If you roll up to the wrought-iron gates at the end of East Espanola Street, you might feel like you’re accidentally trespassing on a private estate. You aren’t. Those massive, century-old silver maples and elms lining the drive were planted back when William McKinley was in the White House.
Patty Jewett Golf Course is weird in the best way possible. It’s a city-owned muni, but it feels like a high-society ghost story from 1898. Honestly, most public courses are flat, featureless patches of grass squeezed between a highway and a strip mall. Not this one. It’s the third-oldest public course west of the Mississippi, and it has the attitude to prove it.
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The $1 Gift That Changed Colorado Springs
The history here isn't just a plaque on a wall. It’s the reason the course exists. Back in the day, it was the Town and Gown Golf Club. Then a wealthy mining magnate named William Jewett bought it. In 1919, four years after his wife Patty passed away, he handed the whole 450-acre property over to the City of Colorado Springs for exactly one dollar.
There were strings attached, though.
Jewett wasn’t just being nice; he wanted to make sure the land stayed a park and a golf course forever. He literally put it in the deed: it must be maintained in perpetuity for the people. Because of that, we have this massive green lung right in the middle of a historic neighborhood, instead of more luxury condos or another parking garage.
It’s also widely considered the oldest golf course in the world named after a woman. Pretty cool for a guy in 1919 to give his wife that kind of legacy.
27 Holes of "Wait, Which Way Does This Break?"
Most people think "old course" means "short and easy." You’d be wrong. While Patty Jewett isn't a 7,500-yard monster meant to break Tiger Woods, it’s subtle. The course is split into three distinct nines: the Peak, the Plains, and the Prairie.
The Peak Nine
This is the "prestige" nine. It’s where you get that iconic, postcard view of Pikes Peak from the 6th tee. If you don't take a photo there, did you even play Patty? The 9th hole on this side is a par-4 that forces you to choose: do you lay up, or do you try to clear the water? Most people try to clear it. Most people end up in the pond.
The Plains Nine
It feels a bit more open, but the trees are the real hazard here. These aren't saplings. These are 100-year-old giants that will swat your ball out of the air like a fly. The greens on the Plains are notoriously tricky. They look flat. They are not flat.
The Prairie Nine
Kinda the "underrated" sibling of the group. It’s a bit more rugged and plays a little faster. If the other two nines are backed up—and they usually are—the Prairie is your best bet for a quicker round.
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The Reality of Playing a Historic Muni
Let’s get real for a second. Playing at Patty Jewett isn't always sunshine and birdies. Because it’s so beloved and so affordable, the pace of play can be... glacial.
I’ve seen five-hour rounds on a Tuesday.
If you’re looking for a 3-hour speed-run, you’re in the wrong place. You come here to hang out with the locals. You’ll see guys in their 80s who have played here every week since the 1960s, and you'll see teenagers with mismatched clubs. It’s a melting pot.
Also, the frost delays. Since we're in Colorado at over 6,000 feet, the grass is sensitive. In the fall and spring, don't be shocked if your 8:00 AM tee time turns into 10:30 AM because the shadows from those big trees kept the frost on the greens. Just grab a coffee and wait. It’s worth it.
The Best Clubhouse Food in the State (Seriously)
Most golf course snacks are a sad, shriveled hot dog under a heat lamp. The Patty Jewett Bar & Grill is a different animal. It’s actually a destination for people who don't even play golf.
The patio is the crown jewel. It faces west, overlooking the 18th green with the mountains stacked up behind it.
- The Green Chili: It’s Colorado. You have to order the green chili. It’s thick, spicy, and comes with a flour tortilla.
- The Breakfast Burrito: Huge. Basically a brick of food that will keep you full until the 14th hole.
- The Friday Night Prime Rib: A local tradition that sells out fast.
The vibe inside the clubhouse is wood-paneled and old-school. There’s a portrait of Patty Stuart Jewett herself hanging over the fireplace. She looks dignified, maybe a little stern, watching over the golfers drinking beer and complaining about their three-putts.
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What You’ll Pay (2026 Rates)
Patty is one of the best deals in the region. While the high-end resort courses at The Broadmoor will run you hundreds of dollars, Patty stays accessible.
Green fees for 18 holes usually hover around $45 to $55 for city residents. Non-residents pay a bit more, but it’s still a steal. Nine-hole rates are basically half that. If you want to walk, it’s a very walkable course—mostly flat with just enough rolling hills to give you a workout. A pull cart is a few bucks, but many locals just carry their bags.
Why This Place Actually Matters
In a world where golf is getting more "corporate" and "exclusive," Patty Jewett is a throwback. It’s a place where the history is lived, not just displayed. You can feel the age of the place in the way the turf feels under your feet—thick, established, and resilient.
It’s not perfect. The bunkers might have a few rocks. The fairways might have a brown patch in a dry July. The starter might be a little grumpy if you’re late. But that’s the charm. It’s a living, breathing part of Colorado Springs history that refuses to change just to satisfy modern trends.
Actionable Tips for Your First Visit:
- Book Early: Tee times at Patty Jewett open up 7 days in advance. If you want a weekend morning, you better be on the website the second they go live.
- Watch the Slope: Everything breaks toward the city (south/east), even when it looks like it's breaking toward the mountains. Trust the old-timers on this one.
- The "Patty" Rule: If you hit a tree, don't be mad. Those trees were there before your grandfather was born. Respect the elders.
- After the Round: Even if you played like garbage, go to the patio. Order the "Birdie Birdie" shrimp or a burger. Watch the sunset hit Pikes Peak. It makes the double-bogeys hurt a lot less.
- Check the Wind: The "Plains" nine is notorious for catching crosswinds coming off the Rockies. Adjust your club selection accordingly; a two-club wind is common here.
If you want a pristine, manicured experience with silence on the tee boxes, go elsewhere. If you want a piece of Colorado soul, some decent chili, and a view that hasn't changed much since 1919, get yourself a tee time at Patty.