Devils Thumb Golf Course

Venue Overview

Devil's Thumb Golf Course is a public, 18-hole golf course in Delta, Colorado, set at the base of the Grand Mesa with panoramic views of the mountains surrounding the Uncompahgre Valley. Designed by Rick Phelps of Phelps Golf Design and opened in July 2001, this prairie-style links course plays to a par of 72 across up to 7,176 yards, with a course rating of 72.6 and a slope of 126, and has been ranked among the top courses on Colorado's Western Slope for over a decade.

About the Course

Devil's Thumb traces its roots to the nine-hole Cottonwood Golf Course, which the city of Delta began exploring for expansion in the late 1980s. In 1998, the city selected Rick Phelps as lead architect, with Niebur Golf brought on as the course builder. Construction began in the spring of 2000, the course was seeded in 2001, and Devil's Thumb held its grand opening on July 21, 2001. Nestled into a swath of adobe hills, the prairie-style layout winds through 60 bunkers and two lakes, with bluegrass tees and fairways, bentgrass greens, and fine fescue accents around the bunkers and rough. Wild antelope roaming the property add to a setting golfers frequently describe as one of the most scenic on the Western Slope.

• Public, 18-hole prairie-style course designed by Rick Phelps, opened July 21, 2001
• Par 72, up to 7,176 yards, course rating 72.6, slope 126
• Formerly the 9-hole Cottonwood Golf Course before its 2001 expansion
• 60 bunkers and two lakes across the layout
• Bluegrass tees and fairways with bentgrass greens
• Set at the base of the Grand Mesa with Uncompahgre Valley views

A Consistent Western Slope Award-Winner

Few Western Slope courses can match Devil's Thumb's award history. The course finished second in Golf Digest's Best New Affordable Public Course rankings for 2002, and has been named among Colorado Avid Golfer's top-ranked Western Slope courses nearly every year since, including the #1 Ranked Golf Course on the Western Slope in 2021. Golfweek has separately recognized it among its Best Courses to Play multiple times through the 2010s, and golfmilehigh.com ranked it the #7 Public Course in Colorado in 2023. That sustained recognition, stretching back more than two decades, has made Devil's Thumb a genuine source of pride for the Delta golf community.

Practice Facilities & Amenities

• Full-service golf shop
• Pronghorn Grill, open daily 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Golf cart rentals
• Membership and season pass programs
• League play

Lessons & Instruction

Devil's Thumb's instruction program is led, as of 2026, by:

• Jeff Johnson, PGA Life Member — teaching players of all ages and abilities for over 40 years

Whether refining a swing, sharpening course strategy, or just getting started in the game, Jeff's decades of experience serve golfers at every stage. Call or text him directly at (408) 843-8925 to schedule a lesson.

Tournaments & Events

Devil's Thumb's championship-caliber layout, dramatic Western Slope scenery, and Pronghorn Grill make it a strong host for golf tournaments, corporate outings, and group events. Contact the golf shop at (970) 874-6262 to inquire about hosting.

Planning Your Event Here

Devil's Thumb's Rick Phelps design, decades of Western Slope award recognition, and prairie-style scenery make it a distinctive option for tournaments and group events in the Delta area. Contact the golf shop to coordinate a booking. The course is located at 9900 Devils Thumb Road, Delta, CO 81416 (970-874-6262).

Hosting an Event at Devil's Thumb Golf Course? Launch It on Colorado Under Par

If you're organizing a tournament, scramble, or group outing at Devil's Thumb 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