Golf Course Scouting Report: Castle Pines Golf Club

Castle Pines Golf Club is simply spectacular. With the goal of creating scenery and drama that would rival that of Augusta National, Jack Vickers, and Jack Nicklaus built this stunning layout near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in 1981, and it is one of the most breathtaking golf courses in the United States.

Like many Nicklaus designs, it features a variety of water hazards and exciting bunkering from start to finish. In particular, the green complexes stand out with unusual shapes and bulges allowing for unique hole locations. Above all, Castle Pines is defined by its dramatic elevation changes and magnificent views.

The outstanding routing weaves its way up and down these massive slopes through majestic pines and enchanting streams. At every turn, Castle Pines has the feel of a championship stage; it will serve as an awesome host for the 2024 BMW Championship, the penultimate event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs.

Overall: 7.70 - Castle Pines Golf Club is a thrilling course that will create numerous dramatic moments as it hosts the BMW Championship.

Memorable Holes: 9.0

Castle Pines begins on the tee at the highest point of the golf course looking down at the first fairway some 100 feet below. Due to the high altitude and elevation change, this 662-yard par five is reachable in two. After the dramatic opener, the second and third holes feature tricky greens guarded closely by gorgeous ponds, and the round only gets more interesting from there. There is no way to capture each and every exciting turn in this short article, but suffice to say there isn't a single boring hole on the property.

Interest: 9.0

Due to the massive elevation changes previously mentioned, golfers are faced with a high volume of unique and intriguing shots at Castle Pines Golf Club. The 451-yard par-four 12th is a great example as golfers are faced with a decision off the tee: lay up short of the encroaching bunkers on the right or take the tee shot over these bunkers bringing tree trouble on the left into play. This leaves a tricky second shot to a deep but narrow green protected by bunkers and a sparkling stream just one bounce to the left. Try not to be distracted by the flower beds framing this picturesque woodside water feature.

Par Threes: 8.0

The par threes at Castle Pines do well to grab the golfer's attention. The 254-yard fourth plays over a scary gully that catches shots coming up short or right. The 207-yard seventh features a highly unusual wishbone-shaped green with a multitude of very different hole locations. The dramatic 11th comes in at 200 yards but plays significantly shorter due to the 60-foot drop from tee to green. Lastly, the difficult 16th is listed at 226 yards and pays tribute to the famous 16th at Augusta with a pond guarding the front left and two distinct tiers to the green. What an outstanding display of variety across four great short holes.

Difficulty: 5.5

Castle Pines can be described as tricky but scoreable. There are many ways to get into trouble and make a big number; however, the thin air causes this course to play significantly shorter than its yardage, so birdies should be plentiful. In particular, the par fives (with the possible exception of the 14th) won't pose any kind of challenge for the best players in the world. Still, there are a few legitimately difficult holes, such as the 545-yard par-four 10th; this bunker-less beast features a glassy pond just short of the green to swallow any poorly-struck shots.

Finish: 7.0

The finishing holes at Castle Pines are good but not special, especially when compared to the majesty of the rest of the layout. The aforementioned 16th will provide difficulty and drama, playing at around 211 yards after adjusting for the altitude.

As I mention on my podcast, Linksworms, My feelings on the par-five 17th are complicated; at 532 yards (496 yards after adjusting for altitude), it is virtually an automatic birdie and effectively a par four; however, if we can look past that, this sharply-uphill dogleg left is quite fun, with its shallow green, narrow fairway, and beautiful stream guarding the left side.

The 514-yard par-four 18th is a solid finishing hole with a severe valley splitting the left and right sides of the green, which is framed by a fantastic natural amphitheater. There are more memorable finishes out there, but these three holes are still a quality conclusion to a magical round.

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