Copper Creek Golf Course

Review and Rating of  Copper Creek Golf Course in Copper Mountain Colorado

Sitting in the valley at Copper Mountain, Copper Creek Golf Course (named after the creek that that comes into play on several holes) offers breathtaking views of the Ten Mile Mountain Range, has some unique and interesting holes, and is reasonably priced.  Make sure you check their online reservation system for some great rates. Copper Creek Golf Course was designed by Pete and Perry Dye and opened in 1982 as one of several amenities at Copper Mountain. 

Copper Creek Golf Course is a par 69 layout that is short by today's standards with 4 tee boxes and yardages ranging from 5880 ti 4281 yards – which may deceive you into thinking Copper Creek is a walk in the park.  From the back tees, the course can be challenging thanks to water, elevation changes, bunkers, undulating greens, and some very tight fairways.  To score well club selection and course management are critical!  You might want to keep the big dog in the bag.

The front nine plays in the valley and through some of the Copper Mountain Resort lodging options.  This nine is a par 35 with two par 3s, a par 5, and 6 par 4s and it is a little longer and has water that can come into play on several holes, tight fairways, and some challenging carries.  Some of the holes we really liked included:

• #5 is a short 339 yard par 4 with a carry over Copper Creek to one of the wider landing zones which you don't want to miss  or overshoot and the next shot is to a green set way off to the left side with deep swales and big mounds guarding the front, a bunker on the right front, and water surrounding most of the left side of the green
• #9's green is drivable (264 yards from the tips) from a significantly elevated tee box – short and you're in a tough front bunker and if you're long you've got rough, hill, and tree problems

The back nine of Copper Creek Golf Course is very different as it climbs and then descends back down the side of the mountain.  This nine is a par 34 with yardages ranging from 2915 to 4281 and it's home to 4 par 3s, 2 par 5, and 3 par 4s.  Elevation changes (both up and down), 14 bunkers ranging from small deep pot bunkers to a couple monsters, some short drivable holes, and a few tight fairways means that accuracy over distance is critical.  Several of the Copper Mountain ski runs provide a scenic backdrop for several holes. 

When we played in July, the conditions of the fairways at Copper Creek were not the best – some bare spots, some damage, and lots of yellow dandelions which I wasn't sure if that was a feature or a problem.  One of the staff told me it was a problem because the winter and spring months were tough on the course.  Don't get me wrong, the fairways are good and very playable – I think our expectation was high!  The fairways range from very tight to some wide landing zones – miss the fairway and you're most likely wet or lost in the native areas. You'll need to manage the slope and downhill roll.

The greens are a variety of shapes and sizes – from small to above average. The greens at Copper Creek Golf Course were a joy to put – true, fast, and smooth.  Undulation, tiers, and slope present some putting challenges. 

The bunkers were wet from a recent rain when we played but the sand looked and felt soft and playable, maybe a tad thin.  The bunkers range from small deep pot bunkers to a couple huge monsters.  Most of the faces are manageable unless you end up right in front of them.  All but 5 of the bunkers (most of which are very big) are guarding the greens.

Bottom line – a scenic and enjoyable course to play for all skill levels and some very interesting and fun holes.