You’re driving through the flat, high-plains landscape of Northern Colorado, and suddenly the horizon shifts. Most muni courses in this part of the world are predictable—mature trees, flat fairways, and a generic "parkland" feel that could be anywhere from Kansas to Ohio. But Boomerang Links Golf Course isn't that. It’s a bit of a weird, wonderful outlier.
Located at 7309 West 4th Street in Greeley, this place feels more like a slice of the Scottish coast dropped into the middle of Weld County. Honestly, the first time you step onto the tee, you notice the wind. It’s almost always there. And because the designer, William Neff, built this as a true links-style course back in 1991, that wind is part of the architecture. You aren't just playing golf; you're playing a game of chess against the elements and some very strategically placed tall native grasses.
What Most People Get Wrong About Boomerang Links Golf Course
A lot of locals think "links-style" just means there aren't many trees. That’s a massive oversimplification. At Boomerang, it’s about the ground game. If you try to fly the ball all the way to the hole on every approach, you’re going to have a frustrating afternoon. The fairways are sculpted with mounds and hollows that create "dodgy bounces," as the purists say.
The greens here are massive. Like, "did I bring my GPS to find the hole?" massive. But they aren't just big; they’re firm. In the heat of a Colorado summer, the course plays fast. You’ve basically got to learn the "bump and run." If you can’t keep your ball under the wind and use the slopes to funnel your shot toward the pin, those 50+ bunkers are going to eat your scorecard alive.
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The Front vs. The Back
It’s kinda funny how the course is split. The front nine has a bit more of that traditional feel with some water hazards—specifically five holes where water guards the right side. It lures you into a false sense of security. Then you hit the back nine, and the "links" personality really comes out. It’s open, rugged, and feels vast.
One thing you should know: if you miss the fairway on the back nine, don’t expect an easy recovery. That waist-high native grass is beautiful to look at from the cart path, but it’s a graveyard for Titleists.
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The Mike Lee 9: A Game Changer for Greeley
In August 2025, Boomerang added something that really changed the vibe of the facility. They opened the "Mike Lee 9." This isn't just another set of tees; it's a dedicated nine-hole short course built specifically for beginners and kids. It was a joint project between the City of Greeley and the Michael Ray Lee Foundation, and honestly, it’s exactly what the sport needs.
The holes range from 35 to 70 yards. It’s tucked away east of the 10th hole on the main course. What’s cool is that it supports SNAG (Starting New at Golf) equipment, so you’ll see toddlers out there with oversized plastic clubs right next to adults practicing their wedge game. It has made the whole property feel way more inclusive and less like a "serious golfers only" club.
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Dealing with the Greeley Elements
Let’s talk about the wind again because you can't ignore it. Being at 4,600+ feet of elevation means the ball travels further, but the wind often cancels that out. On a calm day, the 7,214 yards from the black tees are manageable for a low-handicapper. On a blustery Tuesday? It feels like 8,000 yards.
- The Par 3s: They are particularly tough when the gusts pick up. You might hit a 9-iron one day and a 5-iron the next on the same hole.
- The Bunkers: These aren't just shallow sand pits. They are often deep, riveted-style bunkers that require a genuine sand save technique to escape.
- The Putting Green: It’s one of the largest in Northern Colorado. Use it. The speed of the practice green usually matches the course perfectly, which isn't always a guarantee at municipal tracks.
Practical Details for Your Round
If you're planning to head out there, the rates are pretty reasonable for the quality. Expect to pay somewhere between $40 and $60 depending on the day and whether you're riding. They’ve kept the "muni" soul alive by making sure it’s accessible.
The Outback Restaurant & Pub on-site is actually a decent spot for a post-round burger. It’s got that "everyone knows your name" feel, and the patio views of the course at sunset are arguably some of the best in Greeley.
How to Play Your Best
- Forget the Driver: On several holes, especially with the wind at your back, the driver is overkill and puts those bunkers in play.
- Aim for the "Fat" of the Green: Because the greens are so large and undulating, being on the green isn't enough. You want to be in the right quadrant. If you’re on the wrong tier, a three-putt is almost a certainty.
- Watch the native grass: Seriously. If your ball goes in, unless you saw exactly where it landed, just drop another. It’s not worth the ticks or the lost time.
Boomerang Links Golf Course remains a cornerstone of the Northern Colorado golf scene because it doesn't try to be a manicured country club. It’s raw, it’s windy, and it rewards creativity over raw power. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just taking your kid to the Mike Lee 9 for their first swing, it’s a spot that stays with you.
Actionable Next Steps
Check the wind forecast before you book your tee time on the City of Greeley’s website. If the gusts are over 25 mph, make sure your low-trajectory "stinger" shot is dialed in. Also, if you’re bringing a new player, head straight to the Mike Lee 9 short course first to get a feel for the firm turf without the pressure of a four-hour round.