Mastering Fossil Trace means understanding the topography it was built on, this will help the first time golfer and the experienced Fossil Trace player as well. Hopefully the information below will help both play to the best of their ability.
Hole 1: Par 4 The correct line to the landing area lies the famous and towering brick chimney stack, a structure from the 1940s previously used to burn trash. The key to playing the hole is placing the second shot to allow a wedge finish into the green. Too far left, and the green practically disappears, guarded by a menacing greenside bunker and hillside. The reward is a chance for an opening birdie, but it nearly always assures a well-earned par.
Hole 2: Par 4 The second hole continues into historic Golden with the short par 4 second hole, measuring only 320 yards from the tips. On the tee of number two, there are two possible options. Those seeking thrills will grab a driver and take their chances to reach the green, which rests well below but out of sight from the tee box. The green complex is surrounded by a naturally rising incline, giving it the appearance of a stage complete with a welcoming slope from the end of the fairway to the front of the green.
Hole 3: Par 3 The first of five par-three holes here is hole number three, measuring 151 yards back up the hill. Shots to the right will often take advantage of the slope, frequently kicking the golf ball onto the green.
Hole 4: Par 4 A demanding hole requiring careful shot-making, hole number four at measures 480 yards from the tips. A penalty area lines the entire left side up to the left side of the green, while out-of-bounds is on the right. Two great shots are required just to have an opportunity for a good score. If missed, a short approach onto the closely mown fairway allows for a putt or bounce up onto the putting surface, avoid the bunkers to the right. Hole number four is challenging.
Hole 5: Par 3 Hole number five measures less than 100 yards from any tee you choose. A straightforward wedge approach over the natural wetlands that surround the front and left of the green is all that’s needed. Links style pot bunkers also make their second appearance on the front nine.
Hole 6: Par 4 Measuring 409 yards from the tips, hole six is directly influenced by the terrain of a links course. A well-directed tee shot favoring the right side of the fairway avoids the natural wetlands and pot bunker. The uphill approach is to one of the most challenging and wide greens on the golf course.
Hole 7: Par 4 Lookout Mountain, the resting place of legendary Buffalo Bill Cody, is the backdrop for hole number seven at 377-yards. Friendly off the tee, with elevated slopes on either side, navigating hole number seven is all about the approach. Staring you in the face is a large bunker, nearly 70 yards long and eight feet deep. Best to take an extra club and hit a solid approach to this green.
Hole 8: Par 4 The tee ground of number eight is framed between rising dunes of native Colorado grass, reminiscent of links that turn a gold during the fall. The key here is on the drive, avoiding bunkers left and right. The approach, typically from 150 yards, plays slightly uphill to a mostly hidden green. The miss is short or left, where closely mown turf allows for some short game skills.
Hole 9: Par 5 Closing out the front nine is another inspiration from Irish golf: a par 5 measuring nearly 650 yards into the prevailing wind. The second shot can be influenced by a lone pot bunker resting just 80 yards from the green. The ninth green is the largest on the course, nearly 60 yards in depth. The back third rests in a depression, influencing both lag putts and approaches.
Hole 10: Par 4 Measuring only 333 yards from the tips a hybrid or fairway wood is the play to the fairway below. For the big hitters, driving for the green requires a carry over water of nearly 265 yards. Pot bunkers left and right of the green await errant shots. This putting greens is one of the most challenging on the course, setting the stage for the most unique stretches of holes in all of golf.
Hole 11: Par 3 A par 3 measuring 185 yards from the tips, this hole offers spectacular views . The kidney-shaped green is nearly 200 feet deep and only 30 feet wide. Pot bunkers and the potential for a four-club difference depending on the wind and hole location make this a fun par 3.
Hole 12: Par 5 Measuring 585 yards from the tips, the tee shot should be played toward the clay pillars in the distance. These pillars, resulting from the vertical movement of prehistoric rock and clay, contain fossils from millions years ago. The green is nestled into the rock in a cozy way, with remaining pillars both intimidating and inspiring.
Hole 13: Par 4 Visible in the distance is the Coors Brewery in Golden. A par 4 measuring nearly 400 yards from an elevated tee ground, it’s a driver’s paradise with limited trouble and a wide fairway. The recommended approach is to club down and avoid going over the green, which presents one of the top putting challenges on the course.
Hole 14: Par 3 The second of three par-three holes on the back nine, hole 14, is considered the most difficult on the entire back nine. This long uphill hole features a green high on the hillside, mostly out of view from the tee. The upper portion of the green, eight feet above the lower portion, creates height and visibility. At the base of the green, a mammoth bowl gathers approaching tee shots.
Hole 15: Par 5 Measuring 565 yards from the tips and elevated high above the fairway below, the 15th is one of the few holes at Fossil Trace Golf Club with a forced carry to the fairway. The tee shot should avoid the left fairway bunker. The second shot must steer clear of a pile of huge stones. The green area and closely mown area around the green await your approach,
Hole 16: Par 3 This par 3 measures 160 yards with a challenging green, guarded on the right by one of the deepest bunkers on the course.
Hole 17: Par 4 This 377 yard hole aligns us directly with South Table Mountain. A tee shot straight at the painted letter “G” on the mountain is the play here. An approach to this green, protected by deep bunkers short left and right, should come with a short iron, offering a very good chance for birdie.
Hole 18: Par 5 With the clubhouse in the distance and the foothills to our right, the risk-reward scenario is on the second shot. Greenside bunkers are present long and left, as well as short and right. Water along the entire length of the hole on the right, all the way to the green. A strategic play from the layup area, 100 yards short of the green, is best if the tee shot is out of position.
No matter how you play this beautiful amazing course, you’ll have lasting memory’s, finishing in the natural Colorado amphitheater. You have now experienced one of the most unique and memorable golf courses in America. You’ll definitely want to play again soon.
Comments? Leave them below.