Service is top-notch at this downvalley public course that feels more like a high-end private course. Exquisite conditioning, service and course design make Eagle Ranch Golf Club a true locals' favorite in Eagle County.

Balls are included with the green fee at the driving range, where an attendant will hand golfers balls upon arrival as well as ensure you make it to the first tee on time. And you'll never have to fumble around with your clubs at the car, either — attendants help you get them out on your way in and they're there to take them back for you after you play.

"We have such a high level of service that makes people feel like they're playing at a more exclusive place," said Jeff Boyer, PGA General Manager at Eagle Ranch. Thanks to the climate downvalley, the course is open about eight months per year, a long season for Eagle County, Boyer points out.

Season pass variety suits various demographics and golfers, while a junior golf program focuses on getting younger folks into the sport. "It's a great place for families to play and learn and we definitely do our best to make room for young golfers and novice golfers," Boyer said.

With a wide valley view of the mountains surrounding Basalt to Glenwood Springs, the Ranch at Roaring Fork in Carbondale is a beautiful par 3 golf course suitable for all ages and abilities. This nine-hole midvalley course offers a glimpse of majestic Mt. Sopris from its mostly flat setting. Some elevated tees and sloping greens make for fun challenges. There are bunkers and water hazards dotted throughout the course, which is beautifully maintained.

Local golfers love this course for its accessibility and fun challenges, plus its reasonable fees — especially considering its location in the expensive Roaring Fork Valley. A chipping and putting green also offer golfers a place to hone their skills. Fairways and greens are well-groomed, and two tees offer about 1,000 yards difference in total playing length (1,078 yards vs. 980 yards). Pine, willow, cottonwood trees and bushes line the course.

The Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks is considered one of the top courses in country and consistently rated as the best mountain course in Colorado — Avid Golfer has us ranked it the no. 1 golf experience in Colorado and Golf Magazine says The Raven is a top 10 course in the United States. Located in Silverthorne, just an hour from Denver and minutes from the Vail Valley, the Raven's spectacular setting is only surpassed by its personalized service.

The challenging yet eminently playable Tom Lehman and Hurdzan/Fry design features lush rolling fairways and immaculate greens surrounded by towering stands of pine and aspen, snowcapped 13,000-foot peaks, crystal-clear creeks and troutfilled lakes.

With spectacular scenery and dramatic elevation changes, The Raven is the perfect course to enjoy the wonders of Colorado.

Set in the undeveloped, wide open spaces of the Arkansas River Valley near Turquoise Lake, Mt. Massive Golf is truly a walk in the woods — no freeways, homes or condos to share your game with — just the elk, deer and woodland creatures.

Golf the way it's meant to be — in a natural setting with a casual and relaxed atmosphere, with truly friendly people on staff that work for your good time and return.

This is America's Highest Golf Course, just a bit lower than Leadville at 10,152 feet above sea level. Yes, the ball does fly about 20 percent farther here — but it also flies straighter due to the reduced spin rate at altitude — which means less slicing and hooking, and lower scores!

Golf in a natural setting with the river, lake and Colorado's highest peaks as neighbors is a rare opportunity not to miss.

Along with the golf course, Mt. Massive also features a nine-basket Disc Golf Course. And for the soccer enthusiast (new this year), the only 18-hole FootGolf Course in the region. "We believe golf should be fun and relaxing, so we operate our facility and treat our guests accordingly," said Craig Stuller, general manager and "head golf guy" at Mt. Massive Golf Course. "But we don't skimp on caring for our course — conditions rival those found at the pricier, resort courses nearby."

For 65 years, golfers have been teeing off at the Glenwood Springs Golf Club set against the breathtaking backdrop of surrounding mountains. From the clubhouse and no. 3 tee box you have the most amazing view of Mt. Sopris. Having won the award of Colorado's no. 1 ninehole golf course, you will be pleasantly surprised by it's challenging greens. The green on hole no. 5 is probably the most difficult to navigate with its bends and turns. Hole no. 8 is the favorite par 3 on the course. The other greens on the course's par 3s are elevated and intriguing. The Glenwood Springs Golf Club offers competitive play in its men's club, ladies club and tournaments in addition to the more relaxed level of play on other days/times.

This public course offers nine mighty holes, with the option to play twice for an 18-hole game, in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're seeking a casual day on the course or a more competitive game, the Glenwood Springs Golf Club satisfies every kind of player.

What you will like most about this Club is the people – they are small-town friendly and everyone will will make you feel like you are at home.

The nine-hole design makes this course an ideal stop for visitors to Glenwood Springs. It's located just minutes from the hot springs pool and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and offers a full-service pro shop, lessons for all levels, golf club repair, chipping and putting greens, and a full-service restaurant.

Scenic views and an abundance of native wildlife are some of the highlights at this player-friendly course, just 50 minutes from downtown Steamboat Springs. The Yampa Valley Golf Course prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere, where everyone is treated like family. A team of well-trained, experienced staff work together to make the course enjoyable and affordable. The 6,600-yard course plays through and over 240 acres of cottonwoods, wetlands, native grasses and sage. Four tees make playing here perfect for all ability levels.

With views of the breathtaking Gore Mountain Range, Vail Golf Course is a scenic, 18-hole public mountain course that's accessible for all playing abilities. With five sets of tees, the course has everyone covered from beginners to juniors to low handicap golfers.

This valley course is surrounded by mountains on all sides and was the first golf course in the Vail Valley. One of Vail's pioneers, Ben Krueger, built the course in 1962.

The greens are challenging with subtle undulations throughout, and the views are amazing across all 18 holes. There are 6,766 yards of golf from the longest tees, for a total par of 71.

At more than 8,000 feet in elevation, golfers get an added bonus at the Vail Golf Club: their balls will fly about 10 percent farther than at lower elevations. It's also a surprisingly walkable course considering its mountain setting.

For those looking to try something a little different, the club also offers golf-bikes to pedal your way around the course. "Transfer your clubs into the saddle bag on the back of the bike and pedal your way down the fairway – enjoy your golf and your biking all in one," said Director of Golf Alice Plain. The driving range is located near the clubhouse and hits from west to east, facing the spectacular Gore Range. Plain said it's the most beautiful driving range view in the state.

Set beneath the backdrop of Mount Werner amid rolling ranch lands, Haymaker Golf Course is an 18-hole gem located in the lush, green Yampa Valley in Steamboat Springs. The spectacular Flat Top mountain range can be seen in the distance at this challenging links-style course with native grasses and wetlands enhancing the wide-open fairways.

Haymaker is City of Steamboat Springs facility that plays like a championship caliber course. Haymaker welcomes family play and promotes Junior golfers of all ages. Aside from regular play, Haymaker offers golf clinics, private lessons, women specific programs and tournaments during the season. Its PGA Golf Professionals make every effort to have locals and visitors alike feel at home.

Designed by Keith Foster, Haymaker is a championship caliber course that was shaped to resemble the contours of the surrounding landscape. Haymaker features a full practice facility, including driving range, putting green and chipping area. Working closely with the Audubon International's Signature Status Program, Foster and the City of Steamboat Springs built a course that elk, eagles and blue herons call home.

Haymaker welcomes and challenges golfers of all ability levels, from novice to professional.

From river views to the breathtaking grandeur of Mt. Sopris, a game of golf at Ironbridge Golf Club is also a way to experience Colorado's landscapes. Ironbridge, located between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale off County Road 109, was built in 2003 but underwent upgrades and refinement in 2014. Golfers experience a diverse range of views and atmospheres across the 18-hole course.

While the secluded holes of 10 to 13 are truly remarkable, river views along the front nine and Sopris Views from holes 14 through 18 are also amazing. Range use and balls are included with your green fee, as is your cart and access to a putting green and short game practice area.

Ironbridge's location makes for a wonderful destination for golfers traveling with families, as there is much to do in Glenwood Springs including two hot springs pools, spas, hiking, biking, and rafting.

For golfers who have not visited Ironbridge since the course changes made by Tom Lehman, upon their return they'll find the changes resulted in faster, more enjoyable rounds for the average golfer, while still challenging the better golfer.

Ideally located between Vail and Beaver Creek ski areas, the EagleVail Golf Club's 18-hole course was designed to fit in with its majestic mountain setting. The course weaves in and around rivers, ponds, wetlands, forests and gardens, all set against a backdrop of spectacular mountains. Putting greens and a driving range, plus a casual Par 3 course called Willow Creek, make this course appealing to any level or style of golfer — from the Thursday night "buckets & brew" specials at the driving range to children's golf programs to men's and women's golf leagues.

The par 3 course features "footgolf" which is an exciting twist to the game that incorporates the use of a soccer ball instead of a golf club and ball. Rates for the par 3 course are only $10 per round. EagleVail has been designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary from Audubon International since 2014.

The two-year certification process requires demonstration of a high degree of environmental quality in seven specific areas including Environmental Planning, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

Lincoln Park Golf Course was established in 1926 and is located in the heart of beautiful Grand Junction. It's a regulation nine-hole golf course — with an appealing mix of fairways, water hazards and sand traps — can be stretched out to roughly 3,300 yards, said PGA Golf Professional Brian Franco. "Lincoln Park welcomes all ages and skill levels with four sets of tees in addition to our family tees," Franco said. "Although relatively flat, the greens provide challenges for all skill levels."

The City of Grand Junction says the course was "born in the era of mashies and niblicks," but it can "still defend itself from the over-sized drivers and hot golf balls of today." Located just minutes from historic downtown Grand Junction, golfers can improve their games at the course's 10-acre practice facility or try a lap around the walkable nine-hole course, Franco said. "With smooth rolling, subtle breaking greens, it is a delightful place to test your golf skills," he said. There's a full-service pro shop and snack bar. Rental clubs, pull carts, and golf cars are also available. Lessons from PGA Professionals are available by appointment.

Tee times may be made seven days in advance by calling 970-2426394 or by using the course's free mobile app. To download the mobile app to your smart phone, search for Golf Grand Junction in the Apple App Store or Android Market.

With beautiful views of the White River and the Chinese Wall of the Flat Tops Mountains, the nine holes at Meeker Golf Course deliver the views.

Meeker's Western heritage is evident by the cattle all around the perimeter of the course thanks to its location right in the middle of three ranches. Wildlife are also common sights, including turkeys, deer and elk.

"This course was designed by ranchers who wanted to play golf," said Kyle Hooks, president of the board for the Meeker Golf Course. "They made a course that follows the topography of the land."

A creek runs through the middle of the course into the White River, a world-renowned trout fishing river.

With two sets of tee boxes and plenty of elevation changes, Meeker Golf Course is a challenging but welcoming ninehole.