Pros:
- Only course in the immediate area and a decent one at that.
- Navigation has improved in the last six months. With the use of the map available here, the signage on all holes is adequate - there are signs w/ par and usually distance on all holes. There are also next tee signs on some holes where there weren't before.
- Elevation! I'm not from the area and hail from a flat area. Playing a course with well-used elevation is not only educating but fun. It's not the craziest elevation or anything, but you're definitely playing in the third dimension on several holes.
- Variety of hole distance/pars/approaches. I wouldn't consider it a beginner course.
Cons:
- No amenities are close by. I know there is at least one public restroom at the YMCA but from what I could tell none are close to the course. There are few if any benches or trash cans. For non-acclimated visitors more benches would be nice.
- Cost: despite what is noted on the course info the park the cost for non-members is $20/adult a day.
- #18 ends nowhere near #1. If you're not from here you'll find yourself on another hike back to your car. Alternately, if you park near the entrance you'll be fine when you end, but you have a long walk up to the first tee.
Other Thoughts:
Dirt tees
I was in Estes for my wedding and made sure to check out the YMCA. It's really close to RMNP and you'd be a fool to miss it. Despite the cost, make sure to check it out, especially if you're from flat-land.
The day I played there was a lot of summer camp activities and people about but none were really on the course. Being June, it was really hot out but if you prepare accordingly you won't suffer from the elements. You may, however, suffer from the long grass in areas, hidden runoff streams, and occasional surprisingly-thick brush. That being said most of the course is dry and easy to navigate.
the walk from 13 to 14 is long and not to scale with the map however there is a next tee sign giving you the general direction of 14.
I had a great time here. As for the course itself, you've got a smorgasbord of forehands and backhands, even some overhands. All things considered though, as a non-pro, it's not necessarily an EASY course. Like any course, once you learn it, you know where to go. I imagine that even for locals however, this course can present challenges, especially since the area has true seasons and sometimes crazy weather. I hope to update this review w/ info regarding the fall/winter. If you're in the area, PLAY the YMCA!
***And indeed I did come back, 5 months later and got to play the course in colder weather w/ snow on the ground. It was just as fun/difficult as it was in the summer but in a slightly different way. Many areas were dryer than in the summer, and as much of the vegetation has died off some holes are easier. That said, it's still a course that shouldn't be underestimated. Personal faves are 15-18. Nice, long, and a little technical, no roads or potential cars in the way either.