You’re driving out toward the edge of town, past the suburban sprawl and the sprawling cornfields of Weld County, and suddenly the horizon changes. It’s not just flat dirt anymore. Instead, you see these massive, rolling mounds of native grass and some of the widest fairways in Northern Colorado. This is Boomerang Golf Greeley CO, or Boomerang Links if you’re being official about it. Honestly, if you grew up playing tree-lined parkland courses where a stray tee shot means you're punch-out chipping through a spruce, this place is going to feel like another planet. It’s big. It’s windy. And it’s arguably the best bang-for-your-buck round you’ll find within an hour of Denver.
Most people think "municipal golf" and imagine slow greens, patchy fairways, and a five-hour round behind a group in denim shorts. Boomerang flips that script. It’s a Bill Neff design from 1991 that treats the Colorado landscape like the coast of Scotland. Well, minus the ocean, obviously. But the wind? Oh, the wind is definitely there.
What Actually Makes Boomerang Golf Greeley CO Different?
It’s the "Links" style. In the golf world, people throw that term around a lot, but here it actually means something. You won't find many trees. Basically, if you hit a ball into the "woods," you aren't looking for a tree; you're looking for waist-high native grass that eats Titleists for breakfast.
The layout is expansive. From the tips (the Black tees), the course stretches out to a beefy 7,214 yards. That’s a lot of golf. But here’s the thing: because it’s so open, you feel like you can just rip your driver on almost every hole. There’s a sense of freedom here you don't get at its sister course, Highland Hills, which is much tighter and more traditional.
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One thing most people don't realize until they're on the third hole is how much the mounding matters. Neff used these massive dirt mounds to frame the holes. It’s aesthetic, sure, but it also creates these tricky side-hill lies even when you’re technically in the fairway. You’ve got to be smart about where you land the ball because the roll-out in the high plains is real.
The Greens: The Secret Sauce
If you talk to the regulars, they’ll tell you the greens are the main event. They are big. Really big. And usually, they are some of the fastest public greens in the region.
- Fast and True: They aren't usually bumpy or chewed up.
- Subtle Breaks: Because they are so large, you can end up with a 60-foot putt that looks flat but breaks two feet right at the end.
- The "Pro" Feel: They have a way of making you feel like a hero when you drain a long one, or like a total amateur when you three-putt from across the county.
The New Addition: Mike Lee 9
The biggest news recently isn't about the championship 18. It’s the Mike Lee 9. This is a brand-new short course that opened in late 2025/early 2026, and it's a huge deal for the Greeley community.
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Named after a local golfer who passed away, this isn't just a "pitch and putt." It’s designed specifically to get kids and beginners into the game without the intimidation of a 500-yard Par 5 staring them down. They even use SNAG (Starting New At Golf) equipment for the really young ones. It’s located right near the 10th hole of the main course. Honestly, it’s heartening to see a city invest in the future of the game like this. If you have a kid who wants to learn, this is the spot. No pressure, just fun.
Survival Tips for Your First Round
Don't go out there thinking it's a pushover just because it's "open."
- Check the Forecast: If the wind is blowing over 15 mph, the back nine becomes a beast. Holes 11 and 16 are long Par 5s that can feel like they're 800 yards long when you're hitting into a headwind.
- The Sand is Real: There are over 50 bunkers on this course. They aren't just for show. Some of them are deep enough that you’ll need a ladder to see the green.
- Hydrate: There is almost zero shade. If you’re playing in July, you are in the sun for four hours straight. Bring a hat. Buy the extra Gatorade at the turn.
The Vibe at the Outback
After the 18th, most people head into the Outback Restaurant & Pub. It’s not fancy. It’s exactly what a golf clubhouse bar should be. The beer is cold, the burgers are surprisingly good, and the patio overlooks the practice range.
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Speaking of the range—it’s actually one of the best in Northern Colorado. It’s huge, and they have lights for night practice during the peak season. It’s a common sight to see people out there at 8:00 PM banging balls under the glow of the floodlights. It feels more like a community hang-out than a stuffy club.
Is It Worth the Drive?
If you're coming from Fort Collins or Windsor, it’s a no-brainer. If you're coming from Denver, it depends. If you want a change of pace from the crowded, overpriced metro courses, then yes, Boomerang Golf Greeley CO is worth the trip. You’ll pay significantly less for a tee time than you would at a comparable course in Aurora or Westminster, and you’ll likely play faster.
The course rating is around 73.2 from the back, with a slope of 130. It’s enough to test a low handicapper but friendly enough for a weekend warrior to have a good time. Just remember: the fairway is your friend. The native grass is your enemy.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
- Book Early: Use the City of Greeley’s online portal. It lets you see Boomerang and Highland Hills side-by-side so you can pick the best time.
- Practice Your Lag Putting: Before you head to the first tee, spend at least 15 minutes on the practice green. You need to get a feel for the speed of these greens or you'll be staring at a lot of three-putts.
- Drive the Distance: If you're a long hitter, take advantage of the wide landing zones on the front nine. Hole 3 and Hole 9 are great opportunities to gain some ground if you can keep it straight.
- Bring the Family: If you have beginners with you, check out the Mike Lee 9 instead of the full 18. It’s a much more relaxed way to spend an afternoon.
The beauty of Boomerang is that it doesn't try to be something it's not. It’s a rugged, wind-swept, high-plains links course that rewards smart play and punishes ego. It's Greeley golf at its most authentic.