The Definitive Guide to Golfing in Laramie, Wyoming

Welcome to the Heart of Wyoming Golf

Laramie, Wyoming, nestled in the foothills of the Snowy Range Mountains, offers a surprisingly rich and rewarding golfing experience. This guide is designed for both seasoned golfers and those new to the area, providing comprehensive information to plan your round, understand the local nuances, and make the most of your time on the links. Consider this your go-to resource – bookmark it, share it, and let's tee off!

Course Rankings & Reviews

This section aggregates course rankings from popular golf websites (GolfAdvisor, Golfscape, etc.) and includes detailed reviews with a local perspective. Rankings are dynamic and can shift, but this provides a current snapshot.

Top 7 Public Courses:

1. Laramie Municipal Golf Course:
2. Signature Hole: Hole #4, a challenging par 3 with a water hazard guarding the front.
3. Notable Features: Classic muni layout, mature trees, well-maintained greens.
4. Unique Aspect: Affordable and friendly atmosphere, a local favorite for all skill levels.
5. Local Insight: Expect a relaxed pace of play and a welcoming vibe.

6. Seasonal Pricing: $30-$40 (depending on time of day).

7. University of Wyoming Golf Course:

8. Signature Hole: Hole #18, a demanding par 4 with a long uphill approach.
9. Notable Features: Challenging layout, undulating fairways, strategic bunkering.
10. Unique Aspect: Open to the public during off-peak hours, offering a championship-level experience.
11. Local Insight: Can be busier during UW events, so check their schedule.

12. Seasonal Pricing: $35-$50 (check UW Athletics website for public tee times).

13. The Laramie Country Club (Public Access):

14. Signature Hole: Hole #12, a picturesque par 5 with a creek meandering through the fairway.
15. Notable Features: Well-groomed fairways, challenging pin positions, excellent greens.
16. Unique Aspect: Offers a more traditional country club feel with a welcoming public access.
17. Local Insight: Known for its friendly staff and consistent course conditions.

18. Seasonal Pricing: $50-$65.

19. Snowy Range Golf Course (Short Trip - ~$45):

20. Signature Hole: Hole #9, a dramatic par 3 with stunning mountain views.
21. Notable Features: Elevated layout, breathtaking scenery, challenging elevation changes.
22. Unique Aspect: Offers a truly scenic golfing experience amidst the Snowy Range.
23. Local Insight: A must-play for visitors seeking a memorable round.

24. Seasonal Pricing: $45-$55.

25. Arrowmont Golf Course (Short Trip - ~$40):

26. Signature Hole: Hole #16, a risk-reward par 4 with a narrow fairway.
27. Notable Features: Tree-lined layout, strategic shot placements, well-maintained greens.
28. Unique Aspect: Provides a good value for a quality round.
29. Local Insight: Often less crowded than Laramie Municipal.

30. Seasonal Pricing: $40-$50.

31. Red Rock Golf Course (Short Trip - ~$45):

32. Signature Hole: Hole #10, a challenging par 5 with a dogleg right.
33. Notable Features: Rolling terrain, strategic bunkers, consistent conditions.
34. Unique Aspect: Offers a good mix of challenging and playable holes.
35. Local Insight: A popular choice for groups looking for a fun round.

36. Seasonal Pricing: $45-$55.

37. Rock Creek Golf Course (Short Trip - ~$40):

38. Signature Hole: Hole #14, a scenic par 3 overlooking Rock Creek.
39. Notable Features: Gently rolling layout, mature trees, friendly atmosphere.
40. Unique Aspect: Offers a relaxed and enjoyable golfing experience.
41. Local Insight: A great option for a casual round.
42. Seasonal Pricing: $40-$50.

Hidden Gems:

• The Range at Laramie: A 9-hole par 3 course perfect for a quick round or practicing short game. Excellent value and a fun, informal setting. ($20-$30)
• The Elk Refuge Golf Course (Near Laramie): A smaller, more intimate course with a focus on conservation. Offers a peaceful and scenic experience. ($35-$45)

Premium Public Options:

• The Laramie Country Club (Membership Required, Limited Public Access): While primarily a private club, they occasionally offer limited public tee times. Expect top-notch conditions and service. (Price varies, inquire directly).

Budget-Friendly Champions (Under $50):

• Laramie Municipal Golf Course: Consistently offers the most affordable rounds in the area.
• The Range at Laramie: Excellent value for a quick 9-hole fix.
• Arrowmont Golf Course: Often has discounted rates, especially during weekday afternoons.

Practical Golfer Information

Difficulty Breakdown:

• Beginner-Friendly: Laramie Municipal Golf Course, The Range at Laramie, Rock Creek Golf Course. These courses have forgiving fairways and manageable distances.
• Championship-Level: University of Wyoming Golf Course, The Laramie Country Club (Public Access), Snowy Range Golf Course. These courses feature more challenging layouts, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens.
• Slope/Rating: Most courses have a course rating between 62-68 and a slope rating between 110-125, indicating a moderate level of difficulty.

Seasonal Strategy:

• Peak Season: June - August. Expect warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. Book tee times well in advance.
• Shoulder Seasons (April-May & September-October): Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and potentially discounted rates.
• Off-Season (November-March): Cold temperatures, snow, and limited course availability. Indoor practice facilities are essential.

Tee Time Tactics:

• Best Booking Platforms: GolfNow (https://www.golfnow.com/), individual course websites, phone calls.
• Advance Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak season.
• Walk-on Possibilities: Laramie Municipal Golf Course sometimes has walk-on availability, especially during weekday afternoons. Check their website or call ahead.

Local Playing Conditions:

• Typical Weather Patterns: Semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Expect sunny days, occasional thunderstorms, and cold winters.
• Wind Considerations: The open terrain can be quite windy, especially on the Snowy Range Golf Course.
• Course Maintenance Schedules: Courses typically undergo aeration in the spring and fall. Check individual course websites for specific schedules.

Insider Knowledge

Pro Shop Insights:

• Best Places for Equipment: Golf Galaxy (Cheyenne - ~45 min drive), local pro shops at the courses offer basic equipment and accessories.
• Lessons & Club Fitting: The Laramie Country Club has a highly-rated teaching facility. Individual instructors are also available at most courses.
• Club Fitting: Contact local instructors for club fitting services.

19th Hole Recommendations:

• Laramie Municipal Golf Course Clubhouse: Offers a casual dining experience with classic pub fare.
• The Laramie Country Club Dining Room: Upscale dining with a refined atmosphere. (Membership required for non-members).
• Snowy Range Golf Course Snack Bar: Limited menu, but a great spot for a quick bite and a drink.

Local Golf Culture:

• Etiquette Expectations: Standard golf etiquette applies – be mindful of pace of play, respect the course, and be courteous to fellow golfers.
• Pace of Play Norms: Aim for a pace of play of approximately 3 hours for a round of 18 holes.
• Community Tournaments: Several local tournaments are held throughout the year. Check the Wyoming Golf Association website for a schedule.

Transportation & Logistics:

• Parking Situations: Ample parking is available at all courses.
• Public Transit Access: Limited public transit options. A car is highly recommended.
• Multi-Course Day Planning: Plan your day carefully, considering travel times between courses.

Seasonal Deep Dive

Spring Golf (April-May):

• Course Reopening Schedules: Most courses reopen in late April or early May, depending on weather conditions.
• Aeration Timing: Aeration typically occurs in the spring to improve course drainage.
• Early Season Conditions: Expect some muddy conditions and slower green speeds early in the season.

Summer Strategy (June-August):

• Heat Management: Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade.
• Prime Tee Times: Early morning tee times are cooler and less crowded.
• Twilight Golf Opportunities: Take advantage of longer daylight hours with twilight golf options.

Fall Excellence (September-October):

• Peak Playing Season: Ideal weather conditions and stunning fall foliage.
• Foliage Golf: Enjoy the beautiful scenery while you play.
• Weather Transitions: Be prepared for cooler temperatures and occasional rain.

Winter Options (November-March):

• Year-Round Facilities: Indoor practice facilities are available at the Laramie Country Club and some pro shops.
• Indoor Alternatives: Consider visiting a local gym or using a putting green simulator.
• Off-Season Practice: Utilize the time to work on your game and prepare for the next season.

Regional Context

Architectural Styles:

• Dominant Course Designers: Many courses were designed by local architects or have been renovated by renowned designers like Robert Trent Jones Jr.
• Local Influences: The courses often incorporate the natural terrain and landscape of the region.

Geographical Advantages:

• Terrain: The rolling hills and valleys of the Snowy Range provide a scenic backdrop for golf.
• Climate: The semi-arid climate creates firm fairways and fast greens.
• Landscape: The open landscapes and mountain views enhance the golfing experience.

Tournament History:

• Notable Events: The University of Wyoming Golf Team hosts several tournaments throughout the year.
• Professional Tournaments: While not a major stop, the area occasionally hosts regional professional tournaments.
• Championship Venues: The University of Wyoming Golf Course is a challenging venue for amateur and collegiate championships.

Golf Community:

• Local Golf Associations: Wyoming Golf Association (https://wyominggolf.com/)
• Leagues: Several amateur golf leagues are active in the Laramie area.
• Networking Opportunities: Attend local tournaments and events to connect with other golfers.

Special Features

Golfer Profiles:

• Beginner: Laramie Municipal, The Range at Laramie
• Intermediate: University of Wyoming, Arrowmont, Rock Creek
• Advanced: Laramie Country Club, Snowy Range

Seasonal Pricing Guide:

• Peak Season (June-August): $50-$75 per round.
• Shoulder Seasons (April-May & September-October): $35-$50 per round.
• Off-Season (November-March): $30-$45 per round.

Weather Contingencies:

• Indoor Alternatives: The Laramie Country Club has a driving range and indoor practice facilities.
• Rainy Day Alternatives: Consider visiting a local museum, art gallery, or brewery.

Local Partnerships:

• Course Packages: Check individual course websites for stay-and-play packages with local hotels.
• Group Discounts: Inquire with courses about group discounts for parties of 12 or more.

Accessibility Notes:

• Laramie Municipal Golf Course: Offers accessible tees and cart paths.
• University of Wyoming Golf Course: Has limited accessibility features.
• The Laramie Country Club: Offers accessible facilities.

Disclaimer: Course details, pricing, and availability are subject to change. Please verify information directly with the course before your visit.

**We hope this guide helps you enjoy the best that golf in Laramie, Wyoming has to offer!