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The Flatirons Course, located at 5706 Arapahoe Ave., is a quick drive from campus, and from the residential and business areas of the city. It is situated near the new Twenty Ninth Street Mall, a rapidly growing and up-and-coming part of town.

The course is rich in history, as it has been a part of Boulder for nearly 90 years. Construction began on the course in 1929, and was completed in 1933. The designer, Robert Bruce Harris, was one of the most famous of his era. He designed over 150 courses throughout the country. Harris is also a member of the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame. The course’s construction was one of the original projects that were a part of President Roosevelt’s “New Deal” plan to put America back to work following the Great Depression.

Today, the Flatirons course is open to the public, and stands as yet another outdoor landmark in Boulder. Views of the Flatirons dominate the horizon, while close by old-growth trees and multiple ponds and waterways grab my attention. Geese and other wildlife are common on the course, adding to the abundance of nature. It seems at times that golf is secondary to the atmosphere of this course. Walking the course itself is manageable. The fairways and greens are well-maintained, and the course is relatively flat.

At first I am overwhelmed by the flora and fauna. To my left a flock of geese graze near one of the ponds; to my right the Flatirons are still partially covered in snow. The trees and flowers on the course are in bloom, and Colorado’s notorious sun is shining brightly.

This scenic area was also the setting of one of the largest cross-country races in recent memory. The 2007 USA Cross Country Championships, held here in February, gave many the opportunity to compete on the course in a new and different way. Special accommodations were made to transform Flatirons Golf Course into a cross-country trail for the championships. The tee box at the first hole marked the beginning of a two-kilometer loop, which ran through the green of the third hole, as well as others. Special precautions were taken to keep the course in playing condition after an estimated 10,000 spectators were on hand to watch the event. These efforts paid off; the course is still in perfect condition. 

While no championships or marathons are scheduled for the immediate future, there’s always the opportunity to walk the Flatirons course. Management has just a few requirements. The course, one of the busiest in the state, constantly has players on it. This creates a condensed environment, which could lead to problems if people were aimlessly wandering around. With this in mind, management requests that those wishing to walk the course go out with a party of golfers (preferably a group you know)  as a spectator. Staying with the golf party, individuals will be able to stay safe and not disrupt play for other parties.

“Our main reason for this is to keep people safe,” stated Tim Stevens, head golf professional.

Indeed, walking Flatirons Golf Course is a great opportunity to be outdoors and get exercise. It provides individuals with a new way to experience a walk in Boulder. It also provides people with an opportunity to spend time on the course without the frustration and anger that can come with trying to imitate the pros. Just be sure to listen for the dreaded “Fore!”