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Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

The Homestead Golf Course

73

Lakewood, Colorado

Established
1993
Access
Public
Par
Par 65
Length
3,895 – 5,048 yds
The verdict

Short length, big challenge, mountain views

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

  1. 1993

    Course opens in Lakewood

  2. 2010

    Noted by Colorado Avid Golfer for risk-reward holes

  3. 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.

From the community

Community Sentiment

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