As you may know, I’ve been sharing part 1 and part 2 of the Top Winners of the CAGGYs. As a reminder, the CAGGY is a special award and recognition for top Colorado Golf Courses from the magazine Colorado AvidGolfer. Colorado AvidGolfer is a great resource for golfers throughout the Centennial state and is published 8 times a year. The CAGGY winners are determined by surveys from magazine staff and real golfer surveys and feature categories like Best Mountain Courses and Best Course for Ladies. I’ve highlighted one staff pick and one survey pick from each category and pulled some real reviews from Google reviews. Let’s take a look at some of the results and see if you agree with these top picks!
Best Clubhouse – Private (Survey Results)
- Broadmoor Golf Club
Located in Colorado Springs, this course boasts the best private clubhouse on the list and is well-known throughout the world. Golfers can stay on the property in cabins, guest rooms and estate houses to not only play the course but also take part of wilderness experiences like fishing or ranching. Top reviews include: a challenging course to play, golf carts with GPS and wildlife roaming the course. This course will also be hosting the 2025 Senior Open.
- Castle Pines Golf Club
- Cherry Hills Country Club
Best Clubhouse – Private (Staff Picks Results)
- The Country Club at Castle Pines
- The Club at Flying Horse
- The Club at Ravenna
Located in Littleton, this private club offers some nature in the middle of the city as it sits at the bottom of the foothills. This course is part of a home community with residents having access to the gym, amazing dining and special events. Top reviews mention: friendly staff, beautiful views and fun classes as part of the gym.
Best Caddies – Private (Survey Results)
- Ballyneal Golf & Hunt Club
Located in Holyoake near the Nebraska state line this course is actually built atop a sand dune. This course offers options to stay at the course for destination trips. Top reviews mention: great room service, a super unique course to play and great accommodations.
- Cherry Hills Country Club
- Castle Pines Golf Club
Best Caddies – Private (Staff Picks)
- The Broadmoor Golf Club
- Colorado Golf Club
- Frost Creek Country Club
Located in Eagle this course offers amazing natural views of the wild lands and wildlife in the area. This 18-hole course is also part of a home community with houses available for residents. Top reviews mention: differing views between the two 9’s, available forecaddies and attention to detail on and off the course.
Best Instructors for Men (Survey Results)
- Dennis Murray, Denver Athletic Club and Valley Country Club
- Mike Knights, GOLFTEC
Located in Westminster, GOLFTEC is a facility that offers lessons, fittings and tips to improve your game. Mike Knights specifically is a certified golf coach and PGA member. Top reviews mention: a drastic improvement in game, attentive initial evaluation and professionalism
- Brad Alston, Optimum Golf, Denver
Best Instructors for Men (Staff Picks)
- Nick Clearwater, GOLFTEC
- Ed Oldham, The Ranch Country Club, Ed Oldham Golf
- Stan Utley, Maroon Creek Club, Aspen
Located in Aspen, Colorado Stan Utley has been recognized as Golf Digest’s 50 Best Teachers and is the author of 4 books. He instructs on specialities like short game, putting and personally still holds the PGA Tour record for fewest putts over nine holes.
Best Instructors for Women (Survey Results)
- Alicia Bakken, Omni Interlocken Resort
Located in Westminster, Alicia Bakken is a PGA professional who customizes all golf lessons, including video analysis, depending on what aspect of the game someone is looking to improve. She also specializes in those who are just learning to play.
- Chris Schultz, Aurora Hills Golf Course and Indian Tree Golf Course
- Elena King, CommonGround Learning Center
Best Instructors for Women (Staff Picks)
- Sherry Andonian, Valley Country Club
- Alice Plain, Vail Golf Club
Located in Vail, Alice Plain is the proud recipient of the 2021 Colorado PGA Professional of the Year. She is the Director of golf at the club and specializes in teaching juniors and women.
- Katie Milstead, Valley Country Club
Best Instructors for Juniors (Survey Results)
- Dustin Miller, Dustin Miller Golf
Another PGA professional, Dustin Miller has his own practice and has recently been featured as a Golf Digest Best Teacher. His facility is located in Parker, Colorado and also offers swing bays in Saddle Rock Golf Club in Green Valley Ranch.
- Nate Corsbie, Eagle Ranch Country Club
- Marcus Gillmore, Fort Collins Country Club
Best Instructors for Juniors (Staff Picks)
- Trent Wearner, Trent Wearner Golf
- Lanny DeRoeck, Perry Park Country Club
- Jason Witczak, The Club at Pradera
Located in Parker, Jason is a PGA Class A instructor who works with beginners and professionals alike. He specializes in kinesiology and proper setup to make sure the mechanics are set up right. He currently works out of the Pinery in Parker.
Do you agree with the courses on this list? Are you in the market to buy or sell your home? Call and text me at (720) 323-4176 or email me at [email protected]
