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.
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.
Four Mile Ranch, one of southern Colorado’s best links tracks, wants to hear from you.
Open nearly a decade, the Four Mile is facing some questions of its own, including how to tackle water rate hikes proposed by Cañon City. Residential homes continue to be built along the property and the tee sheets remain full, but a dramatic increase in course expenses could spell disaster for the beloved track before it ever reaches its full potential.
Looking towards whatever the future may hold, course operators are asking for users’ input via this brief survey. Take five minutes and fill it out in support of one of Colorado’s would-be rising stars.
CGB isn’t above tooting our own horn from time to time, especially when we see other change-makers in the industry seeing us (that makes sense, right?).
The GolfStatus folks did all the legwork for the project and repetition won’t do that any justice — so be sure to check it out — in short, a new generation of players has arrived to change the game, and the change is happening online.
A snippet from the CGB interview:
GolfStatus: How is social media changing the game?
CGB: So many people were turned off of golf because of its reputation and image, but we’re changing that image … We just go out there and be ourselves. And the market is responding.
GolfStatus itself is on the front lines of bringing golf into the digital mainstream. It’s a mobile platform designed to connect golfers with the information they need on the course, and connecting courses and marketers with a new generation of tech savvy players.
Golf isn’t about stuffy clubhouses chock-full of snobby elites and inflated egos, it never should have been. Golf is a game anyone can play — and should — it’s a wonderful equalizer, and just a damn good time. This beautiful game is back on the up-and-up, and not just because of underground change-makers. Change was a long time coming, and though some may not like it, it’s going to happen. We’re just glad to be along for the ride.
CGB is never one to back down from a challenge, especially one that includes a little bit of public humiliation for the sake of a good cause. That’s why the CGB is teaming up with A Moment of Magic Foundation for its Tee Off in Tutus Challenge, making sure this September’s Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month is one for the books. More on the challenge in a bit — first comes the important stuff.
According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, nearly 16,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in the U.S. alone, the number exceeds 300,000 per year globally. That’s thousands of lives forever changed after a visit to the doctor’s office, families included. Charity alone can’t pay for a cure — though researchers certainly put that money to good use — but it can go a long way in relieving some of the stress and anxiety of those on the front lines battling the disease.
That’s where A Moment of Magic comes in, sending college-age volunteers dressed as the most famous princesses and superheroes into children’s hospitals around the country, bringing joy and loving kindness and lasting memories to all they meet. Founded as The Princess Project by Kylee McGrane and Margaret McAndrew, two college students “on a mission to spread some magic, and a little bit of pink in the busy world,” the organization has exploded into a pediatric cancer awareness powerhouse with multiple chapters and hundreds of volunteers nationwide.
Enter CGB and the Tee Off in Tutus Challenge. Follow along this month as the CGB crew takes the tee box at our favorite local courses donning our tutus — and sorry in advance for probably flashing more of our man bits than you want to see. We’re challenging you too: Grab your foursome and some tutus and send us your Instagram videos with the hashtag #teeoffintutus, or make a donation to support the cause. We’ll repost our favorite videos and give away a CGB-style prize pack for the best submission at the end of the month.
New to the game, Bradley Putter Co. made a splash last year with its one-of-a-kind handmade short sticks, crafted from striking blocks of wood and sporting gorgeous design finishes. What’s more, Bradley putters are more than just trophy pieces, touting impressive performance and control on the green, and with an addicting feel. Custom putters seem to come a dime a dozen nowadays, but Bradley Putters has set itself above the rest, even named golf’s “next big thing” by GOLF.com.
It makes sense, then, that Bradley is joining with another company taking a new approach to a familiar part of the game for this giveaway. PlayYourCourse is one of the fastest growing golf lesson services in the country, making PGA and LPGA certified teaching professionals more accessible to hackers of all handicaps across the country. Lower scores and professional insight is a mere click or phone call away, and more affordable than ever.
Bradley’s one-of-a-kind designs make your bag look better, and your scorecard, too.
Back to the matter at hand, the first-ever Bradley/PlayYourRound putter giveaway features a 34.5-inch, 350g Luna design — 2.5-degree loft and a 70-degree lie angle — sourced from Buckeye Wood.