XXXIX Review of "Riverdale (Dunes)"

RIVERDALE (DUNES), Brighton, Colorado: Another Pete Dye design, this is a Scottish links style course on the South Platte River, about 30 miles north of Denver. Along with Pinon Hills (in northwest New Mex.), this is one of the best values in the country. It suffers from overplay because of over-popularity. Still, this one is not to be missed. It's companion course, "The Knolls", is a pretty good track also, albeit not Dye. RATINGS: 72.1/129 COST: $38-$45 plus cart.

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XXXVIII Review of "Arrowhead"

ARROWHEAD, Littleton, Colorado: This course is on my hit-list especially for the scenic surroundings of Roxbourough Park, located in southwest suburban Denver. It must be seen to be... Oh, forget it, you won't believe it even if you see it. I was waiting to see dinosaurs roaming about. One of the most photogenic courses I've ever seen. AND it's unusually playable for a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. concoction. RATINGS: 71.7/137 COST: $69 (off-season)-$145 including cart

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Builders Who Tear Down Bogie Golfers

The most severe golf course architects (& assocs. is inferred) are the R. T. Jones's. I'll give the nod to Sr. over Jr. for the worstest. Unplayable eye-candy, says he. Then every once in a while I surprisingly find one to be playable. Why would they do that? Wimps! Sellouts! A close 3rd. place finish to railroader Pete Dye. Those three guys will definitely punish good shots. Two former Tour players who make courses for Tour players, Johnny Miller and Tom Weiskopf, tie for 4th. Beautiful, impossible stuff. Tied for 5th. in severity stats are "The Golden Bear", Tom Doak, Jim Engh, and the Coore/Crenshaw team. That group is playable on a good day. The following guys fall into the "fair" group (finally!): Arnold Palmer and Ken Dye. Who do I like? All of the above. I'm an idealist. And: Donald Ross, with postage stamp size greens. Unplayable, but I like his style. But I hate Pinehurst #2. I've only played one top-ranked Baxter Spann course, but I love it. He is challenging, aesthetically smooth, and fair.

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XXXVII Review of "Cotton Ranch"

COTTON RANCH, Gypsum, Colorado: I wouldn't forget Pete Dye on a "best of" list. As the name implies, this course covers some lovely acreage on an old converted ranch. The "railroad tie" course designer is always unique and challenging (or "Dyeabolical"). #8 might be a 165 yard sand wedge for you, with the tee way above the green. RATINGS: 72.9/130 COST: $69-$92 including cart

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XXXVI Review of "Kemper Lakes"

KEMPER LAKES, Kildeer, Illinois: Kemper Insurance's corporate office sits amid the company's namesake course. This is not a detriment, for it is a very attractive building on a very attractive site. The course hosted the 1989 P.G.A. Championship, so it is quite a stern test. I love the 17th. island (technically a peninsula) hole. Alas, it is now private. Magnifico if you can get on, it's designed by Ken Killian and Dick Nugent. RATINGS 76.2/143 PRIVATE

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XXXV Review of "Breckenridge"

BRECKENRIDGE GOLF CLUB, Breckenridge, Colorado: Jack Nicklaus's only 27 hole municipal course is in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The average guy can drive the ball 300 yards or so here, but that's the end of the easy part. I've always thought of Jack as a fair architect, but these tracks are very difficult. At 9300 feet elevation, acclimation may also be required. There is eye-candy everywhere in this "Rocky Mountain High", if you get pooped and need a rest. Just put the clubs away and get out the camera. RATINGS: 73.1/146 (for Bear/Beaver 18, which is the original course) COST: $60 (off-season)-$107 plus cart.

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XXXIV Review of "Dalton Ranch"

DALTON RANCH, Durango, Colorado: If you can't get on the "Glacier Club", play this one. Many people think this is the better course. Well, it does seem to be fairer if the ball striking is good. Ken Dye designed this course, built along the Animas River, and near the San Juan Mountains. It is a very scenic environment. RATINGS: 72.2/132 COST: $59-$89 including cart

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XXXIII Review of "Glacier Club"

GLACIER CLUB, Durango, Colorado: First, this course was called "Tamarron", then "The Cliffs at Tamarron", and now "The Glacier Club". There are 2 ways to get on the course. One is to reserve a "stay-and-play" package through Purgatory/Durango Mountain Resort. Specify that a condo with a membership is needed. The other way is to rent a vacation condo from a private owner who is a member at the Glacier Club. Let him know that you'll want to play golf. Either way, it's worth the hassle. The course is awesome in the fall, when the forest is turning colors. You can't find your ball for all the leaves on the ground though, so bring the camera or bring two dozen balls. There are 300 yard drives available here, at 7600 feet elevation, but I recommend leaving the driver at home. The course is tight! (Last avail.) RATINGS: 73.0/142 PRIVATE

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