Eagle Vail

Beyond Summit County and Vail traveling west on I-70 you’ll come to the almost affordable, call it “attainable” community of Eagle Vail, CO. Exit here and work your way south up the mountain between the Vail and Beaver Creek ski resorts to enjoy a truly fun and challenging round of golf at the Eagle Vail Golf Club.

Compared to other courses in Summit and Eagle Counties Eagle Vail is a value priced bargain at about $98 with cart in peak season. I’d played Eagle Vail in prior years and the conditions were sometimes suspect. But this year the fairways, greens and even their tee boxes were in fine condition.

The most unique feature of Eagle Vail is its great elevation changes. Number 9 is a wild, blind, dogleg right downhill par 4 followed by a steep uphill hike or cart ride (I wouldn’t recommend walking this course as I tried in ONCE!) to a par 3 10th hole with a drop of 200 feet. You'll notice damaged clay tile roofs on the homes around the 10th green from some stray shot! Holes 16 and 18 are wild dogleg right par 4 and 5 ventures. One of the photos shows the second shot to a steeply forward pitched 16th green tucked behind a mountain stream and protected by aspens, pines, rocks and sand traps. Don’t be short, long, left or right on your approach to the 16th green!

You may or may not enjoy the strange grouping of holes crowded on both sides of the beautiful Eagle River when you pass through the tunnel under Highway 6. These are the par 3 3rd hole which you’ll fight to keep your ball from rolling back and to the right toward the river. Next is the heavily trapped par 4 4th hole along historic Highway 6 (the only access to these mountain towns before I-70). After that is the treacherous little par 3 5th hole over the Eagle River. Don’t be long or short on this hole. Finally comes the par 4 6th hole with an extreme risk/reward opportunity – again driving over Eagle River to a back sloping green that’s almost impossible to hold. When you return through the tunnel you’ll be back in the world of more traditional golf holes……..if you call 200 feet elevation changes traditional.

I enjoy Eagle Vail for the fun of some very exciting holes with more local color than the high end resort courses in Summit and Eagle Counties. The fees I quoted above are non-resident, peak season rates. Eagle Vail runs some bargain specials at times. Get on their website at www.eaglevailgolfclub.com for more information. Head Golf Pro, Ben Welsh, welcomes visiting golfers and will show you a fun golf experience. The clubhouse and bar/restaurant don’t compare to the high end resort courses but if unique golf holes are your interest Eagle Vail is for you.

Sam Sherstad Writer, Recreation Travel Reviews