Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw routed the first course through dunes Michael Keiser himself compares to Lahinch and Ballybunion — and the Keisers don't oversell. The second course is Jim Craig's solo debut, and Craig is the guy who shaped Friar's Head, Old Sandwich, and Sheep Ranch under Coore. Up to six courses are planned. Think Sand Hills with a major airport 42 miles down the road instead of a four-hour drive across Nebraska.
Dogleg's Picks
Where to play
Dogleg's Hidden Gem
Ballyneal Golf Club in Holyoke — the Tom Doak design that proved Colorado's eastern plains could produce world-class golf, and the course that made Michael Keiser believe Rodeo Dunes would work. Three hours from Denver, completely off the tourist circuit, and one of the finest golf experiences in the Rocky Mountain region. Go now, before Rodeo Dunes makes the drive feel unnecessary.
Dogleg's Advice
Before you book
Don't wait for Rodeo Dunes to open before you make a Colorado eastern-plains trip. Drive three hours to Ballyneal in Holyoke right now — the Doak course that convinced Keiser this whole project would work — because once Rodeo Dunes opens, Ballyneal's tee sheet gets harder and the pilgrimage feels redundant. Play Ballyneal as the standalone trip it deserves to be, then come back for Rodeo when it opens.
What to Know
The Coore & Crenshaw course opens to founders in 2026 and the public in 2027, with the Craig course following shortly after — so this is a 2027 trip at the earliest unless you know somebody. High-plains weather means May through October is your window; spring wind on the prairie is its own opponent. Walkability score is what it is because there's nothing else on property yet, and there's no nightlife to speak of — you're here to play golf and go to bed.
Trip at a glance
Walkability
Walkable
Nightlife
Quiet
Weather risk
Plan for it
Passport
Not needed
Direct or easy connections from
Denver · Dallas · Chicago · Los Angeles · New York · Atlanta · Seattle · San Francisco
Driveable from
Opening 2027
Rodeo Dunes — public tee times open 2027.
Rodeo Dunesis one of the most anticipated courses to open in years. Inventory will go fast. Join the list and we'll reach out the moment tee times become available.