The PGA Tour is a showcase for many of the greatest cities and areas in the United States. Okay, the Tour may have abandoned D.C., and its decision to put Chicago on an every-other-year rotation is curious at best. Still, there are plenty of great places to catch an event. With all due respect to San Diego, Hilton Head, the Florida stops and New Orleans, however, no city on the PGA Tour tops Denver from a golf spectator’s unique perspective.
The INTERNATIONAL has it all. Start with a solid field that’s expected to get a lot stronger next year when the event moves into a new slot the first weekend in July. Throw in a golf course that’s among the most scenic of courses anywhere, with views–and a couple of climbs–that will take your breath away. In addition, the unique, modified Stableford scoring system ensures that your favorite players will be shooting for the pins just about every time.
The INTERNATIONAL has earned a reputation as the most hospitable stop on Tour for the golfers. The tournament staff have perfected the spectator experience as well. There are plenty of shady spots to relax, take in the view, watch the play and even sample one of Castle Pines’ famed ultrarich milkshakes.
If you want to squeeze in some family vacation time, set off to the spectacular 14,000-foot summits of Pikes Peak or Mount Evans. Take in a Rockies game at Coors Field in the hopping LoDo section of Denver. Book a rafting or fishing trip, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Bring your clubs, too. You can tee it up at the historic Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, where Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sorenstam each won their first major titles. Closer to the tournament venue, there are several quality layouts, including Red Hawk Ridge in Castle Rock, Bear Dance in Larkspur and Arrowhead in Littleton. Definitely consider booking your tee times in advance. www.golfintl.com
