Golf, Steamboat Style | Fresh Air & Freedom

362 yards to the pin. Concentrate, find the fairway, there is no need for a big drive just an accurate placement. Focus, an easy 8 iron and the ball is on the green. Putting for birdie. One under on the first hole, a great start to a summer Rocky Mountain getaway.

6,632 feet above sea level, Colorado blue skies, and 233 acres of green grass lie ahead. 18 holes of fresh air and freedom to look forward to at Haymaker golf course. The views are spectacular, white capped Mount Werner and the Flat Top Range loom in the distance, Emerald Mountain is nearby, Great Blue Heron and Sandhill Cranes soar above. This is golf Steamboat Style, a peaceful, welcome change from everyday routines.

12 holes later and it’s incredible how captivated a player can become, how golf can distract and command commitment of the natural surroundings. Calling attention towards the undulations of the terrain, varying wind speed, Spotted Towhees chirping on the cattails, tall grass and bunkers on the left side, the main focus is undoubtedly on the lie of the still, white golf ball. It’s a par 3, easily achievable, except for the large pond of water on the right. A par is made with 6 more intriguing holes to finish the round.

The back nine at Haymaker is arguably more challenging than the front nine, there are more obstacles, more water, and changes in elevation are frequent. However, the challenge is welcome, and the feeling of success is deserved when a bogey is found on the uniquely difficult 17^th green. One more hole, the wide open, long 18^th entitled “To the Barn” will complete the round and a bountiful meal served with a cold one is waiting at the Patio Grill. Imagine, sitting on the clubhouse veranda with friends, revisiting the best and worst strokes, taking in the spectacular views of the pristine Yampa Valley of Steamboat Springs and reflecting on the past four hours of found bliss. Stay late into the day and be rewarded with a spectacular western sunset.

Golf has a meditative quality, with no distractions; except for the game. This fun and habit-forming sport finds its’ way into the soul, requires singular concentration, and offers respite from daily responsibilities. Book a tee time at Haymaker and enjoy fresh air, freedom, and golf Steamboat Style. The facility has so much to offer our guests; early morning 9 hole tee times, special junior golfer rates, a complete practice area, a fully stocked Golf Shop, and dining at the Patio Grill. Getaway to the mountains, plan the great escape to Steamboat Springs, Colorado with a Stay & Play package offered all season. For details connect with us at Haymakergolf.com or 970.870.1846. We look forward to seeing you at Haymaker this summer.

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Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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