Don’t let the par 65 or short yardage fool you—The Homestead tests control and variety with nearly half the holes as par 3s and a mix of water, bunkers, and elevation. This Lakewood local packs strategic bite and scenery into a compact footprint, making it a favorite for those who want action in every round.
Course DNA
Difficulty
74
Scenery
72
Conditioning
68
Shot Variety
85
Walkability
68
Green Complexity
70
Wow Factor
74
Design Quality
67
At a glance
Quick facts
Number of par-3s
9 (half the course!)
Number of water hazards
9 water hazards in play
Bunkers
46
Course Rating/Slope (Black)
72.9/135
Longest par 4
427 yds (Hole 5)
Signature par-4
Hole 9: split fairway over water
Most scenic hole
17: Downhill par 3 with mountain views
The design
The architecture
The Homestead’s architectural fun-factor lies in its nontraditional makeup—nine par-3s, one par-5, and risk-laden par-4s, all working with an undulating, foothills setting. Every tee shot forces a choice, and par is less about power and more about precision and creativity. Greens are protected by a web of small bunkers and the threat of water, especially on key scoring holes, while elevation shifts add both challenge and drama. Few public courses pack so much shot-making into such a compact, walkable site—it's a tactical treat for every level.
Original architect not listed in public sources.
Defining features
Nine par-3s demanding unique shot shapes
Compact routing with swift changes in elevation
Risk-reward split-fairway on iconic 9th hole
Well-placed water hazards influencing strategy
Multiple tee sets for all skill levels
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 2
Test of Nerves
PAR
3
YARDAGE
193 yds
A stretched-out opening par 3 that requires a confident mid-iron or hybrid over a guarded front. Early nerves are tested by demands for both length and accuracy.
Play it smart
Play for the heart of the green; missing short brings trouble.
Where it bites
Front bunkers and subtle cross winds can wreck scorecards.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approaching split fairway on 9
Play to your strength—left is riskier but rewards a shorter, better angle.
Downhill approach on 17
Trust the downhill yardage and wind; don’t over-swing.
Long par 4 on 5
Focus on a controlled tee shot, avoiding the left OB. Par is a bonus.
Tee shot into the wind on 2
Take enough club—never leave it short when bunkers and wind combine.
Greenside recovery from deep bunker
Don’t get cute—blast to the heart of the green and take your medicine.
Short par 3 like 3 or 8
Attack pins when you feel it, but beware tricky green slopes.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Well-kept public-course turf, good greens for the price point
Pace
Steady, generally under 4 hours due to par 65 short layout
Vibe
Relaxed, fun, shotmaker-focused; not stuffy
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Sharpen iron play
Nine par-3s put a premium on reliable mid-iron and wedge shots.
02
Practice strategic tee shots
Short par-4s reward placement, not just length.
03
Expect some walking effort
Elevation changes make for a solid walk—bring comfortable shoes.
The lore
How it came to be
1993
Course opens in Lakewood
2010
Noted by Colorado Avid Golfer for risk-reward holes
2020
Course receives acclaim as a Denver-area value play
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Strategy
Split-Fairway Drama at the Turn
Hole 9 is one of Denver’s most talked-about strategic holes, giving you two totally different options off the tee and a thrilling over-water second shot to a sloping green. On any busy weekend morning, you’ll hear animated debates about which side is truly smarter.
Uniqueness
Half the Holes Are Par 3s
The Homestead stands out with its wild mix: nine par-3s, a single par-5, and a layout that tests every club in your bag. Local players swear it’s the perfect course to sharpen your irons and short game.
Scenery
Risk and Reward with a Mountain Backdrop
Few moments are more exhilarating than taking on the water at 9, or hitting a precise mid-iron on the downhill 17th with panoramic mountain views. It’s a blend of urban access and Colorado scenery that keeps golfers coming back.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Nine par-3s make it one of Colorado’s quirkiest layouts.
2
Hole 9’s split fairway is a local legend.
3
Compact enough for a quick sub-four-hour round.
4
Elevation changes make every yardage play differently.
Build the trip
If you’re making a Denver-area golf trip
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Fossil Trace Golf Club
Public
Dramatic routing, rock formations, and major local acclaim.
Arrowhead Golf Club
Public
Iconic red rocks and a must-play Colorado setting.
CommonGround Golf Course
Public
Top public accessibility and playable for all levels.
Cherry Hills Country Club
Private
Legendary championship history, if you can secure an invite.
Castle Pines Golf Club
Private
Elite scenery, optional for high-level travelers.
Lakewood or Golden for easy access to multiple top tracks.
Course DNA
If You Like The Homestead Golf Course
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Community Sentiment
See something inaccurate in this listing?