The President Played Here
Over the decades, Hiwan has welcomed famous golfers and at least two former U.S. presidents to its storied fairways. The subtle pressure of that history lingers on every tee box.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Hiwan Golf Club
Evergreen, Colorado
Established
1962
Architect
Press Maxwell (original), Dick Phelps (renovations)
Access
Private
Par
Par 70
Length
5,507 – 7,021 yds
The verdict
A Demanding Colorado Classic
Hiwan Golf Club delivers mountain golf with championship teeth—steep fairways, severe greens, and storied shot values define the experience. Its regional tournament pedigree and classic Press Maxwell routing make every round a test, with only precision and nerve rewarded.
Course DNA
Difficulty
88
Scenery84
Conditioning78
Shot Variety79
Walkability68
Green Complexity90
Wow Factor74
Design Quality79
Don't miss
Ask long-time members about the infamous putts Tom Watson and U.S. presidents once faced on Hiwan’s greens—stories abound in the 19th hole lounge.
At a glance
Quick facts
Elevation
Over 7,600 feet above sea level
Historic Roots
Part of the former Hiwan Ranch
Notable Greens
Infamous for their severity
Course Architect
Press Maxwell
Colorado Open Host
Inaugural host 1964–1991
Tournament Pedigree
USGA Junior events, Junior America's Cup
Play Policy
Private, member-guest only
The design
The architecture
Press Maxwell's design at Hiwan takes full advantage of Evergreen's mountainous topography, routing holes to challenge with elevation changes, uneven lies, and natural contours. The course is defined by its infamous green sites—severe, canted, rarely level—and a relentless demand for shot-making precision throughout. Renovations preserved Maxwell’s vision while enhancing playability and modernizing the club.
Press Maxwell, son of Perry Maxwell, was known for letting the land dictate his routings; at Hiwan, his mountain philosophy is unmistakable.
Defining features
- Severe, sloping, multi-tiered greens
- Dramatic elevation shifts from tee to green
- Narrow fairways routed along natural ridges
- Bold use of natural Rocky Mountain landforms
- Strategic bunkering guarding tricky green complexes
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 2
Mountain Marathon
PAR
5
YARDAGE
594
This epic par 5 carves through mountain terrain and demands a measured layup. Its length combined with terrain makes aggression risky and position crucial.
Play it smart
Play strategically to a preferred wedge yardage and avoid the temptation to force a hero carry on your second shot.
Where it bites
Aggressive approaches can bring severe sidehill lies and tricky stances into play, with little room for error near the green.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approaching a flag above the hole
Never attack a front flag with significant slope above—landing short and safe is wise.
Facing a long mountain par 3 (like 16)
Club up for altitude and wind; focus on center-green to avoid big numbers.
Tee shot on the narrowest fairways
Favor accuracy over length—mountain bounces can send even a good drive careening into trouble.
Chipping from above the hole
Use loft and minimal roll—anything aggressive will run well past on Hiwan’s severe greens.
Second shot on a reachable par 5
Reconsider going for it in two; a poor approach can leave a wicked pitch over slopes.
Tough downhill sidehill lie
Play conservative and account for significant roll out—the terrain will exaggerate any miss.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Consistently good, especially greens, with some mountain-weather variability.
Pace
Efficient but focused; typical of a private championship-oriented club.
Vibe
Classic, traditional, and quietly serious—a members’ club with tournament pedigree.
Dress code
Traditional private club attire required (collared shirts, no denim).
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Practice Downhill Lag Putting
The fastest, most severe greens in the region reward a delicate touch more than power.
02
Altitude Club Planning
Mountain air means you’ll hit every club further—commit to your adjusted yardages.
03
Pack For Weather Swings
Mountain elevation brings sudden sun, wind, and rain. Layer up for every forecast.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1962
Hiwan Golf Club founded by converting Hiwan Ranch
- 1964
Hosted inaugural Colorado Open, beginning a 28-year run
- 1965
Hosted USGA Girls Junior
- 1976
Hosted USGA Junior Amateur (boys)
- 2011
Hosted Junior America's Cup
- 2023
Major clubhouse and amenity renovation completed
Stories & legends
What makes it special
From Ranch To Fairway
What began as Hiwan Ranch became a golf landmark after the Bergen family sold the land, transforming historic pastures into a championship mountain course. Remnants of its ranching roots shape the landscape to this day.
Birthplace Of The Colorado Open
Hiwan didn’t just host the Colorado Open—it co-founded the event, putting championship golf in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain corridor and setting the stage for decades of high-level play.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The course sits more than 7,600 feet above sea level.
2
Hiwan co-founded and hosted the Colorado Open for nearly three decades.
3
The greens are so severe, even U.S. presidents have reportedly four-putted.
4
Hiwan’s land was once part of a historic ranch owned by the Bergen family.
5
Few Colorado courses share such tournament lore combined with classic mountain challenge.
Build the trip
If you're making a Colorado mountain-and-metro golf trip
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Arrowhead Golf Club
Public
Striking red rock scenery, a top public play.
Mariana Butte Golf Course
Municipal
Fun, affordable municipal mountain golf.
CommonGround Golf Course
Public
Metro Denver's top public championship course.
Bear Dance Golf Club
Public
Award-winning daily fee with mountain feel.
Red Rocks Country Club
Private
Classic private Foothills test if you can snag an invite.
Evergreen for mountain access, or Golden/Lakewood for best metro start point.
Course DNA
If You Like Hiwan Golf Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.1
The Club at Pradera
Parker, ColoradoWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. The Club at Pradera a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Hiwan Golf Club.
Strong DNA Match8.1
Palouse Ridge Golf Club
Pullman, WashingtonWhy it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Palouse Ridge Golf Club's own setting.
Strong DNA Match7.1
Cherokee Valley Golf Club
Travelers Rest, South CarolinaWhy it matches: Cherokee Valley Golf Club is a natural next stop after Hiwan Golf Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Community Sentiment
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