The Best Golf Courses in and Around Fort Collins: A Local’s Guide for 2026
Looking for the best golf courses in and around Fort Collins? Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just getting into the game, Northern Colorado has an impressive lineup of public, semi-private, and private courses — many with stunning mountain views and year-round playability thanks to 300+ days of sunshine.
From championship layouts like Ptarmigan Country Club to affordable public gems like Southridge and Collindale, the Fort Collins area offers some of the best golf in Colorado. Here’s your complete guide for anyone living in Fort Collins or planning a move to the area.
Table of Contents
- Golf Course Quick Comparison
- Collindale Golf Course — Fort Collins
- Ptarmigan Country Club — Fort Collins
- Highland Meadows Golf Course — Windsor
- Southridge Golf Course — Fort Collins
- Mariana Butte Golf Course — Loveland
- Additional Courses Worth Exploring
- Why Golfers Love Living in Fort Collins
- Frequently Asked Questions
Golf Course Quick Comparison
| Course | City | Type | Par | Best For | Nearby Neighborhoods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collindale | Fort Collins | Public | 71 | All skill levels, tournaments | Midtown, Warren Shores, Harmony |
| Ptarmigan | Fort Collins | Private | 72 | Luxury, competitive golf | SE Fort Collins, Timnath |
| Highland Meadows | Windsor | Public | 71 | Links-style, scenic | Windsor, Timnath Ranch |
| Southridge | Fort Collins | Public | 71 | Beginners, affordable | Harmony corridor, Fossil Lake Ranch |
| Mariana Butte | Loveland | Public | 72 | Scenic, foothills terrain | Loveland, SW Fort Collins |
1. Collindale Golf Course – Fort Collins
Collindale is one of Fort Collins’ premier public courses and a longtime local favorite. Known for its championship layout, tree-lined fairways, and challenging greens, it’s a staple for golfers of all abilities.
Why Locals Love It
- Designed for both casual rounds and competitive play
- Hosts numerous local tournaments
- Central Fort Collins location
- Excellent practice facility with a full driving range
Course Highlights
- Par 71
- 7,000+ yards from the back tees
- Well-maintained greens
- The clubhouse and restaurant are on-site.
Great for residents in the Midtown, Warren Shores, and Harmony Corridor neighborhoods.
2. Ptarmigan Country Club – Fort Collins
Ptarmigan is one of Northern Colorado’s most prestigious private golf courses. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course offers an elegant club experience with pristine fairways, strategically designed bunkers, and scenic water features.
Why Locals Love It
- Exclusive, luxury course atmosphere
- Impeccable course conditions
- Strong golf community and member tournaments
- Beautiful clubhouse, fitness facilities, and dining
Course Highlights
- Par 72
- Signature holes with mountain views
- Fast greens and immaculate layout
Homes near Ptarmigan — especially in southeast Fort Collins and Timnath — are highly sought after.
→ Related: Best Luxury Neighborhoods in Fort Collins
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3. Highland Meadows Golf Course – Windsor
Just minutes from Fort Collins, Highland Meadows offers a beautiful links-style course designed to feel open, rolling, and natural. It’s a favorite among golfers who enjoy varied terrain and views of the Front Range.
Why Locals Love It
- Wide fairways with room for creativity
- Pro shop, practice facilities, and on-site dining
- Fun layout with a mix of challenging and forgiving holes
Course Highlights
- Par 71
- Scenic, walkable course
- Strong junior golf and women’s golf programs
A great option for residents of Windsor, Timnath Ranch, and southeast Fort Collins.
→ Related: Fort Collins vs Loveland — Which City Is Right for You?
4. Southridge Golf Course – Fort Collins
Located on the south end of town, Southridge is known for its friendly layout, affordable rates, and well-maintained greens. It’s perfect for players who want a quicker round or a more relaxed atmosphere.
Why Locals Love It
- Ideal for beginners and intermediate golfers
- Affordable and accessible tee times
- Walkable course with minimal elevation changes
Course Highlights
- Par 71
- Great pace of play
- Consistently good greens
Homes in the Harmony corridor and Fossil Lake Ranch neighborhoods enjoy quick access to Southridge.
5. Mariana Butte Golf Course – Loveland
Mariana Butte is one of the most scenic public courses in Northern Colorado. Built into the foothills next to the Big Thompson River, it features dramatic elevation changes, red rock formations, and stunning views.
Why Locals Love It
- One of the most beautiful municipal courses in Colorado
- Exciting and challenging layout
- Excellent twilight tee time options
Course Highlights
- Par 72
- Elevated tees and signature water holes
- Wildlife sightings and panoramic views
Golfers living in Loveland and southwest Fort Collins frequent Mariana Butte year-round.
→ Related: Best Day Adventures from Fort Collins
Additional Courses Worth Exploring
- City Park Nine — Fort Collins — Fort Collins’ oldest course, perfect for a quick 9-hole round
- Pelican Lakes Golf Club — Windsor — Massive course with 27 holes and the most shoreline of any golf course in the U.S.
- Boise Creek Golf Course — Wellington — Affordable, beginner-friendly option north of Fort Collins
Why Golfers Love Living in Fort Collins
Nearly 300 days of sunshine — Consistent warm weather allows for long golf seasons compared to mountain towns.
Variety of course styles — From links-style layouts to foothills terrain to luxury private clubs.
Community-growing courses — Youth golf, women’s leagues, and senior programs make golf accessible for everyone.
Real estate near golf courses holds long-term value — Homes near Collindale, Ptarmigan, and Highland Meadows remain in high demand.
A relaxed yet active lifestyle — Golf blends perfectly with Fort Collins’ culture of outdoor activity, local breweries, patios, and sunshine.
→ Related: What’s It Like Living in Fort Collins Colorado?
→ Related: Why Fort Collins Is Great for Retirement
→ Related: Best Craft Breweries in Fort Collins
→ Related: Pickleball in Fort Collins — Best Places to Play
For a complete overview of everything Fort Collins has to offer, visit our Moving to Fort Collins, Colorado — The Complete Relocation Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf in Fort Collins
What are the best golf courses in Fort Collins?
The top golf courses in Fort Collins include Collindale (public, championship), Ptarmigan Country Club (private, Jack Nicklaus-designed), Southridge (public, affordable), Highland Meadows in Windsor (links-style), and Mariana Butte in Loveland (scenic foothills).
Is there a private golf course in Fort Collins?
Yes. Ptarmigan Country Club is Fort Collins’ premier private golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus with a luxury clubhouse, dining, and fitness facilities.
What is the most affordable golf course in Fort Collins?
Southridge Golf Course and City Park Nine are the most affordable public options in Fort Collins. Boise Creek in Wellington also offers budget-friendly rates just north of town.
Can you golf year-round in Fort Collins?
Nearly. Thanks to 300 days of sunshine and mild winters, the golf season in Fort Collins typically runs from March through November. Some warmer winter days allow for off-season play as well.
Are there golf communities or neighborhoods in Fort Collins?
Yes. Homes near Ptarmigan Country Club (southeast Fort Collins/Timnath) and Collindale (Midtown) are popular with golfers. In Windsor, neighborhoods near Highland Meadows and Pelican Lakes offer golf-course living.
How does Fort Collins compare to other Colorado golf destinations?
Fort Collins offers a longer golf season than mountain communities and more variety than Denver suburbs. The combination of public courses, a Nicklaus-designed private club, and scenic foothills courses makes it one of Colorado’s strongest golf regions.
~ By The Levi Group Brokered by Real ~
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Jason Levi
The Levi Group Brokered by REAL, LLC
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