HEAD WAY WEST TO PLAY GOLF DIGEST'S FIVE-STAR PUBLIC COURSE
Pinion Hills in Farmington
In the far Northwest corner of New Mexico, just south of the Colorado border is Pinon Hills. It is one of Golf Digest's Top 10 Municipal Golf Courses in America. The Ken Dye design runs through canyons and sagebrush. Non-resident green fees with cart are only $70. 505-326-6066. www.pinonhillsgolf.com
GETTING TO PINON HILLS FROM DENVER
The Rio Grande Club
From Denver take US 285 (Hampden Avenue) south 235 miles through Del Norte to South Fork. Stop to play the semi-private Rio Grande Club and Resort along the river in the afternoon. Stay overnight before driving over Wolf Creek Pass. 719-873-1997. www.riograndeclubandresort.com
OVER WOLF CREEK PASS
Pagosa Springs 27-holes
Drive over Wolf Creek Pass 69 miles to play Pagosa Springs Golf Course with 27 holes. Wide fairways flow through tall pines and past the local airport. Lodging is limited and the hot springs are super expensive. Drive the 101 miles on to Farmington. Bypass busy Durango taking US 550. 970-731-4755 www.golfpagosa.com
GETTING BACK HOME
Destination Pinon Hills
After playing the Golf Digest Five Star ranked municipal course, stay and maybe visit Mesa Verde National Park. You are in the far away "Four Corners" region 377 miles from Denver. Drive carefully up US 550 and the Million Dollar Highway to Montrose where there are three courses and US 50 east.
NORTH TO HIGHWAY 50 AND MONTROSE
Return to Denver PLAYING
Stop in Montrose to play at a lower afternoon rate at The Bridges, a former country club with a Nicklaus design course. Stay in one of many motels in Montrose. Then return 264 miles on US 50 and US 285 thru Salida and home.
970-252-1119.