Windsor, Colorado, is now home to a golfing marvel that’s capturing the attention of players worldwide – RainDance National Golf Course. Tipping out at a staggering 8,463 yards, this course proudly holds the title of the longest golf course in North America. But length is just one part of the story. RainDance National offers a unique and demanding golfing experience set against the stunning backdrop of the Colorado prairie.
A panoramic view of RainDance National Golf Course in Windsor, Colorado, showcasing its vast layout.
Designed by lead architect Harrison Minchew, with input from PGA Tour veteran Fred Funk, RainDance National opened in July 2022 and immediately made waves in the golf world. Located an hour north of Denver, this prairie links-style course is carved into rolling terrain alongside the Poudre River, offering breathtaking views and a true test of golfing prowess. Developed by landowner Martin Lind, whose family has farmed this land for generations, the course thoughtfully incorporates historical farming relics, adding character and a sense of place to the landscape.
While the sheer yardage might initially intimidate, RainDance National is more than just a brute test of strength. It’s a strategically designed course that demands thoughtful shot selection and precise execution. Although not reaching the extreme lengths of the world’s longest course, Jade Mountain Snow Dragon in China (8,548 yards at a significantly higher altitude), RainDance National offers its own unique challenges and rewards.
An expansive fairway at RainDance National, highlighting the generous width and strategic bunkering of the course.
Unveiling the Design and Terrain of RainDance National
Harrison Minchew’s design philosophy at RainDance National is evident in every hole. The course is a masterclass in utilizing the natural landscape, incorporating the rolling prairie and ravine features to create a visually stunning and strategically complex layout. The wide-open fairways might suggest forgiveness, but they belie the challenges that await. Precise tee shots are crucial to navigate the optimal angles for approach shots, and the strategically placed bunkers and hazards demand accuracy and careful planning.
Fred Funk’s involvement as a consultant brought a player’s perspective to the design. Despite being known for his shorter hitting distance on the PGA Tour Champions, Funk’s insights ensured that while the course caters to long hitters, it remains playable and enjoyable for golfers of varying skill levels, especially from the appropriately selected tees.
The course’s location at 4,800 feet above sea level offers a natural advantage in distance, with golfers typically experiencing around a 10% increase in ball flight. This altitude boost helps to mitigate some of the extreme yardage, but the course still presents a formidable challenge, particularly from the back tees.
Vintage farm equipment strategically placed throughout RainDance National Golf Course, adding a unique historical element to the golfing experience.
Navigating the Length: Tee Box Strategy is Key
The scorecard at RainDance National can be daunting. Eleven holes stretch over 500 yards from the tips, with five of those being par-5s and a staggering number of lengthy par-4s, including three exceeding 600 yards. However, the key to enjoying RainDance National is to choose the tee boxes that match your game.
While the back tees are designed to challenge even the longest hitters and touring professionals, the course offers multiple tee options to ensure a playable and enjoyable round for golfers of all abilities. As architect Harrison Minchew advises, “From the back tees the course is designed to challenge the best and most powerful players in the world… But the middle and forward tees, where the vast majority of players will tee it up, yield a fair test that is suitable for recreational players. As with any golf course, players need to honestly assess their skill level and play from the appropriate tee boxes.”
Ignoring this advice can lead to a grueling day on the course. Even for experienced golfers, attempting to tackle RainDance National from the tips without the requisite distance can quickly turn into a humbling experience. The course demands length off the tee, with carries of 300 yards or more required just to reach some fairways from the championship tees.
The author, Andrew Penner, on the course at RainDance National, contemplating the challenge ahead.
A Personal Encounter with North America’s Longest Golf Course
Playing RainDance National from the back tees is an adventure, and one that tests every aspect of your game. The author’s experience highlights the sheer challenge presented by the course’s length. Holes like the 713-yard par-5 2nd and the 597-yard par-4 5th exemplify the demands for prodigious distance. Even well-struck drives can leave incredibly long approach shots, and the course punishes any misjudgments or lack of power.
The 270-yard par-3 8th, playing directly into the wind and over a ravine, further emphasizes the course’s uncompromising nature from the tips. The back nine continues the theme, with the 600-yard par-4 10th requiring a drive of over 320 yards just to reach the fairway.
Despite the extreme challenge, there are moments of brilliance and reward to be found at RainDance National. Even amidst the demanding length, well-designed holes and strategic opportunities exist. Playing from appropriate tees allows golfers to appreciate the beauty and design of the course without being overwhelmed by the yardage.
The scorecard of RainDance National Golf Course, showcasing the impressive yardage and layout of each hole.
Beyond the Length: The Beauty and Playability of RainDance National
While the length of RainDance National is its defining characteristic, the course offers much more than just a test of distance. It’s a visually stunning course that captures the essence of prairie golf. The wide-open spaces, rolling terrain, and natural ravines create a dramatic and memorable golfing landscape.
When played from the appropriate tees, RainDance National is a playable and enjoyable course for a wide range of golfers. The generous fairways and strategically placed hazards offer a fair test, and the excellent course conditions and true-rolling greens enhance the overall experience. The course encourages strategic play and rewards well-executed shots, making it a satisfying challenge for golfers who appreciate thoughtful course design.
Another scenic view of RainDance National Golf Course, emphasizing the natural beauty and expansive nature of the prairie landscape.
Exploring More Golf in the Windsor and Denver Region
For golfers looking to extend their trip, the Windsor and Denver region boasts a wealth of excellent golf courses. Nearby TPC Colorado in Berthoud, designed by Art Schaupeter, is another lengthy and challenging course, measuring 7,991 yards from the tips. Host to the Korn Ferry Tour’s Ascendant tournament, TPC Colorado offers stunning mountain views, strategic design, and world-class conditions.
Colorado National Golf Club in Erie is another noteworthy option, a 7,567-yard course that serves as the home for the University of Colorado golf teams. These courses, along with RainDance National, solidify the region as a premier golf destination, offering a variety of experiences for discerning golfers.
The expansive 1st and 15th holes at TPC Colorado, showcasing the course's impressive scale and design.
Rain Dance Golf Course: A Must-Play for the Adventurous Golfer
RainDance National Golf Course is more than just a novelty; it’s a destination. It’s a course that will challenge you, reward you, and leave you with lasting memories. While the extreme length from the back tees is not for the faint of heart, the course’s design, beauty, and overall experience make it a must-play for any golfer seeking a unique and unforgettable round. Just remember to choose the right tees, bring your A-game, and prepare to experience golf on a truly grand scale at RainDance National.
