Since its opening in 1985, Breckenridge Golf Club has been bestowed with numerous accolades including being recognized by Colorado Golfer Magazine as the Best Mountain Course as well as the Toughest Mountain Course in Colorado. Golf Digest has referred to Breckenridge as a 4 ½ star facility that is one of the best Places to Play and one of the most Upscale Places to Play in the United States. This club features 3 distinct 9-hole courses that can be combined with each other to form a championship 18-hole course. Each course was designed by Jack Nicklaus, and it is the only 27-hole course that Nicklaus has ever designed. The first course named, The Bear Course, was given this name due to common sightings of black bears on this course during the summer. This nine has the most open feel of all of the courses at Breckenridge, but this openness does not make the course any easier, and it is said that holes 7-9 are as challenging as this game gets. This course travels through wetlands and sports great views of the Breckenridge ski resort. The second course named, The Beaver Course, was given this name due to the scattering several beaver ponds that work as hazards to golfers on this course. This course varies from The Bear Course because it is very tight and narrow, and it demands golfers to hit straight drives. This course ends with a picturesque view of Buffalo Mountain of the Gore Range. The last course named, The Elk Course, is home to many elk in the area because of the large lake and the lush grasses. This course varies from the other two courses because it has many more elevation changes, and it requires golfers to play target golf. Even though it is not as narrow as The Beaver Course, The Elk Course forces golfers to hit to certain locations off the tee to even have a chance at a decent approach shot. Lastly, this course offers wide-open views of the very impressive Ten Mile Mountain Range.