Englewood, Colorado
Cherry Hills is a bucket-list destination where history and elite architecture collide. Post-restoration, the course stands as one of the finest examples of strategic, cerebral golf in America—host to legends, drama, and relentless shot values.
Stand on the first tee and try the shot Arnold Palmer used to launch his 1960 U.S. Open comeback — he drove the 346-yard par 4, then birdied six of the first seven on his way to 65 and the win.
Cherry Hills is a showcase of William Flynn’s strategic genius, now dramatically revitalized by Renaissance Golf Design in 2022 to match its original intent. Routes dance over natural elevation with fairways carved to reward cerebral play, not brute force. Cross bunkers, contoured greens, and open vistas frame a routing that builds tension and demands discipline—especially on the iconic stretch from 16 through 18, where major championships have swung on bold, creative shotmaking. The revived Little Dry Creek and tree-clearing amplify the architectural clarity and sense of history, giving modern players a window into mid-century championship golf at its best.
Flynn’s legacy lives on here—more open, dynamic, and true to his intent after Renaissance’s acclaimed, historically faithful restoration.
Perhaps America’s most famous first hole, this reachable dogleg par 4 demands controlled aggression; Palmer’s 1960 drive here is golf lore. With trouble lurking through the fairway and a sloping green, it sets the tone for a round where angles matter.
Decide whether to lay back for a full-iron approach or press for the green—position is critical and a bold play can pay off.
Miss right off the tee and find severe rough or awkward angles; the green’s tilt punishes indifferent approaches.
Championship-level, immaculate and fast, with firm fairways, true greens, restored width, and just-penal-enough rough.
Private-club deliberate; expect a thoughtful, measured round as befits a historic venue.
Serious and tradition-filled, with a palpable sense of occasion at every turn—this is hallowed ground.
Traditional country club attire required; collared shirts, no denim. Jackets in the clubhouse unless indicated otherwise.
Relive Arnold Palmer’s 1960 charge and the legendary major moments—Cherry Hills rewards players who buy into its lore.
The elevation impacts club selection; expect the ball to travel farther and fast greens demand touch with wedges and putter.
Cherry Hills is eminently walkable but expect moderate elevation changes and some longer green-to-tee stretches; bring your most comfortable shoes.
Cherry Hills Country Club founded and course opens
First U.S. Open west of the Mississippi held at Cherry Hills
Arnold Palmer’s famous comeback victory at the U.S. Open
Last U.S. Open hosted at Cherry Hills
Host of PGA Championship
Major course restoration led by Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design
Host venue for the U.S. Amateur
On Sunday at the 1960 U.S. Open, Arnold Palmer famously drove the green on the short par-4 1st and stormed from seven shots back to victory—one of golf’s greatest championship moments and a turning point in the sport’s popular history.
With three U.S. Opens and two PGA Championships on its résumé, Cherry Hills’ fairways have found themselves at the center of the sport’s biggest dramas, its setup prized for producing classic risk-reward scenarios down the stretch.
The 2022 Tom Doak-led restoration brought back the original cross bunkering and green contours that made William Flynn’s vision legendary—restoring the sense of tension throughout and clarifying shot demands on holes like 17.
There’s a special aura as you play against the backdrop of the Rockies, blending high plains and big skies—no two rounds feel quite the same with constantly shifting wind and classic sightlines now opened further since the latest tree management.
Site of the first U.S. Open west of the Mississippi (1938).
Arnold Palmer’s 1960 comeback at Cherry Hills is considered one of golf’s greatest final rounds.
Major restoration in 2022 reintroduced cross bunkers and opened historic vistas.
Cherry Hills has hosted 10 USGA championships by 2023.
Sits over 5,000 feet above sea level, making club selection and shot trajectory a distinct challenge.
Accessible top public course with architecture pedigree and a fun test that complements Cherry Hills’ classic challenge.
Modern tournament host, conveniently near the airport and city—great arrival or getaway round.
High-end metro-area private with mountain vistas, if you can secure access.
Prestigious Jack Nicklaus design, tournament history, a premium private experience for those with connections.
South Denver/Cherry Hills Village/Englewood for vehicle access to Cherry Hills and other area courses; or central Denver/east corridor if prioritizing public golf.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Baltusrol Golf Club - Upper Course's own setting.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course) a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Cherry Hills Country Club.
Why it matches: What links these two? Puts the same premium on presentation — a familiar feeling, expressed in Atlanta Athletic Club (Riverside Course)'s own setting.
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