Grand Junction

Colorado AvidGolfer

Relaxed yet always exciting, Grand Junction, located in the heart of Colorado’s wine country, might be a little off the beaten path. But isn’t that what we’re all looking for? This wonderfully charismatic area not only offers great golf, but also a slew of activities for the whole family. Once you get a taste of the wine and cycling tours, crowd-pleasing festivals and countless outdoor adventures, you’ll be hooked.

Be sure to hit the award-winning Golf Club at Redlands Mesa (2325 W. Ridges Blvd.; 970-263-9270; redlandsmesa.com) Recognized time and time again for its combination of playability and affordability, this dramatic Jim Engh creation features 11 elevated tees, 41 bunkers, and exceptional design. Described as challenging but fair, Redlands Mesa has some of the most memorable holes in Colorado. Don’t forget your camera when you get to the 218-yard par-three 17th. After a billy goat climb to the tee box, you’ll face an awe-inspiring 150-foot drop to the green nestled into a natural rock amphitheater.

Also worth visiting is Chipeta Golf Course (222 29 Road; 970-245-7177; chipetagolf.com), a scenic executive layout with wide fairways lined with fragrant fruit trees and a tricky water holes. While you’re playing, stop and soak in the 360-degree views of the Western Slope’s most celebrated natural treasures: the Bookcliff Mountains, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre Plateau and the Colorado National Monument.

Former home of the Rocky Mountain Open, Colorado’s oldest open golf tournament, Lincoln Park Golf Course (800 Mantlo Circle; 970-242-6394; gjcity.org) opened in 1926 and features nine easy-to-walk holes measuring 3,135 yards from the back tees.

Tiara Rado Golf Course (2057 S. Broadway; 970-254-3830; gjcity.org), which will host the Rocky Mountain Open for the first time in 2010, plays along the scenic red cliffs of the Colorado National Monument. With cunning water hazards and a recently renovated course, Tiara Rado will make you use every club in your bag. And as a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program, you’ll be sharing the course with an array of Colorado’s most cherished wildlife species.

Last but certainly not least, Adobe Creek National Golf Course (876 18-1/2 Rd., Fruita; 970-858-0521; adobecreekgolf.com) offers three outstanding nine-hole courses set against the Colorado National Monument. Well-maintained fairways and surreal views tempt golfers of all skill levels any time of year.

With five public golf courses, dozens of local wineries, miles of hiking, biking, rafting and kayaking, and a tree-lined Main Street with shopping, dining and a variety of lodging options, Grand Junction is a perfect getaway that accommodates all tastes.

Deer Creek Village

Only 50 miles from Grand Junction and nestled into a quiet valley, Deer Creek Village Golf Club offers awesome views of the San Juan Mountains, West Elk Wilderness, Grand Mesa and the Uncompahgre Mountains. Four sets of tees stretch the Byron Coker creation from 5,100 yards to 6,450 yards, making it an ideal choice for golfers of all skill levels. Better yet, the Western Slope’s unique climate annually allows for up to 320 days of perfect golf weather. 500 Jay Ave., Cedaredge; 970-856-7781; deer-creek-village.com)

Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.