Riverdale Dunes Golf Course

The Dunes Course in Brighton, Colorado is a traditional 18-hole Scottish style links layout.  The course is one part of a larger golf facility known collectively as Riverdale Golf Courses that also includes The Knolls Course, a separate parkland style 18-hole layout.  Originally constructed in 1986, the Dunes course has been the recipient of such prestigious awards as Golf Digest’s Top 75 public golf courses (1990), and served as the host of the 1993 USGA Public Links Championship. In addition, The Dunes also hosted a Nike Tour event in 1996 and 1997.  Generally open year round, the course is only closed when there is snow on the ground, or during specific scheduled maintenance or holidays.  The composition and imagination of the course, the strategy and shot values of several holes, and the extra services that are available in addition to the golf help make The Dunes course a great place to play!First designed by both Pete and Perry Dye, this municipal golf course features an innovative routing and several original design concepts.  The architects have made prominent use of railroad ties throughout the course, generally to build up embankments on the edge of hazards, but also to accentuate aspects of the courses natural terrain.  All told, there are several unique holes that are challenging and fun to play without the course being overly frustrating or too difficult.  In general, the course features expansive Bent grass fairways and hand-sculpted Bent grass greens however, if you veer too far off the fairway, you will encounter large areas of unkempt natural grass that can be a nightmare to play from.  Numerous water features are incorporated seamlessly into the design of the course, and factor prominently into the strategy of several holes.  Sand traps play a part in the course strategy, but the sheer number of traps does not take away from the playability of the course, and the majority of these hazards can be easily avoided.  The course is always in terrific condition, featuring some of the best tees and greens from a conditioning standpoint in the state, and the professional ground crew makes sure that it consistently stays that way.An ideal mix of hole variation is a prominent feature of the courses design, consisting of four Par 3s, 10 Par 4s and four Par 5s, the variety of holes can test a player's length off the tee as well as the accuracy of each shot.  With a total of 4 tee options, and playing from a distance of 4884 to 7067 Yards with a maximum course rating and slope of 73.3/134, the course provides a reasonable test for players of any ability level.  The most difficult hole on the course, #5, is a par 4 that plays to a maximum length of 429 yards. Rigid shot-making and mastery off the tee are paramount to a good score on this hole.  The signature hole is #15, a par 4 with a treacherous tee shot that runs along the edge of a lake in much the same fashion as the 18th hole at TPC Sawgrass, or the Blue Monster at Doral.  In general, the broad fairways and demanding green complexes create a true test for even the most experienced player, yet are forgiving enough to allow a pleasant experience for anyone interested in playing the course.A wide collection of further amenities are available to help make a day at the course more agreeable, including rental services, practice facilities and an assortment of food and drink alternatives.  Rental services that are accessible include electric carts, pull carts and golf clubs.  The training area at the facility includes a driving range, practice bunkers and alternate chipping and putting greens.  Food and beverage choices at the course include a restaurant with full service bar, and an on course snack bar and beverage cart.  Banquet space is also available for those interested in hosting significant occasions or events.The Riverdale Golf Course, Dunes is one of the best public courses in the state of Colorado, and a great place to play a round of golf.  The fantastic course design, inspiring hole layout and additional amenities all unite to achieve a great golfing atmosphere.  If you decide to play the course, scheduling a reservation ahead of time is critical.  For additional information or to make a tee-time reservation, call the course directly at (303) 659-6700, or you can make a reservation online at Riverdale Golf.  Green fees can vary greatly based on the time of the week that you would like to play; they can be as little as $33 Monday-Friday and as much as $46 Saturday and Sunday.  This course offers golfers of all abilities and skill levels a fantastic opportunity to engage in a fulfilling afternoon of golf, regardless of your playing ability or skill level, you should give the Dunes at Riverdale Golf Course a try.To reach Riverdale Golf Course from Denver, head north on 1-76 to US 85, follow US 85 north towards Brighton, and turn left when you reach 124th avenue.  Take 124th avenue west through the intersection of Brighton Road, where it will end at Riverdale Road.  Turn right, and follow Riverdale Road around the course facility to the clubhouse on the right.