Golfing in Summit County: 5 Scenic Courses to Experience This Summer
Summit County offers one of Colorado’s most unique golfing experiences, combining championship-caliber play with dramatic mountain scenery, expansive alpine landscapes, and cool summer temperatures. Whether you own a second home in Breckenridge, are visiting for a summer getaway, or are considering purchasing property in the area, access to exceptional golf courses is one of the many amenities that makes Summit County an attractive place to spend time during the summer months.
With five distinct public courses, each offering a different setting and challenge, Summit County provides exceptional golf opportunities just minutes from Breckenridge, Frisco, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and Silverthorne.
A True High-Alpine Golf Experience
Golfing in Summit County offers a unique high-alpine experience, with courses sitting between 8,200 and 9,400 feet in elevation. The thinner mountain air often allows golf balls to travel farther, while cooler summer temperatures make afternoon rounds comfortable throughout the season. Surrounded by views of the Tenmile Range and Continental Divide, golfers may also encounter local wildlife such as moose, foxes, and eagles along the course.
Summit County's Five Golf Courses
Breckenridge Golf Club
Located just north of downtown Breckenridge, the Breckenridge Golf Club is a 27-hole championship facility designed by legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus. Sitting at more than 9,300 feet in elevation, it is one of the highest golf courses in Colorado and offers expansive views of the Tenmile Range. The club features three distinct nine-hole courses, Bear, Beaver, and Elk, allowing golfers to mix and match layouts for a different experience each round. With excellent practice facilities and a convenient location, it is a popular choice for both visitors and local homeowners.
Best for: Golfers seeking a premier mountain golf experience with flexible course combinations and scenic alpine surroundings.
Nearby communities: Highlands at Breckenridge, Highland Greens, Braddock Hill
Keystone Ranch Golf Course
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Keystone Ranch Golf Course combines rolling mountain terrain with the character of a historic homestead ranch. The course is known for its narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and thoughtful layout that rewards precision over power. Surrounded by mountain views and mature pine forests, it offers a distinctly Colorado golf experience. After a round, golfers can enjoy a meal at the Keystone Ranch Restaurant, one of Summit County's most popular dining destinations.
Best for: Players who appreciate a traditional, strategy-focused course and a memorable dining experience.
Nearby communities: Keystone Ranch Sub
The River Course at Keystone
Designed by Hurdzan-Fry, Keystone River Course offers a distinctly different playing experience from its sister course at Keystone Ranch. Rolling through wetlands, sage meadows, and lodgepole pines, the layout features dramatic elevation changes, wide fairways, and thoughtfully placed bunkers that reward strategic shot-making. The course's mountain setting and varied terrain make it a favorite for golfers seeking both challenge and scenic beauty.
Best for: Golfers who enjoy a modern mountain layout with generous fairways, strategic design, and diverse scenery.
Nearby communities: Old Keystone River Golf Course Sub, Elk Run at Keystone River Course, West Pines Golf Course
Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks
Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks is consistently recognized as one of Colorado's top public golf courses. Designed by Tom Lehman and the Hurdzan/Fry team, the course combines rolling fairways, lodgepole pine forests, and views of the Gore Range to create a memorable mountain golf experience. Its layout offers a balance of challenge and playability, making it enjoyable for a wide range of skill levels. Combined with excellent course conditions and a resort-style atmosphere, Raven remains a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Best for: Golfers seeking a polished resort-style experience, excellent course conditions, and a layout that rewards thoughtful play.
Nearby communities: Eagles Nest, Eagles Nest Golf Course Sub, Ranch at Eagles Nest, Fox Valley at the Raven
Copper Creek Golf Course
Set at the base of Copper Mountain, Copper Creek Golf Course delivers a distinctly alpine golf experience with dramatic elevation changes and expansive mountain views. Designed by Pete Dye, the course features one of the highest tee boxes in North America and a memorable finishing hole that descends nearly 600 vertical feet from tee to green. Surrounded by rugged peaks and ski slopes, Copper Creek offers a unique layout that is as visually impressive as it is enjoyable to play.
Best for: Golfers looking for a memorable mountain round with dramatic scenery and elevation changes.
Nearby communities: Lewis Ranch at Copper Mountain, Legends at Copper Creek, Masters at Copper Creek
Explore the Courses
Use the interactive map below to see where Summit County's five public golf courses are located in relation to nearby communities and the Breckenridge Associates Main Street office. It's a helpful way to visualize the area's golf destinations and how they're connected throughout the county.
>
Map Highlights
Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks - Situated in Silverthorne's Three Peaks neighborhood with views of the Gore Range
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best golf course in Summit County?
Each course offers a unique experience. Breckenridge Golf Club is known for its Jack Nicklaus design, while Raven Golf Club is consistently ranked among Colorado’s top public courses.
How far does the ball travel at higher elevations?
Golf balls typically travel 10–15% farther at Summit County’s elevations.
Do I need to book tee times in advance?
Yes. Peak summer dates and weekends often fill up quickly.
Which course is best for beginners?
Breckenridge Golf Club offers flexible 9-hole options and excellent practice facilities.
Can non-members play these courses?
Yes. All five courses are open to the public.
Is there on-site dining at Summit County golf courses?
Each of Summit County's public golf courses offers on-site dining, ranging from casual clubhouse fare to full-service restaurants with mountain views.
What should I wear when golfing in Summit County?
Most courses require standard golf attire, including collared shirts or appropriate golf tops, golf shorts, skirts, or pants, and soft-spike golf shoes. Mountain weather can change quickly, so it's also a good idea to bring layers, a light rain jacket, sunscreen, and a hat, even during the summer months.
What amenities do the Summit County Golf Courses Offer?
Amenities vary by course but commonly include practice facilities, pro shops, golf instruction, club rentals, electric carts, and on-site dining. Some courses also offer junior programs, tournaments, event spaces, and fully stocked retail shops, so it's worth checking with each course before your visit
More to Explore: Recreation in Summit County
Live Where You Play
Whether you're searching for a home on the golf course, a mountain retreat with easy access to the fairways, or a place to enjoy an active mountain lifestyle year-round, the local experts at Breckenridge Associates Real Estate can help you find the perfect property.
Call Breckenridge Associates Email Breckenridge Associates