Best Golf Course

Patty Jewett

Patty Jewett Golf Course is “the Cheers of golf — everybody knows everybody’s name,” said Golf Division Superintendent Pat Gentile. “It’s a very friendly atmosphere.”

The 300 acres of courses, some of the oldest west of the Mississippi River, was deeded to the city by William Jewett in 1898. Gentile said the history, location, mature tree lines and sweeping views lead a lot of people to think it’s a country club. In fact, it is a municipal golf course open to the public and — averaging 110,000 nine-hole rounds annually — one of the state’s busiest. Gentile emphasized Patty Jewett is an enterprise of the city, and receives no revenue from taxpayers and no subsidies from the city of Colorado Springs.

“Our fees come from our users, so that is a big thing — we pay our own way. We pay for our water, utilities, payroll, accounting; we pay for every bit of our existence as a golf course,” he said, adding the Best In Business recognition is an honor.

“It’s nice being able to provide a low-cost golf course facility in town for our citizens, that they can be proud of, because some people think of municipal courses as run-down or beginner places, but [we have] … the typical things you’d see at more private or resort-type places.”

He pointed to the course’s bar, restaurant and pro shop, the maintenance and environmental protection efforts, and the views of Pikes Peak.

“We always say what a gift William Jewett gave to the city back then; it’s amazing the way it’s evolved,” Gentile said. “I think if he came back today, I think he’d be happy with what he’d see.”

Web: parks.coloradosprings.gov/golf/page/patty-jewett-golf-course | Phone: 719-385-6950

2. The Broadmoor Golf Club

Web: broadmoor.com/activities/golf | Phone: 719-577-5790

3. Country Club of Colorado

Web: ccofcolorado.com | Phone: 719-538-4080