High Stakes, High Altitude
With the course sitting over 6,400 feet above sea level, first-time visitors find their tee shots sailing distances they've never seen before—the elevation can be both blessing and curse during a championship round.
More at The Broadmoor
The verdict
A Heritage Resort Championship Test
The Broadmoor East Course transports you to a storied era of mountain golf, blending Donald Ross strategy with Robert Trent Jones boldness. Expect polished conditions, major-championship pedigree, and views that make even missed putts feel epic.
Course DNA
Difficulty
84
Scenery90
Conditioning88
Shot Variety81
Walkability69
Green Complexity86
Wow Factor86
Design Quality88
At a glance
Quick facts
Elevation
Over 6,400 feet above sea level
Signature Finish
Dramatic water-guarded 18th hole
Major Champions
Annika Sörenstam, Jack Nicklaus among winners
Ross/Jones Hybrid
Nine Ross, nine Jones holes
Resort Experience
Linked to historic Broadmoor Resort
USGA Host
Multiple USGA championships including a Women’s Open
Altitude Effects
Ball flies significantly farther
Mountain Vistas
Panoramic Pike's Peak and front range views
The design
The architecture
The Broadmoor East Course is a rare blend of two architectural greats: Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones Sr. Ross’s original genius is felt in subtle greens and classic routing on holes 1–6 and 16–18, while Jones brings bolder lines, longer carries, and elevated drama through the mountain-footprint holes in the middle. The course’s strategic test—where thoughtful placement, not just power, is rewarded—remains true to its roots. Dramatic elevation changes, water hazards, and resort-level conditioning combine to create a stern but fair major-championship setup. The hybrid routing lets players taste both Golden Age nuance and mid-century mountain spectacle in a single, unforgettable round.
Ross’s original holes remain revered for their strategy, while Jones’s work provides the signature drama; together, they define elite American mountain resort golf.
Defining features
- Elevated, sloping greens defend par on almost every hole
- Water hazards threaten key approaches (notably 3, 4, and 18)
- Tree-lined fairways frame demanding shot values
- Blended routing: Ross's subtlety, Jones's boldness
- Classic championship bunkering and contouring
- Changing altitude impacts club selection on every shot
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 3
Hole 3
PAR
5
YARDAGE
601 yds
One of the most demanding par 5s, this hole is a true three-shot test for all but the longest hitters. Water near the green and the imposing setting near the clubhouse force you to make hard choices from the fairway.
Play it smart
Long hitters may contemplate a heroic second shot but must weigh the risk of getting wet; the smart play is a well-placed layup for a manageable wedge.
Where it bites
Approaches leaking right flirt with water; bunkers and rough compound the risk.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approaching an elevated green
Take enough club—mountain air and firm surfaces fool you into coming up short.
Downhill long par 3 (12th hole)
Respect the wind and altitude; pick a club that gets you pin-high or just long for a safe par putt.
First hole nerves
Commit to a placement shot off the tee—finding the fairway here sets your strategic tone for the day.
Dogleg right finishing hole
Trust your line—don’t challenge the inside too much or water guards your next shot.
Mid-course scoring stretch
Holes 7 and 9 let you be aggressive—go after them if you’ve built momentum.
Putting fast, sloped greens
Keep approach shots below the hole where possible; Broadmoor’s greens can be lightning-quick downhill.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Championship groomed, fast greens, tour-level surfaces
Pace
4.5+ hours in prime season; smoother if you tee off early
Vibe
Polished, historic, major-championship resort atmosphere
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Prepare for Altitude
Adjust your yardages—shots fly farther at 6,400 feet, so bring your rangefinder and an open mind.
02
Bring Layered Apparel
Mountain weather changes quickly; pack a sweater or rain shell just in case.
03
Arrive Early
Take time on the practice greens to get a feel for subtle, fast surfaces and to soak in mountain views before rushing to the first tee.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1918
Original course opens, designed by Donald Ross
- 1952
Robert Trent Jones Sr. combines new holes with Ross's to create the East Course
- 1959
Jack Nicklaus wins his first U.S. Amateur here
- 1995
Annika Sörenstam captures her first U.S. Women’s Open title on the East
- 2008
Hosts the U.S. Senior Open, won by Eduardo Romero
- 2025
Set to host the U.S. Senior Open again
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Where Annika Arrived
In 1995, a young Annika Sörenstam broke through for her first LPGA major here. The Broadmoor’s demanding closing stretch rewarded her precision and nerve—marking the start of a Hall of Fame career.
Ross’s “Best Work”
Legend has it Donald Ross considered The Broadmoor among his very best layouts. His strategic bunkering and routing inspire awe to this day, even after Robert Trent Jones Sr. put his daring mountain imprint on the back.
Mountain Drama on No. 18
With the hotel framing the green, water lurking, and major-title hopes on the line, the par-4 18th is where Broadmoor memories—and heartbreak—are made.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The course was the highest in the U.S. at its 1918 debut.
2
Jack Nicklaus won his first U.S. Amateur title on these fairways.
3
Annika Sörenstam’s 1995 major victory here ignited her Hall of Fame run.
4
Donald Ross once called Broadmoor his 'best work.'
5
Your drives may travel up to 10% farther at this mountain altitude.
Build the trip
If you're making a Colorado Springs golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Patty Jewett Golf Course
Public
Historic municipal with mountain views—true local flavor
Cheyenne Mountain Resort Golf Course
Resort/Public
More accessible mountain resort track; easier tee times
Colorado Springs Country Club
Private
Traditional club, strong contrasting test
Kissing Camels Golf Club
Private/Semi-Private
Well-regarded championship class, great scenery
Shining Mountain Golf Club
Public
Full mountain golf to complete the experience
The Broadmoor Resort or southwest Colorado Springs
Course DNA
If You Like The Broadmoor
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match9.1
Sebonack Golf Club
Southampton, New YorkWhy it matches: Sebonack Golf Club is a natural next stop after The Broadmoor Golf Club East Course: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match8.2
The Virginian Golf Club
Bristol, VirginiaWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. The Virginian Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to The Broadmoor Golf Club East Course.
Strong DNA Match9.7
Augusta National Golf Club
Augusta, GeorgiaWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Augusta National Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to The Broadmoor Golf Club East Course.
Community Sentiment
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