Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
Rankings:
The Takeaway: The gold standard of country club's in Colorado with top of the line facilities, Castle Pines enjoys a dramatic setting with large elevation changes featuring one great hole after another. With little to be critical of, Castle Pines stands as one of Jack Nicklaus' best designs. Grade A
Quick Facts
Designer: Jack Nicklaus in 1981
Cost: Private
Phone Number: 303-688-6000
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Castle Pines Golf Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 1000 Hummingbird Dr., Castle Rock, Colorado 80108 – UNITED STATES
Photos: See additional photos of Castle Pines Golf Club
What to Expect: A host site for the PGA Tour for 21 years (1986 - 2006) where they made the modified stableford format famous, Castle Pines Golf Club sits over a mile high where the ball flies far; and it will need to since it tips out over 8000 yards. The course is full of elevation changes with each nine starting high on the property before working down to the bottom and back to the top to finish out. The front nine routing moves in a mostly circular counter-clockwise direction while the back nine advances hole to hole in a clockwise fashion. There is plenty of eye candy throughout the layout with expansive views, beautiful water features, and pristine conditions. A caddie or forecaddie will accompany your group to help enhance the experience and make sure the pace of play flows well. Unlike other Nicklaus courses, Jack doesn't get too heavy handed at Castle Pines as the natural terrain provides plenty of dramatic moments while the mature pine trees and scrub oak frame the fairways to give a sense of isolation on each hole. Recent renovations have changed some holes for the better while the 3rd hole isn't even recognizable from what it once was. Non-golf related, Castle Pines is famous for their milkshakes that only a fool would pass up at the turn. The clubhouse as a whole is extremely impressive with amenities, features, and finishes that are of the highest quality. While in the clubhouse, hats must be removed and cell phones silenced. On a side note, the double hummingbird logo is one of the most recognizable in golf and is used as tee markers throughout the course. In the end, Castle Pines stands as one of Jack's best designs and is sure to test the best of players.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International | 72 | 8071 | 78.1 | 148 |
| 1 Hummingbird | 72 | 7617 | 75.2 | 145 |
| Combo | 72 | 7163 | 74.0 | 142 |
| 2 Hummingbirds | 72 | 6864 | 72.1 | 140 |
| 3 Hummingbirds | 72 | 6195 | 69.2 | 133 |
| 4 Hummingbirds | 72 | 5669 | 66.8 | 125 |
| 5 Hummingbirds | 72 | 5095 | 63.9 | 114 |
| 5 Hummingbirds (Lad) | 72 | 5095 | 68.8 | 129 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 11th Hole – 197 Yard Par 3 – Featured above as the signature hole, the 11th hole at Castle Pines drops 75 feet from tee to green with the putting surface fronted by a creek. With a drop of that measure, the wind becomes a very difficult factor to adjust for as a tee shot that is only off by a couple of degrees can be magnified into a severe miss. The attractive green site features a boulder filled creek and mini-waterfall crossing in front of the green with colorful flowers beautifying the scene. Commit to a club and swing with confidence because you'll need to execute a near perfect shot to score well here.
Best Par 3: 16th Hole – 224 Yards –
Best Par 4: 6th Hole – 442 Yards –
Best Par 5: 1st Hole – 659 Yards – The opening tee shot at Castle Pines sets the tone for the entire round. As you stand on the tee you are granted panoramic views of the surrounding Castle Rock area before bombing your tee shot on this 644 yard par 5 to the fairway resting 150 feet below. It is an inspiring way to start the round and one that you won't soon forget. After you place your tee shot the only thing you have to be cautious of are the bunkers that start 50 yards away and then run up alongside the green.
Birdie Time: 17th Hole – 533 Yard Par 5 – Anyone who has made an effort to watch The International PGA Tour golf tournament knows that the best scores year in and year out are posted on the 17th hole. Just 492 yards from the tips, this uphill par five is very reachable in two with a well placed drive up the right center of the fairway. Steering clear of the bunkers fronting the green and staying below the hole are critical in your effort to score birdie, but nothing will dash your scoring hopes quicker than having your ball end up in Cally's Creek which runs up the entire left side of this dogleg left hole. Only a few yards longer than Castle Pines' tough par four 10th, the 17th gives you a great chance to go under par.
Bogey Beware: 10th Hole – 548 Yard Par 4 – When a course has a 77.4 course rating and 155 slope, you have plenty of options to pick from when deciding which hole will likely deliver the golfer a bogey (or worse). When the dust has settled though I gotta go with the 548 yard par four 10th as the toughest hole at Castle Pines. Playing downhill the entire way to the slanted green, the most difficult aspect of this hole is the long approach shot over a lake fronting the green. After your drive you will inevitably be left with a downhill lie which makes skulling your shot into the lake all too high of a possibility. Regarded as one of the most difficult holes while on the PGA Tour, the key is to play this hole up the left side and then hit a cut shot over the strip of land leading into the green and thus effectively taking the water out of play.
