You’re driving down a residential street in Colorado Springs, North Cascade or maybe Wahsatch, and suddenly the houses just stop. In their place is a massive wrought-iron gate that looks like it belongs to a Gatsby estate. This is the entrance to Patty Jewett Golf Course. It’s weird, honestly. You expect a snooty private club where you need a recommendation from a senator just to park your car, but instead, you get one of the most welcoming, high-traffic municipal tracks in the American West.
People love this place. Like, really love it.
It’s the third oldest public course west of the Mississippi, established way back in 1898. If those cottonwoods could talk, they’d probably tell you about the time before golf carts were even a thing. Back then, it was the Colorado Springs Golf Club. Then, in 1919, W.K. Jewett handed the whole thing over to the city. One condition: it had to stay a golf course forever. It was a gift in memory of his wife, Patty. It’s basically a love letter to the city written in bluegrass and sand traps.
What makes Patty Jewett Golf Course actually different?
Most city courses feel... well, like city courses. You know the vibe. Sparse trees, patchy greens, and a starter who looks like he’d rather be anywhere else. Patty Jewett isn't that. It’s got this weirdly prestigious energy despite being totally affordable.
The layout is split into three distinct nines: the Peak, the Plains, and the Prairie.
The Peak Nine is the one everyone wants. Why? Because the views of Pikes Peak are so clear they look fake. You’re standing on the fairway, looking up at a 14,115-foot mountain that seems close enough to hit with a 6-iron. It’s distracting. You’ll probably chunk a shot because you were staring at the snowcaps. It happens to the best of us.
Then there’s the Plains Nine. It’s more traditional. Big, old-growth trees. It feels established. Mature. You aren't just playing golf; you’re walking through a park that’s been curated for over a hundred years. The Prairie Nine is the "new" kid, added later to handle the sheer volume of people who want to play here. It’s a bit more open, a bit more modern, but it still keeps that "Patty" soul.
The greens are faster than they look
Let's talk about the actual golf. If you think a muni is going to have slow, shaggy greens, Patty Jewett will humble you real quick. They keep these things slick.
Because the course sits at about 6,000 feet of elevation, the ball flies. You’ve got to account for that thin mountain air. If you're visiting from sea level, your 7-iron is suddenly a weapon of mass destruction. You’ll sail the green and end up in someone’s backyard if you aren't careful.
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The challenge here isn't necessarily length. It’s the trees. These aren't flimsy saplings. These are massive, ball-swallowing giants. If you’re off the fairway, you aren't just in the rough; you’re playing "plinko" with a hundred years of timber. It’s frustrating. It’s brilliant.
The "Patty" Clubhouse: More than just a 19th hole
You can't talk about Patty Jewett Golf Course without talking about the clubhouse. It’s a landmark.
Local residents who don’t even own a set of clubs come here just for the patio. It’s arguably the best patio in Colorado Springs. You’ve got the view of the mountain, a cold drink, and the sound of golfers complaining about their three-putts in the background. It’s peak Colorado.
The food is surprisingly good. It’s not just "hot dogs and lukewarm beer" territory. They’ve got a full-service restaurant that actually puts effort into the menu. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see a guy in a dirty golf polo sitting next to a couple dressed up for a nice lunch. It’s the great equalizer.
Debunking the "It’s too crowded" myth
Look, is it busy? Yes. It’s one of the most played courses in the region.
If you show up on a Saturday morning in July without a tee time, you’re going to be disappointed. You might be waiting a while. But there’s a reason for the crowd. The city keeps the prices low enough that a regular person can play 18 holes without taking out a second mortgage.
The pace of play is a common gripe, but honestly, it’s usually fine. The marshals do their best. Plus, when you’re surrounded by that much history and a giant mountain, who cares if the round takes four and a half hours? Relax. You’re outside.
A quick reality check on the conditions
I’m not going to sit here and tell you it’s Augusta National. It’s a public course.
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Sometimes the bunkers are a little firm. Sometimes the tee boxes show the wear and tear of a thousand golfers. But for the price and the history? You won’t find a better deal in the state. It’s managed by the city’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department, and they actually give a damn. They recently did some massive irrigation work to make sure the course stays green even when Colorado’s high-desert climate tries to turn everything into a dust bowl.
How to actually get a tee time (The Insider Way)
Getting on the sheet at Patty Jewett can feel like winning the lottery if you don't know the system.
They use an online booking portal that opens up several days in advance. If you want a prime weekend morning slot, you better be at your computer the second those times go live.
- Check the weather. Colorado Springs weather is bipolar. It can be 70 degrees and sunny at noon and snowing by 4 PM. Check the radar.
- Book the Peak/Plains combo. If you want the "classic" Patty Jewett experience, that’s the one.
- Bring your camera. I know, I know, "don't be that guy." But seriously, the view from the clubhouse or the back of the Peak Nine is worth the storage space on your phone.
- Walk if you can. It’s a very walkable course. There aren't many crazy elevation changes on the fairways themselves, and you’ll soak in the history much better on foot than zipping around in a cart.
The cultural impact on Colorado Springs
Patty Jewett isn't just a place to hit a ball into a hole. It’s part of the identity of the North End.
The neighborhood surrounding it is full of stunning Victorian-era homes and giant trees that canopy over the streets. The course acts as a massive green lung for the center of the city. It prevents the area from feeling like an endless sprawl of concrete.
It also hosts a ton of local tournaments and junior programs. This is where a lot of Colorado Springs kids learn to play. It’s not elitist. It’s the opposite. It’s where golf is accessible to everyone, which is exactly what W.K. Jewett wanted when he handed over the keys a century ago.
Things people get wrong about Patty
One big misconception is that it’s an "easy" course because it’s old.
Short doesn't mean easy. The greens have subtle breaks that will drive you crazy. Because it’s an older design, the greens aren't massive bowls; they’re often smaller targets that require some precision. If you’re a "grip it and rip it" type of golfer, the trees will eventually find your ball. It’s a course that rewards strategy over raw power.
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Another thing? People think it’s only for "old timers."
While the "Patty regulars" are definitely a thing, you’ll see plenty of younger crowds, college students from nearby Colorado College, and families. The vibe is chill. There’s no dress code police breathing down your neck, though you should still look presentable.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head out to Patty Jewett Golf Course, don’t just wing it.
Start by visiting the official City of Colorado Springs website to create your golfer profile in their booking system. This saves you 10 minutes of frustration when you’re trying to snag a last-minute time.
Aim for a tee time about 45 minutes before you actually want to play. This gives you time to hit a bucket of balls at the range—which is decent, though sometimes it’s restricted to mats—and grab a coffee in the clubhouse.
When you finish your round, do yourself a favor and order the green chili. It’s a Colorado staple, and Patty’s version is legit. Sit on the patio, watch the sunset hit Pikes Peak, and you’ll realize why this place has been a local obsession for over 125 years.
Check the local tournament schedule before you plan a trip, too. The course often hosts high school regionals or local city championships, which can shut down 18 holes for the morning. A quick call to the pro shop usually clears that up.
Pack a light jacket, even in June. The wind off the mountains can drop the temperature 10 degrees in an instant. Be prepared, play smart, and enjoy the fact that you’re playing on a piece of living history for less than the cost of a decent steak dinner.
The legacy of Patty Jewett isn't just about the grass; it's about the fact that a prime piece of real estate in the heart of a growing city remains open to everyone. It’s a rare thing. Go appreciate it.