A Golf Lover’s Guide to Local Courses.
Story by: Daniel Severyn, Tourism Editor
Photos by: Adelaide Martinsen
Keeping the competition light and the laughs louder, John
Kelley peeks through Austin Hayes’s legs as he attempts
to sink the putt. (Adelaide Martinsen, May 2025)
Grand Junction, Colorado, is home to a broad range of golf courses that cater to players of all abilities. From traditional 9-hole layouts to championship-caliber designs, the city’s golf courses offer difficulty and charm. Here’s a summary of four outstanding courses in the area.
Lincoln Park Golf Course
Photo via Chronogolf
Lincoln Park, established in 1926, is Grand Junction’s oldest golf course. This walkable 9-hole course has smooth, softly breaking greens and a range of tee options, making it suitable for golfers of all skill levels. The course is complemented by a 10-acre practice facility with a driving range and several practice greens. A full-service pro shop, snack bar, and rental equipment are among the amenities offered. Lessons with PGA experts are provided by appointment.
“I’m working on my short game a lot right now, and the practice greens are perfect for that,” said Matt Nelson, a frequent visitor. “It’s nice having such a great space for practicing, especially when I can’t make it to a bigger course.”
Chipeta Golf Course
Photo via GolfPass
Next, Chipeta is an 18-hole elite course (par 59) located five miles south of downtown Grand Junction. It offers breathtaking vistas of the Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Uncompahgre Plateau. The course is meant to be walkable and ideal for golfers looking for a shorter, more leisurely round. Its amenities include a pro shop, banquet facilities, and a clubhouse.
Chipeta is meant to be walkable, making it ideal for golfers who like a slower pace. The course is suitable for beginners or those wishing to improve their short game, as it is shorter and less demanding than a standard 18-hole championship course. Chipeta’s relaxing pace and gorgeous sights make it ideal for a casual game with friends or family.
Tiara Rado Golf Course
Photo via Visit Grand Junction
Tiara Rado Golf Course is one of Grand Junction’s most gorgeous courses, with the Colorado National Monument as a background. This 18-hole public course provides golfers with amazing views of the Grand Mesa and Book Cliffs, resulting in an unforgettable and visually stunning round of golf.
Tiara Rado is not only beautiful, but also conscious of the environment. The course is a proud member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, which means it actively works to preserve natural areas. The course is home to over 90 bird species, including all three North American bluebirds, making it a birdwatching and nature lover’s paradise.
Photo via GolfPass
This course offers opportunities for players of all levels. The front nine is famed for its wide fairways, while the back nine contains more difficult holes with water hazards and strategic bunkering. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or a beginner, you’ll find a challenge to suit your skill level.
Tiara Rado also has an 18-acre practice facility including a driving range, putting green, and short-game sections. Golfers can use this vast practice area to hone their abilities before hitting the course. The course provides a variety of amenities, including golf carts, pull carts, and rental clubs, ensuring that you have all you need for a great round. Lessons are also available from qualified instructors, and the pro store sells a wide range of equipment and accessories.
Redlands Mesa Golf Club
Photo via Redlands Mesa
For golfers looking for a more demanding and elevated experience, Redlands Mesa Golf Course is a must-play destination. Redlands Mesa is a true jewel in the region, having been named the best public golf course in Colorado by Golfweek, Golf Digest, and other reputable publications.
Jim Engh, the renowned golf architect, designed the course, which is recognized for its dramatic elevation changes and rugged terrain. With panoramic views of the surrounding high desert scenery, Redlands Mesa provides a challenging golf course and a visually spectacular environment. The course’s natural beauty and demanding design make it an unforgettable experience for players of all ability levels.
The silent witness to hundreds of rounds of golf and the stories they carry, the flag at Redlands
Mesa Golf Course stands tall. (Adelaide Martinsen, May 2025)
The layout includes clever doglegs, forced carry, and strategically placed bunkers, all of which require precision and course management. The back nine is especially tough, with more risk-reward holes that necessitate careful decision-making. The 13th hole at Redlands Mesa is a showpiece, providing players with a breathtaking view and a thrilling tee shot over a deep ravine.
The course meets the finest standards, resulting in smooth greens and fairways. In addition to its world-class layout, Redlands Mesa provides incredible amenities such as a full-service pro shop, driving range, and putting green. The team at Redlands Mesa also offers personalized instruction to help golfers improve their game. It’s no wonder that this course is popular among serious golfers and is one of Colorado’s top destinations.
With the monument stretching out behind him, Austin Hayes launches his tee shot. (Adelaide
Martinsen, May 2025)
Grand Junction is a golfer’s dream, with breathtaking scenery, diverse course selections, and various difficulty levels. From the historic Lincoln Park Golf Course to the championship-level Redlands Mesa, every course provides a unique experience for players of all skill levels. Whether you want a relaxing game, a gorgeous golf experience, or a severe challenge, Grand Junction’s golf courses provide something for you.
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