I work in the Golden area so I do get to go out and play nine at Fossil Trace quite a bit. The staff is good but not great. I believe that it is a little pricy for the type of course that it is. The practice range is average, and they have you hit off the turf far to much. The chipping area is average due to the fact that you cannot really practice a bump and run because the size of the green is too small. The putting green is very good, it runs very smooth and is very consistent with the other greens on the course. As you beggin your round you have to start out with a very mickey mouse par five that you cannot hit a driver off the tee. This is consistent with the rest of the course, it is very well taken care of and the scenery is great. If you love to play real golf with a classic feel to the holes you will not like this course very much, but if you just play a few times a year and are looking for a fun track with great views this is for you.

I had the privilege of playing the course a few weeks before it actually opened in 2004, so we practically had the place to ourselves. Three years later, I’m sure this course is bringing in the crowds, but this unique course needs to be experienced. What makes this course interesting? How about a large mining chimney in the middle of the 1st fairway, or any of the large mining equipment including a tractor that is right alongside one of the holes. However, the star attraction is the 12th hole of Fossil Trace which is one of the most unique holes I have ever played. This par 5, which hugs a sandstone wall, is reachable in two for the long hitters, but you can hit it in the middle of the fairway and find yourself negotiating with gigantic sandstone pillars that could affect your shot to the green. No matter what happens, enjoy the hole for what it is, and then check out some fossils behind the rock wall to the left of the green. Whether you play well or not, you should be able to appreciate the experience that Fossil Trace provides, even if you were not obsessed with fossils like I was as a kid. I’m glad that this is a very reasonably priced public course that is available for all to enjoy.

I'll be honest, this course is not for everyone. What some deem as miniature golf-esque others see as exciting. One thing I think pretty much all can agree on is Fossil Trace is different. There are holes that are magnificently designed and then there are others that kind of leave you feeling ripped off.

The Good:

Hole #3 - An elevated tee box sits at an angle to the fairway on this challenging par 4. An accurate drive is necessary to reach the two tiered green with your second.

Hole #9 - The behemoth par 5 requires all your length. Days when the wind in is your face makes it even longer. The green is almost two greens with a front and back. The front slopes severely down to the back landing area.

Hole #12 - The signature hole with giant stone piers jutting out of the fairway and the rock walls surrounding the green. Just a cool par 4 with a history lesson on the side (dinosaur fossils await!).

Hole #15 - Awesome look to this par 5 from the tee. Exposed rock pile near the green keeps you honest on your second shot. A lowered green funnels shots to the center.

Hole #18 - Nice finishing hole that is no gimmie. Water along the right side keeps you from bombing your second for an easy birdie on this par 5.

The Bad:

Hole #1 - The double dog-leg par 4 is not a great opening hole. First, your tee shot is basically a 5 iron to the landing area then your faced with an impossible shot to the green due to over-hanging trees on the right. The chimney sticking out of the fairway is interesting, but is nothing more than a oddity.

Hole #4 - This rediculously short par 3 is a waste and your first encounter with the "odd" holes. I think they say 80 yards, but it seems more like 30. I've been tempted to hit putter off the tee if it weren't for the water.

Hole #11 - Again a poorly designed par 3 in my estimation, although the green itself is a bit of a challenge.

Hole #14 - Par 3 with a silly green. Two tiers with a cliff separating them. OK, not a cliff but it may as well be . The severe slope will make you think of miniature golf.

All-in-all, the course is a change from the norm. I like to play here at least once a year if only for the few spectacular holes designed by Jim Eng. A bit overpriced in my estimation, but the staff was helpful and generally friendly.