnCore’s other offerings is the Elixr, included in Golf Digest‘s 2017 Hot List, a three-piece ball sure to help take your golfer’s game to next level. The company isn’t showing signs of slowing down as it’s circulating that plans for the world’s smartest golf ball are already in the making.
Swing Society
Shirts, tools, balls, accessories — the hardest part of finding the right golf gift can be picking just one. If that’s the case for you, take the guesswork out of it with a Swing Society subscription. Swing Society finds the best of golf apparel and products each month to deliver a tailored gift box right to your favorite golfer’s front door. You never know what you’ll find in your Swing Society box, so really this is 12 gifts in 1, and sure to make your golfer the envy of their foursome.
Bradley Putters
For a guaranteed “wow” from your recipient, look no further Bradley Putters, a go-to for show stopping custom wood putters. The company hand-crafts each putter with gorgeous burl wood resulting in stunning, artful designs. Each piece is one-of-a-kind — build-your-own options are available too — and sure to give its owner plenty reason to show it off on the practice green. Don’t discount the performance on account of the wood — Bradley putters feel as good as they look, and are built to withstand the wear-and-tear of everyday use (with a lifetime guarantee, too). If you need a second opinion, ask golf.com, which included Bradley Putters in its “Best Products from 2017 PGA Merchandise Show.”
Raybon putters
For a custom putter design using more traditional materials, Raybon Putters does not disappoint. Shop from Raybon’s Signature Collection, or build your own from four showroom base designs. From start to finish the custom design process is a blast, personalizing each piece of the putter, from insert to grip and everything in between. Raybon putters’ performance on the course is also nothing short of spectacular, the milled designs delivering control and consistency on every stroke. (Now if you could only give the gift of birdie putts…)
Outside of the hottest new driver, a new set of clubs or a destination golf vacation, it’s hard to beat from the brands on this list when shopping for the golfers in your life.
ColoradoGolfBlog, in some cases, receives a small commission when you purchase items from these links. CGB has endorsed all advertisers, products and services and advertising does not influence editorial decisions or content.
