GOLDEN - Fossil Trace stands out over most other municipal courses.

Technically a Golden municipal golf course, Fossil Trace offers a golf experience usually only found at a private course.

Snuggled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fossil Trace is just minutes from anywhere in town. Yet when on the course golfers often feel like you are playing a course in the middle of the mountains.

“I think as golfers whether you are a 5-year-old golfer or a 55-year-old golfer you want to play a course that is fun and not necessarily 7,600 yards,” said Fossil Trace PGA head professional Jim Hajek.

The course is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this summer and in 10 short years Fossil Trace has become not only a premiere golf course in Colorado but in the entire country.

Designed by renowned golf course architect Jim Engh, the golf course opened in July of 2003, long after after the first dinosaurs walked where holes 11 through 15 now sit.

Triceratops footprints, as well as other prehistoric creatures’ fossils can be viewed adjacent to the golf courses 12th green.

Also, located just inside the main doors of the golf course clubhouse is an exhibit that details the rich history of the property and shares information about the dinosaur tracks and other fossils uncovered on the golf course.

“It’s just a really cool experience every time you have the opportunity to come play here. Anytime you play Fossil Trace you get a little something different,” said Fossil Trace regular Rick Harris.

After a long round there are few places better to sip a drink and enjoy dinner than Three Tomato’s patio overlooking the 18th green.

Affordable fees, convenient practice facilities, a steakhouse with a view and one of the greenest courses in Colorado make for an outstanding golf experience at Fossil Trace.

Considered a “Must Play” by Golf Digest and getting a 4.5 (out of five) ranking, Fossil Trace has accumulated a long list of awards.

Most recently, Westword Magazine named Fossil Trace as “Best Golf Course in Denver” for the second time. Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine said the course features “Best Starting Hole in Colorado” four of the past six years.

And Golf Digest has designated hole No. 12 as one of the “18 Most Fun Holes in America.”