Devil's Thumb Golf Course
Devil's Thumb Golf Course delivers a unique 18-hole experience shaped by rugged mountain terrain and wide-open desert vistas. With challenging risk-reward holes and inviting fairways, it offers a compelling test for golfers seeking both adventure and approachable play on Colorado’s western slope.
Course Overview
Carved into the rugged terrain near Delta, Colorado, Devil's Thumb Golf Course offers an approach to golf that is as adventurous as it is rewarding. This 18-hole public course unfolds across a dramatic landscape where rocky outcrops meet vast, sun-baked fairways. The style leans into its mountain surroundings with wide-open vistas that stretch toward distant mesas and towering peaks. Players can expect a blend of parkland openness with moments of desert-like aridity accentuated by natural sand hill slopes that shape the keeping of the ball both on and around the greens.
Whether you arrive for a serious round or to soak in the scenery, Devil's Thumb challenges and welcomes players across skill levels. Teeing off here demands careful club selection, particularly where risk-reward holes tempt aggressive drives that can either set up birdies or penalize with hefty recovery shots. The greens invite precise approach shots and thoughtful putting strokes, with well-maintained surfaces that reward focus amid the playful presence of the desert's resident antelope, often seen drifting calmly near fairways.
The course conditions reflect a dedication to quality, with smooth fairways and well-raked bunkers guarding the greens. While the natural terrain can slow play at times — and no marshals are regularly on hand to maintain pace — the vast openness helps mitigate feelings of crowding, allowing for a reflective round under an expansive western sky.
Visitors will find tee times accessible via an easy-to-use online reservation system, although onsite check-in may require a bit of patience due to staffing setup. Walking is encouraged, but golfers should prepare with sturdy shoes suitable for some uneven paths and the occasional rocky footing.
Beyond its challenges and natural charm, Devil's Thumb earns praise for a welcoming staff and an atmosphere that never loses sight of the sport’s simple joys. For golf travelers on Colorado's western slope, it stands as a must-visit destination that echoes the adventurous spirit of the region.
Course Highlights
Devil's Thumb stands out with its commanding mountain and desert landscape, natural sand hill features that affect shot strategy, and the regular presence of local antelope adding a distinctive wildlife element. The layout balances wide fairways with risk-reward holes demanding strategic play and precise greenside control. It’s a rare course that lets its rugged environment shape the round so distinctly without sacrificing playability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Michael Aho
This is a gem. Just note play can be really slow. No marshals to be seen on course, and some difficult holes or holes that people attempt to go for the greens in one back up play. Antelope often on the course, and the sand hill slopes around the course make this look like the lunar surface. Worth the stop to play here. Super friendly and welcoming people that work here.
adam johnston
Love this course. It's always fun to play and the staff here is great. My favorite course on the western slope for sure!
Ñancy Cole
Wonderful golf course, Wonderful people!!
Damion Gordon
Wide open course, with plenty of hazards. Great course for experienced, and learners!
William Connelly
I played this course 10 years ago on my colorado road trip and there's a reason why I made a weekend trip with a buddy to drive 5 hours here! Such a fun course with views that make you think you're not in Colorado or on Earth lol
Matt Plumer
The course is in great shape and some amazing holes. It gives you the opportunity to score well with some risk/reward tee shots or it will eat you alive. The views are amazing, the resident tame antelope add to the experience, challenging greens, and wide open fairways will keep me coming back here. No on course cart service was disappointing but perhaps just a labor shortage. Tee times are easily made online and the reservation system was easy to use. However, when checking in, it took the the one person staff a long time because he kept taking phone calls for people calling in to make tee times and not placing them on hold while he checked golfers in. Took three phone calls while I was standing waiting 10 minutes to pay. Direct people to the web site for tee times. Could just be a staffing issue and a sign of the times. I'll look forward to playing there again.
GCC COS
Excellent golf course. We travel to Montrose from Colorado Springs each year to play local golf courses and Devils Thumb is always a “must play” course. Course condition is great, staff is always friendly and helpful and views are amazing! A must play golf course!
GCC COS
Excellent golf course. We travel to Montrose from Colorado Springs each year to play local golf courses and Devils Thumb is always a “must play” course. Course condition is great, staff is always friendly and helpful and views are amazing! A must play golf course!
adam johnston
Love this course. It's always fun to play and the staff here is great. My favorite course on the western slope for sure!
c c
I don't get out here enough. Laid back, the course was in great shape. Wide and long fairways to let 'er rip, and good elevation changes to keep it technical. The staff is very friendly and helpful, from the pro shop to the starter, to the bar. Update 3/30/25: came out and played with my 13 year old son. Had a great time. The course is in good shape for thus early in the year. The hatch green chili on the breakfast burritos is legit :) Thank you for a wonderful time on such a scenic course.
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Course Details
Access & Location
9900 Devils Thumb Rd, Delta, CO 81416, USA
Devil's Thumb Clubhouse
Walking is welcomed and recommended; sturdy footwear advised for uneven terrain and rocky sections.
Tee times easily booked online; walk-ins accepted subject to availability.
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