Fossil Trace Golf Club
Fossil Trace Golf Club in Golden, Colorado, challenges golfers with a unique 18-hole layout set among natural rock formations and genuine fossil sites. This public championship course blends parkland and mountain elements, delivering a strategic, engaging round for a broad skill range.
Course Overview
Fossil Trace Golf Club, located in Golden, Colorado, offers an 18-hole championship layout that stands apart with its geological intrigue and dynamic play. This public course weaves through a striking landscape marked by natural rock formations and significant fossil deposits, lending each hole a distinctive character worthy of the club's name. The terrain blends parkland style with subtle mountain influences, creating a varied topography that tests shot creativity and strategic thinking.
From the tee boxes, players encounter rolling fairways punctuated by rocky outcrops and natural waste areas, encouraging a blend of controlled accuracy and shot-shaping. The greens demand precise approach shots and deft putting, as they are often elevated or perched near rugged stone edges. The course's use of the natural environment is thoughtful, with each hole presenting a puzzle shaped by the surrounding land and wind conditions common to the foothills of the Rockies.
Fossil Trace is approachable for a broad range of golfers but holds particular appeal for those with intermediate to advanced skills who appreciate course architecture that rewards thoughtful club selection and careful execution. The layout's blend of wide landing areas and risk-reward options caters to players seeking challenge without overwhelming punishment.
Beyond the course itself, the facility offers a comprehensive golf experience. The clubhouse provides a modern pro shop stocked with quality apparel and gear, reflecting the club's commitment to visitor comfort and convenience. While food and beverage options are limited, the staff is widely praised for friendly, accommodating service, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
Golfers planning a visit should come prepared for altitude and variable winds that subtly affect ball flight and roll. Walking is encouraged to fully appreciate the course’s natural contours, but carts are available on request. Overall, Fossil Trace Golf Club presents a memorable round where geological history and golfing craftsmanship intersect, making it an essential stop for those exploring Colorado’s front-range golf scene.
Course Highlights
Distinctive use of natural rock formations and fossil sites integrated into the course design, rolling fairways with strategic risk-reward opportunities, elevated greens with challenging contours, and a setting shaped by Colorado's foothills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Jeremy Baran
This was the last course for our scout trip for our fall golf tournament this year. This was not my first time playing here so I wanted to bring my buddies here for consideration to add to our tournament rotation. To say they errr impressed would be an understatement. However being from out of town and not having a group large enough to reserve the whole course has been difficult to to do post COVID from what we have experienced in recent years. We will be bringing a group from all over the country again only this time to the Denver area. The course was in amazing shape. The greens were rolling true, smooth and wicker that snail snot. Tee boxes were in great shape and the bunkers alter and heavy were in amazing shape. The course staff were very friendly and very accommodating. We would love to come back.
Kyle
I played at Fossil Trace Golf Club in Golden, CO. back during the summer, and it was an unforgettable experience. The staff was incredibly welcoming, and the golf shop had a great selection of apparel and gear. The course was in pristine condition, with stunning views and actual fossils scattered throughout. It's a challenging layout that’s perfect for experienced golfers. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area, as well as locals or anyone close to Golden who’s up for a great round!
A Grimm
I absolutely love this course, they keep it in great condition. My only complaint, I don't like courses with high voltage power lines going over them. Probably nothing the course can do about them. It's just unfortunate for an otherwise perfect experience. Huge fan of courses that sell flags in the pro shop.
최진용
Good condition!
A Grimm
I absolutely love this course, they keep it in great condition. My only complaint, I don't like courses with high voltage power lines going over them. Probably nothing the course can do about them. It's just unfortunate for an otherwise perfect experience. Huge fan of courses that sell flags in the pro shop.
Kasey Dunbar
Worth every penny! Truly a luxury golf experience and a beautiful, fun course. Highly recommend for a group outing. Amazing customer service.
Micah Osieczanek
One of my favorite places to golf in Colorado. Amazing views, challenging holes, great location, and always a great time. All the staff working there are friendly and extremely helpful. I have golfed at this course maybe a handful of times but I will always be back. It is a must go to golf course if your are in Colorado.
Charles Clawson
Golf course is crazy awesome. Beautiful, unique holes. 5 stars Food & Beverage, though, is not good. Extremely limited menu combined with lowkey meh service attitude. 1 star
Dr. Dipti Soni Acharya
Jeff Shrode
Wow. What a great experience. The staff from welcome, proshop, starter, cartperson and marshalls were awesome and attentive. The course is unbelievable but difficult. Fairways, rough, tee boxes and greens were perfection. Greens fast but exceptionally true with a ton of undulation and guarded very well.. The layout is great. No two holes really the same. Great views as well. I will play this anytime I am in the area and come back just to play. Caution to people who may be limited in health or movement, getting down and up from greens and bunkers could be a struggle. Look at the web site and look at the hole by hole. Must play course.
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Course Details
Access & Location
3050 Illinois St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Modern clubhouse with pro shop and limited dining
Walking encouraged to experience natural terrain; course elevation requires comfortable footwear and moderate fitness.
Advance tee time reservation recommended, especially for weekends and tournaments.
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