Richard M. Phelps

Aurora, CO

Saddle Rock Golf Course is a public, city-owned course in Aurora, Colorado, designed by architect Richard M. Phelps and opened in 1997. The high-plains, links-style layout plays to a par of 72 and measures roughly 7,351 yards from the back markers, combining native grass areas, creek features and meaningful elevation change. It formerly hosted the Colorado Open along with various statewide amateur and professional events. Multiple sets of tees let golfers of different abilities choose an appropriate level of difficulty, and one of the area's larger practice tees supports lesson programs run out of the pro shop. The course is part of the City of Aurora's municipal golf system, alongside Aurora Hills, Meadow Hills, Murphy Creek and Springhill. A restaurant on site serves golfers, and tee times can be booked through the city's golf reservation system.

Littleton, CO

South Suburban Golf Course is a public facility in the Denver metro area operated by South Suburban Park and Recreation District, offering an 18-hole regulation course alongside a separate 9-hole par-3 course, for 27 holes total on the property. The main 18-hole course was designed by architect Richard M. Phelps and opened in 1974, playing to a par of 72 across roughly 6,793 yards with rolling fairways and large, undulating greens set against mountain views to the west. A practice area behind the 18th green includes a putting surface, chipping area and practice bunker next to the driving range. The on-site South Suburban Bar & Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tee times can be booked further in advance by district residents than by nonresidents.

Kemmerer, WY

Fossil Island Golf Course is a nine-hole public course in Kemmerer, Wyoming, sited along the Hams Fork River. The course traces its origins to 1920 and was later shaped by golf course architect Richard M. Phelps. The layout plays to a par of 36 and stretches roughly 3,480 yards, a modest length that still poses challenges given its riverside setting and the natural terrain around the Hams Fork valley. The course is operated by the town of Kemmerer and is open to the public, with a seasonal schedule generally running from spring through fall. A pro shop handles green fees, cart and club rentals, and seasonal passes.

Gypsum, CO

Gypsum Creek Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course designed by Pete Dye. It opened in 1997 as Cotton Ranch Golf Club and was acquired by the Town of Gypsum in 2010, becoming fully public. The course integrates with the steep, sage-covered mesa terrain, featuring steep drop-offs, tough angles, and Gypsum Creek winding through the layout. The 15th hole is a par-5 exceeding 550 yards from the back tees. Views of the Red Table Mountains are present, and the course has the longest golf season in the Eagle Valley.

Mc Cook, NE

Heritage Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole public facility located in McCook, Nebraska. The course was designed by Dick Phelps and Brad Benz and opened for play in 1981. It features a par of 72 and measures over 6,700 yards from the back tees. The layout is cut out of rolling hills and plateaus with an abundance of native vegetation. It offers a links-style feel with various options for all playing levels. A major renovation in 2013 widened fairways and updated bunkers on most holes. The longest hole is a 565-yard par 5 that serves as a significant challenge during the round.

Albuquerque, NM

Ladera Golf Course is a municipal facility on Albuquerque's West Side, owned by the City of Albuquerque and designed by Richard M. Phelps. Opened in 1980, the 18-hole championship course plays 7,107 yards from the back tees at par 72, the longest playing yardage among the city's municipal courses, with views of the Sandia Mountains to the east and the city's volcanoes to the west. Four lakes and a large driving range tee are part of the layout. The property also includes a shorter, par-31 executive nine aimed at beginners, seniors, and juniors, plus an 18-hole disc golf course and a clubhouse bar and grill.

Center, ND

Square Butte Creek Golf Course in Center offers a hilly nine hole layout that was established in 1982. The course is famous for its unique opening hole which requires a downhill tee shot from a high point in front of the clubhouse to a green resting 100 feet below. The green sits adjacent to Square Butte Creek though the water is rarely in play. Originally built with sand greens, the facility has since transitioned to grass putting surfaces. The layout includes significant elevation changes and several blind shots that require careful wind control. The course plays to a par 72 for 18 holes and provides a full service bar and cafe for visitors.