The Olde Course

When anyone asks if I've played The Olde Course, I say “Yes”. It's just not the one you're thinking of.

This Olde Course is in Loveland, Colorado. It was designed in 1960 by Henry Hughes, an inductee in the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame. Henry had an interesting life in golf, but may have peaked early:

“In his youth Henry worked for his father, building the original 18 holes at the Broadmoor as well as Cherry Hills Country Club … In 1934 Hughes became the superintendent at Cherry Hills”.

The Olde Course is the oldest of 3 municipal courses in Loveland. It's a fine facility, but without a trace of pretentiousness. No need for a golf cart, as it is a “purpose-built” facility, not an afterthought to satisfy the open space requirements for a housing development. There's enough elevation change to take into consideration for club selection, but not to present the dramatic and panoramic views I favor. The course itself is of fairly standard design, except for three holes: the 10^th, with the tree in the middle of the fairway,

 the 14^th, with an “island” green which isn't really, and my favorite, the 5^th, a dogleg-left, 510-yard par 5 with the green hanging over the edge of the lake – a real golf hole, that one. 

 The 14^th is the signature hole. The green is bordered by three pond segments separated by three walkways from the “mainland” to the green. Despite the geographical discrepancy, it does present the implied golf challenge.

In 2005, Ray “Andrew Magee” Rodgers had an ace on the par-4 4^th hole.

It's a great price-performer, and one not to miss in Loveland. And not just because you can say you've played The Olde Course.  More pictures.