Edwards, Colorado
Sonnenalp Club brings championship-caliber mountain golf to the heart of the Vail Valley, with an iconic Morrish-Cupp design, firm conditioning, and a truly upscale setting. Fast greens, elevation drama, and attentive service make every round feel special—this is the anchor play for any Vail golf itinerary.
Order a drink on the patio post-round—the sunset mountain views and finishing green drama are among the valley’s best-kept après-golf secrets.
Sonnenalp Club epitomizes mountain resort golf: Jay Morrish and Bob Cupp’s original 1980 design weaves dramatically between glacial ridges, aspen groves, and wetlands, demanding thoughtful club selection and rewarding creative shotmaking. The course’s natural flow lets views, elevation changes, and firm, fast conditions take center stage. Signature par 3s test nerve and precision, while par 5s beckon adventure but punish impatience. The quick, subtle greens are expertly sited to gather—or repel—shots, with placement and altitude always in play.
Morrish and Cupp’s combined vision marries subtle strategy with the grandeur of Rocky Mountain land, making Sonnenalp a thinking golfer’s mountain test.
The first is a true tone-setter: a 611-yard downhill par 5 with a wide opening landing zone and dramatic mountain backdrop. Strategic players will carefully position their tee shot to set up a realistic, risk-managed second, rather than biting off the full length. Start your round choosing placement over brute force.
Use elevation to your advantage off the tee, favor an accurate layup, and trust your wedge—instead of forcing the green in two, position for an easy third.
Stray tee balls left flirt with water, while a forced second brings native rough and tangled slopes into play.
Superb conditioning with fast greens, manicured fairways, and well-maintained bunkers.
Generally quick rounds, even at peak periods, with attentive staff helping optimize pace.
Upscale but relaxed resort-club feel—expect top-tier service and mountain calm without stuffiness.
Collared shirts and golf-appropriate attire strongly expected; check with the club for specific policy before arrival.
Arrive the day before and hydrate—thin mountain air will change both your stamina and ball flight.
Mountain mornings can be brisk even in peak summer, so plan for changing temperatures and sudden weather.
Sonnenalp’s best times book up fast in high season; secure your tee time well ahead, especially for early mornings with the best views.
Stay on the safe side with collared shirts and proper golf attire; jeans and gym shorts are a no-go.
Course opens as Singletree with a new Morrish-Cupp design
Acquired by the Faessler family
Reopens as Sonnenalp Club, hosts the U.S. Junior Amateur
Hosts Colorado Open
Clubhouse and club amenities renovated (not golf course)
Hosts Colorado State Amateur
Further club amenities expansion, with course maintenance upgrade
Sonnenalp Club is the only golf course in the United States co-designed by Jay Morrish and Bob Cupp, making for a unique blend of their creativity and mountain land use. Golf architecture fans travel here seeking this rare partnership’s only full creation.
In 1987, Sonnenalp’s just-renamed fairways saw Brett Quigley’s breakthrough win at the U.S. Junior Amateur, bringing national championship golf to the heart of Vail Valley for the first time. The event’s legacy still echoes in the club’s tournament pedigree.
Every year, members and local professionals honor their architects’ legacy with the clubhouse’s namesake pro-am, the Morrish-Cupp Cup—a spirited annual battle that celebrates strategy and camaraderie on these storied mountain fairways.
Though luxury amenities have evolved since 2014, the course routing and playing experience have ‘not changed much since it was designed in 1980’. The original vision endures nearly untouched across decades.
Only U.S. course co-designed by Jay Morrish and Bob Cupp.
Originally opened as Singletree before rebranding as Sonnenalp.
Hosted the 1987 U.S. Junior Amateur, launching several PGA Tour careers.
Unchanged routing since its 1980 debut, with only maintenance and cosmetic upgrades since.
The Morrish-Cupp Cup is an annual tradition honoring both architects.
Iconic nearby mountain destination with two elite championship routings—public/resort play rotates daily.
Arnold Palmer-designed mountain public just down valley—great value and scenery.
Alpine resort golf with short window but a unique in-the-forest experience.
36-hole Jack Nicklaus gem at altitude; a must-play if trip expands eastward.
Unique river valley mountain track with dramatic holes and available public access.
Stay in Edwards for golf-first convenience or Vail for extra-luxe lodging and après options.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club is a natural next stop after Sonnenalp Club: it shares a memorable sense of place.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Pelican Hill Golf Club - South Course shares a memorable sense of place and offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to Sonnenalp Club.
Why it matches: If Sonnenalp Club is your kind of course, Old North State Club is worth a look because it puts the same premium on presentation.
Community Sentiment
See something inaccurate in this listing?