We are fortunate in the "Greater Denver Metro Area" to have A TREMENDOUS selection of great courses.  Today I'm reviewing the Saddleback Golf Club of Firestone Colorado as it is my "home course" and also where I play in a weekly league.

Readers Digest: Economical, Extremely Friendly Service Staff, Nice course setup, difficulty is at your discretion, always in good/playable condition.

The details: I have been playing this course for 3+ years now and every time I play it, I find something new and challenging.   The best way I can describe the course is a Heartland course with Links and Parkland tendencies.  There are varying wild grasses throughout and not a lot of trees.  You can play it on the ground ala a links course with only a few exceptions or through the air like a Parkland course.  It can play short or long (Tips play at 7090 and the whites play to 5539).

The course was designed by Colorado Golf Architect and Vail Resident Andy Johnson in 2001.  Having played with the owner of course before in League play, you can easily see why the staff is so friendly and supportive.  Had I not been told I was playing with the owner I would've never known as he was just another guy playing a round that day.

The signature hole of Saddleback is #16 and a Risk/Reward brain buster if I've ever seen one.  Playing 322 on the card this dogleg left actually boasts a 255 yard direct route carry over a lake.  I've lost my share of balls in this lake, but I've also found the promise land and have carded 1 eagle on this hole.  There is actually a league player who has made a hole in one on this hole 3 times!  See the story here: http://bcove.me/ggr6g6hv

All in all, Saddleback is a great course to play.  It doesn't have all the glitz and glamour of a resort style course but it plays well and true.  The service and affordability alone can't be beat.

http://www.saddlebackgolf.com/sites/courses/view.asp?id=608&page=33050

Hole by hole flyover: