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Breckenridge Golf: The Complete Guide to Golfing in Breckenridge, CO
Breckenridge golf is not like golf anywhere else. You are playing at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. The Tenmile Range is right there. Elk walk across the fairways. And the ball flies farther than you have ever hit it in your life.
Whether you are a serious golfer or someone who just wants a beautiful round with great views, Breckenridge delivers one of the most unique golf experiences in the country. This guide covers everything you need to know before you tee off.
Is There a Golf Course in Breckenridge, CO?
Yes. Breckenridge has one of the most impressive golf facilities in Colorado and the United States in general. The Breckenridge Golf Club is a 27-hole public golf course owned and operated by the Town of Breckenridge. It is located at 200 Clubhouse Drive, just off Tiger Run Road, and is open to everyone. You do not need to be a member or a resident to play.
That is actually one of the most remarkable things about this course. The Town of Breckenridge owns it. Which means this world-class Jack Nicklaus facility is a public course available to any golfer who books a tee time.
According to Nicklaus Design, the Town of Breckenridge is the only municipality in the world to own 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus-designed golf.
What the Breckenridge Golf Club is and its History
The Breckenridge Golf Club is a 27-hole championship golf course owned by the Town of Breckenridge. It is located at an elevation of 9,324 feet. This makes it one of the highest golf courses in North America. Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, the course offers beautiful views in every direction.
The Breckenridge Golf Club first opened with the Bear Nine in 1985. The Beaver Nine followed in 1987. As golf became more popular in Breckenridge, the town expanded the course. In 2001, the Elk course was added, which brought the club to a total of 27 holes. Today, golfers can enjoy three different 18-hole combinations: Bear/Beaver, Bear/Elk, and Beaver/Elk.
The golf course is built on land once known as Buffalo Flats, where miners searched for gold during the Colorado Gold Rush. If you play the Beaver course, you'll still see old rock piles called tailings near several holes. These are leftovers from the area's mining days, and they all point to Breckenridge's rich history.
One of the things that makes this course special is its natural setting. As you play, you'll pass through forests, open meadows, wetlands, and mountain landscapes. It's common to see deer, elk, moose, beavers, red foxes, and hawks along the course. During the summer, black bears are even spotted near the Bear course.
The Breckenridge Golf Club is also an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. This is to say it protects wildlife habitats, water quality, and the natural environment. It's a place where great golf and nature go hand in hand.
The course has earned national recognition over the years. Golf Digest gave it a 3.9-star Places to Play rating. Colorado Golfer named it both the Best Mountain Course and Toughest Mountain Course.
Today, Breckenridge Golf Club is one of the top mountain golf destinations in Colorado. It combines championship golf with stunning scenery and a rich piece of the town's mining history.
Who Designed the Breckenridge Golf Course?
The Breckenridge Golf Club was designed by Jack Nicklaus Design, the golf course design company founded by legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus. It's one of his signature courses. By “Signature Course” we mean he was personally involved in the design from beginning to end.
Nicklaus did not reshape the Breckenridge land before designing the course. Instead, he designed the course to fit naturally into the mountain landscape. As you play, you'll move through open meadows, wetlands, forests, and rolling fairways, with beautiful views of the Tenmile Range almost everywhere you look.
You'll also pass old mining tailings and beaver ponds that give the course a unique connection to Breckenridge's history.
As we already said, the course first opened in 1985 with the Bear Nine and Beaver Nine in 1987. As its popularity grew, the town added the Elk Nine in 2001. This created the 27-hole championship course visitors enjoy today.
One thing that makes the course truly special is that the Town of Breckenridge is the only municipality in the world to own a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. That's a distinction few golf destinations can claim.
If you'd like to learn more about the course layout, signature holes, and amenities, visit the official Breckenridge Golf Club website or explore the project on the Jack Nicklaus Design website.
What Are the Three Nines at Breckenridge Golf Club?
The three nines at Breckenridge Golf Club are the club's three separate nine-hole golf courses, and they are the Bear, Beaver, and Elk. Instead of having one fixed 18-hole course, Breckenridge has 27 holes that are divided into these three nines. Golfers play two of them together to create a full 18-hole round.
If you're new to golf, you might be wondering what a "nine" is. A nine simply means a nine-hole golf course. Since a standard round of golf is 18 holes, you'll play any two of the three nines during your visit.
That means you can play Bear and Beaver, Bear and Elk, or Beaver and Elk. Each combination offers a different experience, so no two rounds feel exactly the same.
The three nines at Breckenridge Golf Club:
The Bear Nine
The Bear Nine is the original. It opened in 1985 and was the first nine to be built on land that early-day miners called Buffalo Flats. Before the golf course existed, this was a tent city of prospectors searching for gold. Mining tailings from that era are still visible on the course today.
The Bear is named for the black bears that are spotted here every summer. They are a regular presence.
The course is tree-lined and challenging. Nicklaus designed it to reward a fade off the tee, which means players who naturally curve the ball left to right have a built-in advantage. The Bear and Beaver together form the original championship 18.
The Beaver Nine
The Beaver Nine opened in 1987, two years after The Bear. It is the narrowest and most demanding of the three nines. The fairways are tight, lined on both sides by marshy wetlands.
Bunkers guard the greens. And the beaver ponds on holes 6, 8, and 9 have a way of finding golf balls that stray even slightly offline.
The name does not come from Nicklaus. It comes from the actual beavers. Active beavers dug the ponds and created the habitat. Nicklaus left their work in place and built the holes around it.
The signature hole on the Beaver Nine is hole 9. A 195-yard par three with a tiny green and swirling mountain breezes.
The Elk Nine
The Elk nine is the newest of the three nines at Breckenridge Golf Course. It opened in 2001 after the original 18 proved so popular that the town decided to expand. The Elk reaches the highest elevation on the entire golf course at 9,445 feet. It offers the most elevation change and the widest panoramic views of the Tenmile Range.
The Elk Nine is located on historic ranch land. The homesteads and outbuildings from 1900s ranching operations still exist on the course. When you go to the Elk Nine to play, you are literally playing golf through Colorado history.
The key to the Elk Nine is accuracy. More so than any other nine at Breckenridge. The fairways look open, but the landing zones are specific. Miss them and you are in the lake, the bushes, or both.
The sixth hole is only 281 yards from the Nicklaus tees. At this elevation, it is drivable. But the green is well-protected, so think twice before pulling out the driver.
What Should You Know About Playing Golf in Breckenridge?
With everything we have said so far, this section is so important. Especially if you are new to the Breckenridge Golf Course experience. Playing golf in Breckenridge is a little different from playing at most courses.
The biggest reason is the elevation. Recall that the Breckenridge Golf Club sits 9,324 feet above sea level. Where the air is thinner than at lower elevations.
That thinner air affects both the golf ball and your body. Your shots will usually travel farther, but you may also get tired more quickly if you're not used to the altitude.
The mountain weather can change fast, so it's also a good idea to dress in layers and keep a light jacket nearby.
Here are a few things to keep in mind before you tee off:
- The ball flies farther: At over 9,300 feet, there is significantly less air resistance than at sea level. According to the Nicklaus Design website, the ball flies farther and straighter at Breckenridge than at lower elevations.
- Expect your shots to carry 10 to 15 percent farther than normal. That means if you usually hit a 7-iron 150 yards, you might hit it 165 here. Adjust your club selection down by one or two clubs.
- The temperatures are cool: Summer daytime temperatures at Breckenridge Golf Club typically range from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It rarely exceeds 80. That makes summer golf here genuinely pleasant, even in July when the rest of Colorado is baking.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common: This is Colorado. Storms roll in fast in the afternoon, usually between 2 PM and 4 PM. Book morning tee times whenever possible. If you are on the course in the afternoon and see dark clouds building over the Tenmile Range, take the weather seriously. Lightning at altitude is not a joke.
- The wind is unpredictable: Mountain terrain channels wind in ways that are hard to read. The head pro recommends testing the grass multiple times before each shot. What feels calm at your feet can be a completely different story at the ball's peak height.
- Altitude affects your body too: If you have just arrived in Breckenridge, give yourself a day to adjust before playing 18 holes. You will get tired faster at altitude, especially if you are walking the course. Stay hydrated. Drink more water than you think you need. The dry mountain air works against you without you realizing it.
How Do You Book a Tee Time at Breckenridge Golf Club?
Booking a tee time at Breckenridge Golf Club is not a hard thing to do at all. Simply visit the Breckenridge Golf Club website and use the online tee time booking system. You can also call the pro shop directly. The course is open to all golfers. You do not need a membership.
The course typically opens for the season around Memorial Day in late May, depending on snow conditions. It closes in mid to late October as cold weather returns. Summer weekends fill up fast, especially Saturdays in July and August. Book at least a few days ahead if you want your preferred time. Morning slots go first.
The Breckenridge Golf Course address is 200 Clubhouse Drive, Breckenridge, CO 80424. It sits just off Tiger Run Road, about a mile from Main Street. Parking is free and plentiful.
What Amenities Does Breckenridge Golf Club Have?
Breckenridge Golf Club offers more than just great golf. The Breckenridge Golf Club is a full-service facility. Here are the things to expect:
- Restaurant and bar: After your round, you can grab a meal or enjoy a drink while taking in the mountain views. It's also a great place to relax before your tee time or wait out one of Breckenridge's afternoon rain showers.
- Golf shop: Need golf balls, apparel, or other gear? The pro shop is stocked with equipment, clothing, and accessories. You can also rent clubs if you didn't bring your own.
- Practice facilities and driving range: Want to loosen up before you play? Spend some time at the driving range or practice your putting and short game before heading to the first tee.
- Locker rooms: Locker room facilities are available, which gives you a convenient place to change, freshen up, or store your belongings during your visit.
- Golf clinics and special events: The club hosts fun events throughout the season, including free adult golf clinics, family golf nights, and the popular Wine and Nine evenings, where you can enjoy nine holes of golf with a glass of wine. They're a great way to improve your game, meet other golfers, or simply enjoy a relaxed evening on the course.
What Other Golf Courses Are Near Breckenridge, CO?
If you want more golf during your stay, two excellent courses are just 15 minutes away in Keystone. They are:
Keystone Ranch Golf Course
The Keystone Ranch Golf Course is an 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and built on historic 1900s ranch land. The original homestead buildings still stand on the property. The course is wide, with links-style fairways with mountain views and a completely different feel from the Breckenridge Golf Club. It is one of the most scenic courses in Summit County.
The River Course at Keystone
This is an 18-hole course that follows the Snake River through the Keystone Resort valley. More relaxed than the Ranch Course. A good option for a pleasant round or for golfers who want something more casual. Stunning views of the Gore Range and the surrounding Keystone area.
You know what makes golf in Breckenridge even better?
Owning a home near the course. The Highlands at Breckenridge is built around the golf club. Homes there sit on and around the course with direct access to the fairways and mountain views from your back deck year-round.
If that lifestyle sounds right, Natalia Bassova of Resort Real Estate Inc. has 21 years of experience helping buyers find golf properties in Breckenridge. Call 970-389-8899 or email nbassova@gmail.com.
What Is the Highlands at Breckenridge?
The Highlands at Breckenridge is Breckenridge's premier golf course community. It wraps around the Breckenridge Golf Club's Jack Nicklaus course. Homes here sit on large lots with direct golf course access, mountain views, and a quieter atmosphere than the resort base areas closer to the ski lifts.
This neighborhood is the right fit for buyers who love golf in summer and want a spacious, private mountain home year-round.
It is also popular with buyers who want luxury finishes and large lots without the noise and traffic of the ski resort base areas. Browse Breckenridge golf properties to see what is currently available.
Subdivisions in the Breckenridge Golf Course area
Tips for Playing Golf in Breckenridge
- Book a morning tee time: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Morning rounds are almost always clear. Afternoon rounds are a gamble.
- Club down one to two clubs: The ball flies farther at altitude. If you usually hit a 6-iron to 160 yards, try a 7 or 8-iron at Breckenridge.
- Test the wind before every shot: Throw grass in the air. Do it several times. Mountain wind is unpredictable and changes fast.
- Stay hydrated: Bring more water than you think you need. The altitude and dry air dehydrate you faster than you expect, especially while walking 18 holes.
- Give yourself an adjustment day: If you just arrived from sea level, try to play your first round on day two or three of your trip. Altitude affects stamina and concentration. Adjusting first makes for a better round.
- Watch for wildlife: Elk, deer, and beavers are common on the course. Moose occasionally appear near the Beaver ponds. Enjoy them but give them space.
Try the Wine and Nine event. A fun introduction to the course for new golfers or anyone who wants a relaxed, social evening round.
Breckenridge golf is one of those experiences that stays with you. The views are breathtaking. The course is genuinely challenging. And the combination of history, wildlife, and mountain scenery makes every round feel like more than just golf.
If you are thinking about more than just a round and are interested in what owning property near this course looks like, Natalia Bassova of Resort Real Estate Inc. is the right person to call.
She has 21 years of experience helping buyers find the right home across Breckenridge, Keystone, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, and Copper Mountain. Call 970-389-8899 or email nbassova@gmail.com. Or browse current Breckenridge listings to see what is available right now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breckenridge Golf
Does Breckenridge, CO, have a golf course?
Yes. Breckenridge Golf Club is a 27-hole public golf course owned and operated by the Town of Breckenridge. It features three nine-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature courses called the Bear, the Beaver, and the Elk. The course sits at 9,324 feet above sea level on the edge of town and is open to all golfers. No membership is required. According to Nicklaus Design, Breckenridge is the only municipality in the world to own 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus-designed golf.
Who designed the Breckenridge Golf Club?
All three nines at Breckenridge Golf Club were designed by Jack Nicklaus. The Bear and Beaver Nines opened in 1985 and 1987. The Elk Nine opened in 2001. They are part of the Nicklaus Design portfolio of signature courses around the world. The Bear and Beaver together form the original championship 18, which Golf Digest rated a 3.9-star Places to Play facility in the United States.
How do I book a tee time at Breckenridge Golf Club?
Visit the official Breckenridge Golf Club website at breckenridgegolfclub.com and use the online tee time booking system. You can also call the pro shop directly. The course is a public facility open to all golfers. The season typically runs from late May through mid-October depending on weather. Book at least a few days ahead for weekend tee times in July and August. Morning tee times go first.
What is the elevation of the Breckenridge golf course?
The Breckenridge Golf Club sits at an elevation of 9,324 feet above sea level. The highest point on the course is on the Elk nine, which reaches 9,445 feet. At this elevation, the ball flies 10 to 15 percent farther than at sea level due to thinner air and reduced resistance. Most golfers should plan to club down one or two clubs from their normal selection. Summer temperatures at this elevation are mild, typically 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit on a typical day.
