Toughest Golf Holes in the Colorado High Country!

So you really enjoy playing golf, but feel that you need a bit more of a challenge. Well let me introduce you to Golf, Colorado High Country style! These five holes get my vote for not only the toughest holes in the Colorado High Country, but maybe the toughest holes anywhere.

From the fifth toughest to the toughest, hear are my five golf holes that will give you the challenge of your life. And if you don't go run away, they will give you some great stories to tell for the rest of your life.

Number 5: Designed by Richard M. Phelps, the Rifle Creek Golf Course near Rifle,Colorado is one of the most spectacular courses in the High Country of Colorado. And on the backside of the course waits a monster ready to decimate your game. Hole #13 is a wide open,448 yard par 5 temptress. When you approach, you tell yourself that you can definitely get their in two. So you pull out your driver and let it rip. But just around the bend are some rocks waiting to bury your ball. Resist temptation, and take the three. you'll be glad you did.

Number 4: Designed by Jim Engh, this 18-hole public golf course is exceptional in its use of the views around it. Located near New Castle,Co. it is known as a "montane" golf course. Simply put, montane means a mixed forest of pine,fir,spruce and aspen trees. In the midst of all this beauty is hole #8. The first thing you have to do is ascend up to the 100 foot elevated tee box. Once up there you will be treated to one of the most spectacular views of Burning Mountain you have ever seen. You will also be greatly deceived. There before you appears one of the easiest holes in the world. Or so it seems. There are 3 pot bunkers on the fairway in front of you, followed by a rock river and pond beyond the first fairway. Accuracy is the name of the game here. The best play is to lay up short of the bunkers, but then who wants to lay up?

Number 3: Designed by Arnold Palmer and Jim Engh, the Snowmass Golf Course reopened in 2004. Designed at the base of the Smowmass Mountains, it is an awe inspiring site. And waiting for you is Hole #11. It is one of the most picturesque holes on the course, and will seduce you into destroying your game. The par 5, 11th hole doglegs to the left and is flanked by a man made stream on the right. There is also a large bunker hidden on the left of the green. The challenge is that you are hitting onto an elevated green that you cannot see. There is water down the entire right side, and a bunker down the left. Have fun!

Number 2: Located two miles from downtown Aspen,CO. the Aspen Golf Course is an Open Lynx Style course. It gives added detail to its surroundings. Imagine being able to play golf while having views of the Continental Divide,the Maroon Bells,Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk Mountains. And waiting for you is hole #13. The key is in the tee-shot. You shoot through a very tight alley of trees, with an out of bounds on the right. This 562 yard, par 5 is an excellent test for your long drive accuracy, but be careful. It has ruined many who have tried.

Number 1: Rated as one of the top golf resorts in the country by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest, the Keystone River Golf Course was designed by Hurdzan-Fry. With the snake river winding through the course, it is a treat for the eyes. It features 12 different kinds of wildflowers, and it is not unusual to see elk walking through the area.When you are ready for the challenge of your life, come to hole #4. From this vantage point you will feel like your on top of the world. Mostly because there is a 200 foot vertical drop from tee to green. You may be tempted to hit your driver, but be careful. Many golfers have left themselves a severe downhill lie to the green. The one saving grace is that the green is very large and forgiving.