Fossil Trace Golf Club

The course is located in Golden, northwest of Denver, was designed by Jim Engh, measures 6,831 yards, 131 slope from the back tees. The name comes from a find of fossils found on the course, ranging from 64 million year old Triceratops footprints to palm fronds which you can see on the course. In the late 1800’s this property was a clay quarry, and a few holes have remnants of the old clay mining operation with old mining equipment. The first hole has an old mining smelter chimney right in the middle of the fairway, and there's old mining tractors parked near many of the holes. I think it's actually a bit much, but that's part of the history here. The course architect created a minimalist design here, not disturbing much of the existing elevation changes, tight rock canyons, rock formations, wide open areas and tree lined holes. Most of the tees are target type tees to target fairways over natural waste areas until you reach the fairway or the green. The fairways are mostly forgiving, and provide the player with several options to get to the green, and there's a few major risk/reward shots especially on #10 is a very short par 4 where you can drive the green. The terrain allows for some great soaring drives, especially if the wind's favoring you. Fossil has many of the Jim Engh signature “muscle bunkers.” These are jagged, teeth shaped bunkers with very steep walls. Course is in great condition, has unique holes, and really takes advantage of the surrounding environment. It's a bit pricey @ $70 for 18 and a cart, but it's worth it. It's also tough to get on the course. I think you have to call 7 days ahead of when you want to play and get a tee time. That's the earliest they start taking times, and they fill up fast.