Off the Fringe, “Golf’s best short read.” The award winning newsletter, sent twice monthly, that provides an unconventional perspective on the golf world.
Tim Rogers
Arvada
2011-08-05
$36 (cart included), played on Friday, July 2011 at 2pm
Cottonwood / Sleeping Indian 9's are what I'm basing my review. I play this course frequently and the Cottonwood / Sleeping Indian 9's are as well designed and maintained as any course at this pricepoint in metro denver.
The Par 5 #2 I would put up there as as tough a par 5 in the state. Not so tough that's its unfair but it will require 5 very good shots just to make par. #11 is an equally tough yet enjoyable par 4. Both holes are two of my favourites in the state. Both make the round worth the price just to try and make par on them.
The Cottonwood / Sleeping Indian 9's both have a generous amount of water and tree lined holes yet niether dominate the terrain. The holes transition well and add to the enjoyment of the round as it keeps you fresh and on your toes as you get to each tee box. #18 is a great finishing par 5. Quintisential risk/reward hole that bring 3 seperate ponds into play and gives you an option to cut the corner and go for the green in two or strategically layup and try to wedge it out for birdie. Great "thinking" hole.
The Silo 9 warrants just the opposite enthusiasm. Without being too negative, lets just say when I call West Woods for a tee time and they tell me I will be playing the Silo 9 as half of my 18 holes, I politely tell them I will find a tee time elsewhere. In my opinion it's not worth playing. It was developed on a plot of land that had room for about 6 holes yet they squeezed, stuffed and turned 3 more holes out to somehow manage a full 9 holes which is unfortuante b/cecause it does downgrade the facility knowing you could get stuck playing the Silo 9.
I have talked with some people who enjoy the Silo 9 so play it for yourself and form your own opinion but in my opinion the holes are rinky dink and gimmicky and the course transitions about as poorly as a 9 holes course can. Look no further than #9 a 127yd par 3. Such a bland and terrible "finishing" hole. The whole 9 leaves a terrible taste in your mouth and the finisheing hole is just a rotten egg to top it all off.
Speaking of taste, seriously, save some time after your round for a meal in the clubhouse. The mexican food in the clubhouse is shockingly good. It's so good that several times a year I go to Westwoods just to eat. The tableside guacamole is right up there with Lola as being the best in town. The service is friendly and helpful.
Bottomline, Westwoods is a great course which I play 4-5 times a year even though it's a solid 20-25 min drive to get to and the food is awesome so stay and eat afterward....just make sure you know which 9's you are playing in advance because one of them is a real Sam Bowie of a golf course.
Would travel: 30-60 Miles, Not Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Better than average course for the area, Ranks with the best in this price level, Bargain priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
$36 (cart included), played on Friday, July 2011 at 2pm
Cottonwood / Sleeping Indian 9's are what I'm basing my review. I play this course frequently and the Cottonwood / Sleeping Indian 9's are as well designed and maintained as any course at this pricepoint in metro denver.
The Par 5 #2 I would put up there as as tough a par 5 in the state. Not so tough that's its unfair but it will require 5 very good shots just to make par. #11 is an equally tough yet enjoyable par 4. Both holes are two of my favourites in the state. Both make the round worth the price just to try and make par on them.
The Cottonwood / Sleeping Indian 9's both have a generous amount of water and tree lined holes yet niether dominate the terrain. The holes transition well and add to the enjoyment of the round as it keeps you fresh and on your toes as you get to each tee box. #18 is a great finishing par 5. Quintisential risk/reward hole that bring 3 seperate ponds into play and gives you an option to cut the corner and go for the green in two or strategically layup and try to wedge it out for birdie. Great "thinking" hole.
The Silo 9 warrants just the opposite enthusiasm. Without being too negative, lets just say when I call West Woods for a tee time and they tell me I will be playing the Silo 9 as half of my 18 holes, I politely tell them I will find a tee time elsewhere. In my opinion it's not worth playing. It was developed on a plot of land that had room for about 6 holes yet they squeezed, stuffed and turned 3 more holes out to somehow manage a full 9 holes which is unfortuante b/cecause it does downgrade the facility knowing you could get stuck playing the Silo 9.
I have talked with some people who enjoy the Silo 9 so play it for yourself and form your own opinion but in my opinion the holes are rinky dink and gimmicky and the course transitions about as poorly as a 9 holes course can. Look no further than #9 a 127yd par 3. Such a bland and terrible "finishing" hole. The whole 9 leaves a terrible taste in your mouth and the finisheing hole is just a rotten egg to top it all off.
Speaking of taste, seriously, save some time after your round for a meal in the clubhouse. The mexican food in the clubhouse is shockingly good. It's so good that several times a year I go to Westwoods just to eat. The tableside guacamole is right up there with Lola as being the best in town. The service is friendly and helpful.
Bottomline, Westwoods is a great course which I play 4-5 times a year even though it's a solid 20-25 min drive to get to and the food is awesome so stay and eat afterward....just make sure you know which 9's you are playing in advance because one of them is a real Sam Bowie of a golf course.