I’ve been working in Denver this summer and had the afternoon free for some holiday golf. Fossil Trace Golf Club is one of my Colorado favorites, so I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to golf here again. I met a friend and it turned out to be a great afternoon, with perfect weather.

Fossil Trace normally gets ranked as one of the best public courses in Colorado and it is one of the most unique courses that I’ve played. The course was designed by Jim Engh, one of my favorite designers. Engh incorporates so many interesting design elements into his courses. I’ve played five of his designs so far and never walked away disappointed.

One of the things that makes Fossil Trace so interesting are the wild and crazy features that are incorporated into the course. For example, there are deep bunkers that zigzag on many holes. Greens come in all shapes and sizes. Some greens are narrow and long while others have big depressions where golf balls can collect. Steep mounding lines a number of fairways and can kick the ball anywhere. Other times, someone can hit an average shot and the ball can end up close to the pin.

Another unique feature about Fossil Trace is the landscape where the course sits. The course is in the foothills so the scenery is top-notch. There are many elevated tee shots and the ball seems to fly forever in the thin Colorado air. The signature stretch of holes – the 11th through the 15th – play along and through the area’s rocky landscape. Here you can find fossils – hence the name “Fossil” Trace – hiding in the large slabs of rock that border the holes.

The par-5 12th is the signature hole. It is a 585 yard par-5 with a fairway that sits on a shelf. To the left is a steep rock wall and to the right is a severe drop-off down to the 15th fairway. To get to the green you’ll need to avoid a number of rock outcrops in the middle of the fairway. Then, once you get close to the green, there is a zigzag bunker and the green complex is surrounded by rock walls. Finally, there is an old excavator sitting high above the green. Super cool.

We played the black tees which are 72.0/141/6798. At 6,798 yards Fossil Trace isn’t the longest course. Throw in the elevation – nearly 5,700 feet – and there should be many scoring opportunities with a short iron. The bulk of the course’s yardage is in the par-5’s, with four of the five par-5’s playing 565 yards or longer. The 9th is uphill and maxes out at 626 yards! I’d say trying to putt the greens is the toughest thing about playing here. The greens have a lot of slope.

Our twilight green fee was $85 and for that price, Fossil Trace was a very good value. The conditions were great. The turf was full, lush, and everything was mowed to a good height. The greens were firm and fast. Too fast for this hack, ha. The bunkers are penal and most had good sand.

When it comes to public courses in the Denver area, I think Fossil Trace is a “must play”. I’m not sure there is a bad hole on the entire course. Visually, the design is intimidating and there are very few traditional elements to the design. I understand that some golfers might think the course is too tricked up, but there are plenty of spots to miss and still end up with a chance to scramble for a par. I’d highly recommend a round here.

Course Pictures (click any picture to scroll through the gallery):