Applewood Golf Course

Venue Overview

Applewood Golf Course is a welcoming public golf course at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado, that has been wowing golfers since 1961. Designed by noted architect J. Press Maxwell and set against a backdrop of foothills and mesas, this par-71 layout is a target-oriented, strategic course that is challenging yet forgiving for players of every level, a longtime family and value favorite regularly honored in the CAGGY awards. With a full-size driving range, respected instruction, the on-site Bunker's Taproom, and The Vista event and wedding venue, Applewood is more than a golf course, it is a community gathering place and a great home for outings, tournaments, and celebrations, just minutes from Denver and the Coors Brewery.

About the Course

Applewood is an 18-hole, par-71 public course designed by J. Press Maxwell and opened in 1961. Set against the foothills of the Rockies in Golden, it plays to roughly 6,200 yards, a shorter, target-oriented layout that rewards strategic thinking, and often asks you to leave the driver in the bag. Slight elevation changes, water hazards, and local wildlife add character, all framed by panoramic mountain and mesa views. Notably, the course has been pesticide-free since 1988 due to its proximity to the Coors Brewing Company's aquifer. It is open to the public. Course features: 18-hole, par-71 public course designed by J. Press Maxwell Roughly 6,200 yards, a target-oriented layout that rewards strategy over power Opened in 1961, set against the foothills of the Rockies in Golden Slight elevation changes, water hazards, and abundant wildlife Panoramic Rocky Mountain and mesa views throughout Pesticide-free since 1988, thanks to the neighboring Coors aquifer Holes that play in both directions, long and short, for genuine variety Challenging yet forgiving, and a favorite for families, women, and seniors

The Playing Experience

Applewood proves that a course does not need to be long to be fun or challenging. J. Press Maxwell designed a target-oriented layout where strategy beats strength, on many holes the smart play is to leave the driver in the bag and position your ball for the best angle in. The routing keeps things interesting, with holes running in both directions and a great mix of long and short, so no two feel alike. Slight elevation changes, water, and the occasional goose keep you honest, while panoramic views of the Rockies and Golden's mesas make for a scenic round. Forgiving enough for beginners yet clever enough to reward good course management, it is easy to see why it is a perennial favorite for value, families, and quick, enjoyable rounds, and why it has been named among Colorado's best ego-boosters.

Practice Facilities & Amenities

Applewood offers a friendly, complete setup: A full-size driving range and practice area A full-service pro shop Convenient online tee-time booking

Dining at Bunker's Taproom

Applewood's dining is anchored by Bunker's Taproom, a stylish, welcoming restaurant and bar that has become a destination in its own right. It pairs classic, crowd-pleasing dishes with craft cocktails and a rotating lineup of beers on tap, all in a relaxed, modern space whose garage-door walls roll open onto sweeping views of the course and the foothills. Open daily from early morning through sunset, it is the perfect spot for breakfast before a round, a bite at the turn, or a drink on the deck afterward, and it doubles as a lively community gathering place for everything from trivia nights to Dinner on the Deck.

Golf Lessons & Instruction

Instruction at Applewood runs through the Golf Fore Life Learning Center, winner of the National Golf Course Owners Association's 2020 Player Development Award. Lessons are led by instructor Landon Willett, who has taught players from beginners to tour professionals, alongside fellow instructor and three-time Applewood club champion JJ Amato (as of 2026). Their welcoming, no-pressure programs cover every level: Private one-on-one lessons for adults and juniors, in range or on-course formats Junior golf camps for ages 5 to 16, mixing range instruction with on-course play, with clubs provided Welcome2Golf beginner clinics, run in partnership with the National Golf Foundation and the Colorado PGA Tee It Up clinics for new and intermediate players, including on-course outings and free rounds Contact the learning center to book a lesson or sign up for a clinic or camp.

Weddings & Events

Applewood is a versatile, welcoming host for events of all kinds. The Vista at Applewood is a beautifully designed wedding and event venue with mountain views, while the course and Bunker's Taproom make golf outings, charity tournaments, and group gatherings a breeze. The team is known for treating every event, from a fundraiser to a corporate scramble, with the same care and attention to detail. Event types hosted: Charity and nonprofit fundraising tournaments Corporate and group outings Weddings and celebrations League and community events Contact the course to inquire about availability and packages for your next event.

Planning Your Event Here

Applewood works well for organizers who want an affordable, welcoming, and genuinely fun course with a dedicated event venue, all just 20 minutes west of Denver in Golden near the Coors Brewery. Its target-oriented layout and multiple tees suit mixed-ability groups, and The Vista and Bunker's Taproom make it easy to pair golf with a reception or gathering. Event availability and packages are coordinated directly with the golf staff. Reach out to the course at (303) 279-3003 to plan your outing.

Hosting an Event at Applewood Golf Course? Launch It on Colorado Under Par

If you're organizing a tournament, scramble, or group outing at Applewood Golf Course, you can launch your event for free on Colorado Under Par — Colorado's dedicated platform for discovering and promoting golf, pickleball, and sporting events. Getting your event in front of Colorado's active golf community takes less than five minutes. Launch your event here: coloradounderpar.com/submit-event