Highlands Ranch Golf Course

Venue Overview

The University of Denver Golf Club at Highlands Ranch — widely known as Highlands Ranch Golf Club — is a beautiful 18-hole, semi-private golf club in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, designed by three-time U.S. Open champion Hale Irwin. Set against magnificent views of the Rocky Mountain front range, this par-72 layout is celebrated for its expansive bentgrass greens, which many consider among the finest in the region. As the proud home of the University of Denver's Division I men's and women's golf programs, the club blends championship pedigree with a genuinely welcoming, public-friendly experience. Whether you're booking a casual round, sharpening your game, or planning a tournament, Highlands Ranch offers a setting that feels elevated without being exclusive.

About the Course

Designed by golf legend Hale Irwin, the course plays as an 18-hole, par-72 layout that balances championship character with everyday playability. Irwin's design rewards thoughtful shot-making while staying enjoyable for golfers of all levels, and the panoramic front-range backdrop makes for a memorable round from the first tee to the last. As a semi-private club, Highlands Ranch welcomes public play alongside its members, with public and member tee times both available online — so visitors get access to a course built to a championship standard.

Course features:

• 18-hole, par-72 semi-private layout
• Designed by three-time U.S. Open champion Hale Irwin
• Expansive bentgrass greens, among the best in the region
• Rocky Mountain front-range views throughout
• Public play welcome (online public and member tee times)
• Home of the University of Denver Division I golf programs
• Full-service instruction and junior programs
• The Grill at Highlands Ranch on site

A Course With a Story

Highlands Ranch is more than a great golf course — it carries a meaningful legacy. In 2012, the club was gifted to the University of Denver by the Ron Moore family, fulfilling a vision set by Mr. Moore, a University of Denver Hall of Famer. That gift continues to impact students and the surrounding community, supporting DU's championship golf programs and the university's broader commitment to providing high-quality recreation and wellness to the communities it serves. When you play Highlands Ranch, you're playing a course with real purpose behind it.

Practice Facilities & Amenities

Highlands Ranch offers a full range of amenities to support both daily play and organized events:

• Driving range and practice areas
• Practice putting and short-game greens
• Fully stocked pro shop and online store
• The Grill at Highlands Ranch for dining and gatherings
• Professional golf staff and event support
• Public and member online tee-time booking

Golf Lessons & Instruction

Highlands Ranch is home to a deep, credentialed teaching staff offering instruction for players of every age and ability — from first full-swing lessons to advanced game refinement, plus a strong junior development program. As of 2026, the golf professionals include:

• Andy Benson, PGA — a Class A PGA Member and the club's Head Golf Professional since it opened in 1998, Andy has taught at golf schools across Colorado, Hawaii, California, and Arizona and given thousands of private lessons to students of all abilities.
• Eric Schaupeter, PGA — a Class A PGA Member since 2002 who began his career at Castle Pines Golf Club, helped open Highlands Ranch in 1998 as an assistant professional, and later served as Head Golf Professional at Heritage Eagle Bend.
• Jaime MacDonald, PGA — a Class A PGA Member certified in Teaching and Coaching, a back-to-back North Dakota high school champion, 1999 Colorado Pub Links champion, and four-year letter winner at the University of Colorado, who has taught more than 10,000 lessons and clinics.
• Mark McCarthy, PGA — a Class A PGA Member and Junior Program Leader teaching at the club since 2003, focused on growing the game for players of all levels.

To request a lesson with one of the club's professionals, contact the golf shop at (303) 471-0000 or use the club's online lesson request. Lessons and gift cards are also available through the club's online store.

Junior Programs

Highlands Ranch runs a robust junior development program, including PGA Jr. League play through its PEAK program for intermediate junior golfers ready for on-course, competitive experiences. Junior coaching plans and seasonal "Play to Improve" classes build skills from the ground up, making the club a strong home for young golfers developing their game. Contact the golf shop for current junior program offerings and registration.

Tournaments & Events

With its Hale Irwin design, scenic front-range setting, renowned greens, and full clubhouse amenities, Highlands Ranch is a standout venue for tournaments, charity scrambles, and corporate outings. A course of this caliber gives any event a sense of occasion, and The Grill at Highlands Ranch provides on-site dining and gathering space for post-round receptions, awards, and celebrations.

Event types hosted:

• Golf tournaments and championships
• Charity and corporate outings
• Scrambles and group events
• League play and recurring events

To inquire about hosting a tournament or event, contact the club directly.

Planning Your Event Here

As a popular semi-private course with championship pedigree, Highlands Ranch is in demand for events, so early scheduling is recommended for preferred dates. Organizers should coordinate timing, format, and any dining or clubhouse needs in advance. Contact the club at (303) 471-0000 to inquire about availability and group rates.

Hosting an Event at Highlands Ranch? Launch It on Colorado Under Par

If you're organizing a tournament, scramble, outing, or fundraiser at the University of Denver Golf Club at Highlands Ranch, 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