Along the Front Range of Colorado, there is a very distinct formation of red rocks that cuts its was through the earth and reaches into the sky.  On the northern stretch of that rock formation is the world famous Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver.  On the southern stretch of that rock formation sits another world famous attraction, The Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.  Sitting right in the middle of everything is Perry Park Country Club. 

As soon as you make your way on the property, you just know…this place is special.  Looking across the lake that also serves as the driving range, you can’t help but notice Sentinel Rock looming over the immaculately manicured golf course that seems lost in time.  You also immediately notice how quiet this slice of heaven is.  Gone are the noises of the city and replaced with the sounds of the mountains and nature.  The atmosphere here makes you feel like so far away from home on a mountain retreat.

The golf course, while scenic, is no push over.  The Par 5’s have you hitting your approach shots into the greens over thin ribbons of fairway and through tunnels of towering pine trees.  Laying up with and iron and attacking the greens with wedges is the smart play if you are looking to score.  Wayward shots will most certainly leave you in very big trouble blocked by the pine trees.  For those of you that struggle hitting a straight golf shot, some of these chutes you end up hitting through will undoubtedly leave you with PTSD.  

Accuracy with your irons is also a premium on your approaches.  The greens are as pure as can be but if you are in the wrong spot with your approach, you are risking a 3-putt if you are lucky.  On the 3rd hole which is an uphill, dogleg left Par 4, we have witnessed our friends putt the ball off the front of the green after hitting their approach shot long over the flag.  We always recommend reading more break in your putts than you think and NEVER hit your approach shots long.

Perry Park Country Club is one of those memorable Colorado golf experiences and this Dick Phelps gem should definitely be on your list of “Must Plays in Colorado” list.